About
Ludchurch is a natural rift which was probably caused by a land slip many thousands of years ago it is about two hundred yards in length and varys in width from about twelve to fifty feet. It is located on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border on the far side of the rocky escarpment known as the Roaches.
Ludchurch is rich with many legends, some of which can be found on this site. I have visited Ludchurch many times usually by walking from Gradbach Mill following the footpath which runs next to the river Dane, which then passes over Casters bridge before climbing up through the Back forest where Ludchurch can be found. Many times I have noticed that the bird song seems to disappear the nearer you get to Ludchurch, also I have noticed a lack of animal life near this strange area.
I recommend that you visit this unique site as words cannot really capture the atmosphere of this unusual place
ludchurch 
Lovely website packed with local interest. I have always lived in this area but look forward to reading and learning about places on my doorstep. Thank you for including us and I will include your details in our guest information pack.
About ludchurch is an excellent article. You have my vote regarding About ludchurch and I’ll bookmark this website right now.
Fantastic blog, can’t wait to read more!…Brilliant 🙂
this is an excellent blog, so much information, I stumbled across by accident. I spent the first 30 years of my life cycling, walking and climbing in the area and then moved to the US, this takes me right back even though I still try to visit often, thanks for sharing
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the comments, its nice to know that someone out there appreciates my work.
Regards Gary
I’ve been trying to find out about the iron works at Gradbach. I came across a reference many years ago, and this led me to ferret around on the banks of the Back Dane where I found, within minutes, a lump of iron slag. Yet another example of serendipity in my life! It is now one of my most precious possessions as it is a physical link with SGGK. If there was an iron foundry and toolmakers in 1390, then it makes sense of the “What” sound in the poem as the Green Knight sharpened his axe on a grindstone.
Brilliant site! (from another Leek moorlands freak!)
Hi Edward,
It is my belief that there had at one time been a waterwheel which operated a double bellows forge further up the black brook which runs under the footbridge near to where you found the lump of slag. I think the area would have been heavily polluted from all the charcoal manufacturing needed to operate the forge.
Regards Gary
Hi Gary,
Did I see you are now one of the owners of the stork inn in billings? I am descended from the Haward who is the licensee carved on the lintel.
Be interested to hear more about what you have dug up on the history
Hi Simon, unfortunately I don’t own the stork inn and I don’t have any more info other than what I have written about.
Regards Gary
Hi, now I am planning many walks and trips around the area. Excellent site.
I am looking for some information for the area around Winsford – I wonder if you have any histories or stories about the place?
Hi Gelli,
I’m not aware of any interesting places in the Winsford area to visit. You may need to travel to alderley edge or somewhere similar to find somewhere to walk which has legends connected to the place.
Regards Gary
If you’re ever near Windsor do visit the Royal Stag at Datchet. My Dad ran it after he left Macc. NOW THAT’S a haunted place. Seen a lot of stuff there myself. If you google it you’ll read about the ghostly hand print on the window all my family have witnessed that. My poor ex boyfriend was staying in my step brothers room and the end of the bed started rising! He didn’t sleep in that room again n stayed on the sofa all week. I heard from a guy who drinks in there now he said he was in there with mates recently and above the bar 5 tankard glasses started swaying and then all turned round the other way. They didn’t stay in there and went off to another pub!
Hi, I really love your blog, I live in leek and am fascinated by the mythology. I was just wandering if you know anything about the Anglican school chapel in Thorncliffe? It has a lovely energy to it and it seems like there is a spring at the back of it. Any info would be really interesting, and thank you again. Meg
Hi Meg, thanks for the comments, I will call in at the chapel next time I pass. Its good to see the Red Lion in Thorncliffe has now reopened.
Regards Gary
Hi, I’ve just stumbled upon your blog – fascinating!
I wanted to read about Lady Warburtons Walk, how can I gain access to this? I grew up in Congleton and remember ghost stories about Lady Warburtons.
Kind regards,
Juie
Hi Julie, Glad you like my blog. You can find Lady warburton’s walk at the top of Rood Hill where it joins Clayton-by-pass. At one side of the traffic lights you can see a green public footpath sign which will lead you down a narrow pathway and Lady Warbuton’s walk.
Regards Gary
Hello, I really enjoy reading your blog. In fact I am supposed to be working but I keep reading ‘just one more’! Would it be possible to read the password protected articles?
Many Thanks
Stumbled across your website while looking at a cycle route that passed near Creulow Cross, an absolute gold mine of interesting things to see close to Macclesfield…… have added you to my favourites…