Wednesday was our designated day off and I had planned a walk from our peak district cottages but Chris pointed out we haven’t been over to the Roaches for a while so I settled on a walk that included Luds Church as we have not yet seen it.  We drove over to Gradbach just the other side of the Buxton – Leek road where we parked in the small public car park.  From here we walked down past the old mill, now a youth hostel, and down to the Rive Dane.  From here we started a steady ascent through Back Forest to reach the path that led to Luds Church.  Although steeped in myth it is natural deep cleft formed following a rock fall and was used as a church in the early 15th century. We retraced our steps a short way then carried on along the path that was signed to Swythamley.  On leaving the woods we had some nice views over the countryside and we found a spot for lunch where we could make out Shutlingsloe in the distance, also known as the Cheshire Matterhorn.  From here we carried on the long descent to Danebridge passing Swythamley and the hanging stone before we dropped down into a gladed area.  We were just checking the map when we heard some rustling in the undergrowth and were surprised when a small group of deer bolted up the hillside. We didn’t even have time to get the cameras out!  Very shortly we were at Danebridge where there was an impressive bridge over the River Dane.  We didn’t need to go into the village and were able to pick up the Dane Valley Way which goes all the way to Buxton but for us would take us back to Gradbach.  I thought this part of the walk would be a gentle stroll along the river but it was quite undulating (up and down in other words) and at times moved away from the river.  We came across a bluebell wood that was already in bloom, much earlier than usual.  Eventually we found ourselves back at the car.  We decided we would head for the tea room at Upper Hulme not far away as there are nice views towards Leek and Titesworth Reservoir.  Luckily we were able to get an outside table so the dogs could sit with us.  It was quite hazy though and as we left we drove a little further along the lane so we could take some shots of the Roaches.  Back home and was just about to feed the dogs when I saw a Virgin hot air balloon heading this way.  Now we get to see lots of balloons in the distance but it is not often we have one pass over, let alone three.  The Virgin one went straight over and a lot of the guests came out to wave, the second balloon passed to the front but it was too high for any pictures and a third passed just to the back of us a lot lower down.  I should have gone to the back of the cottages to get some better pictures but never mind.  The dogs wore themselves out running back and forth and woofing at the balloons!