Deep in Back Woods near Gradbach is a place that has inspired legend. People have sought shelter here to worship secretly away from the gaze of the church.The name of this beautiful chasm hidden away is Lud’s church and it is stunning. But there is so much more to talk about in the area so I thought I would add it to this page.

The Roaches are absolutely stunning and full of wildlife, climbers and interesting things to see. Summer weekend are very busy as they use its rock to train on which is always fun to watch. Find a path up onto the roaches and then simply follow the path heading away from Hen Cloud towards Back Forests. The roaches have many tales attached to them for you to look at such as the Doxey pool and its resident Jenny Green teeth. Once upon a time you could see Wallabies here but sadly no longer.

The Doxey pool.

Luds church.

Easy to miss, Lud’s Church begins with a steep descent of rock steps which send you into the chasm that forms the church. Here you transported from reality into a fantasy setting that could be from Tolkien’s world. It is said that Lud’s church was the Green Knight’s chapel in the tale of Sir Gawain, knight of the Round Table. You can almost imagine Sir Gawain kneeling in anticipation of the blow from the towering green knight holding his courage. (A good tale if you haven’t read it)

Surreal, scenery was incredible.

Thomas, A

Myth and Legend.

This chasm has inspired many stories all of which as fascinating. You can really feel that air of mystery especially if you are alone which is a rare yet satisfying event. I find it best with a light mist. As mentioned, it is said to be the Chapel of the Green Knight. There is also the tale of the Lollards, these were a group of Christians following the teachings of John Wycliffe. They found themselves on the wrong side of the pope and were thus hunted down. Places like this deep in private land offered some safety. However betrayal and discovery was always a fear of those within as a place of hiding can also be a trap.

Religious hideout.

The Lollards are said to have used this as a place of worship away from the eyes of the catholic church which did not approve of their ways. In 1401 Henry IV passed the De Haererico Comburendo which would allow a harsh response to the Lollards. One of the theories as to where the name came from originates from this as a preacher by the name of Walter de Lud-Auk would preach to his flock. However, it was not a happy ending. Soldiers eventually found the location ambushing a meeting. There was as I understand a fight and Walter was captured and imprisoned for the rest of his days. The Sheffield independent ran a story on the chasm in their newspaper on September 30th of 1938. There is a photo that shows the ships head that was used for some time to commemorate Alice de Lud-Auk who was sadly killed during the ambush.

As you can imagine, Luds church is a place that can inspire the mind and whilst I was looking at some of the accounts of the place I noticed tales of Robin Hood and Bonnie Prince Charlie amongst others that have been said to have visited or sought refuge within the walls. There is also reference to a very large cave within but on my travels I have not yet found the entrance which collapsed in a long time ago although there are a few possibilities but I’m not carrying a shovel up there.

Exit stage right.

Thank you for getting this far, I am hoping to post the latest trip around the stunning Harlech castle soon. if ever you get chance to go see Luds church I do recommend you go in via the Roaches. There is a lot to see and some of it hidden so keep your eyes peeked.