THE ROACHES

HERE IS SOMETHING endlessly fascinating about The Roaches. This was one of the very first places, 60 years ago, that I tied on to a rope and climbed rock. I hold that memory very dear. But there’s so much more than simply rock-climbing about this majestic ridge. Since this is primarily a series on hills, let’s think of The Roaches as one. At 505m (1657ft), its high point is only a metre lower than Shutlingsloe four miles to the north, and we’ve already included that in this series. What does it matter that it’s only minutes from a: “At Roach End, a lane crosses the ridge, which at once begins to rise. Ten minutes brings you out on the level again, but on another plane. The mild rocks which have flanked the path so far have dipped beneath you. Instead you are among huge tors of fantastically sculptured rocks, of the ‘Salt-cellar’ shape, deep black, rather smooth in texture for grit. It is a handy place to be caught in a shower of rain, for the wind has whittled out many cavities with projecting eaves, which afford shelter and some comfort.”