So Wednesday dawned bright and sunny so dogs in the car, rucksacks packed and this time we headed to the Roaches just over the border in Staffordshire and about 20 minutes from our peak district cottages.  I’ve heard that they are also good for heather but wasn’t sure if we would be too late.  After years of missing the best of the heather, with two good heather walks under our belts already this year would we be lucky enough for a third?  We were able to park in one of the parking bays at the foot of the Roaches as we were there early enough.  We set off and started the climb up to the ridge and with a clear day had some wonderful views towards Titesworth reservoir with Leek in the background on the Staffordshire side and Jodrell Bank and Shuttlingsloe on the Cheshire side.  We were lucky again and the heather was still in good condition but my photos of Hen Cloud havent come out well because of the angle of the sun but I will say it was a blaze of purple.  We passed Doxeys Pool, a small lake on the top that has many ‘dark’ stories associated with it.  The first half of the walk was on the Roaches before dropping down onto the surrounding farmland so I assumed the second half would be the easier bit.  At first it was and we found a nice spot with the Roaches behind us and Titesworth ahead of us for lunch.  After lunch the final part was more of a slog across what could be quite boggy ground in the winter but was very hard ground now and I know I am not the nimblest over stiles but some of the ones we encountered I found really hard to negotiate.  Nevertheless I made it and as we got back to the car I noticed the clouds were starting to gather.  Still there was time for tea and cake at the Roaches tea room.  On the way home we drove via Hartington as the most direct route was closed for roadworks so we popped into the cheese shop to pick up some supper!  Pictures to follow.