The Great Cloud Walker Challenge
Hike, Abseil and Paddle In the Land of the Green Knight
A Challenging Adventure Through the Peak District
By paddle, by foot and by rope, conquer the Legend of the Green Knight
The Roaches, located in the south Peak District, a stone’s throw from Leek is an enigmatic, beguiling wonder, sculpted by the elements over thousands of years. It is equally dramatic in landscape and medieval legend. From water dwellings and jagged high ridge outcrops to ancient forest and holy Arthurian chasms, this is a place that warrants exploration.
The Green Knight challenged anyone who dared, to strike him with his own axe, on the condition that the challenger finds him in the Green Chapel to receive a blow in return. Sir Gawain (King Arthur’s nephew) rose up. The Green Knight’s head fell to the floor, and to everyone’s amazement, he picked it up and left the room.
Exactly one year and a day later Sir Gawain branded his axe, honouring his duty. The Green Knight struck with all his might, and left nothing but a scratch on the fair knight’s neck. Sir Gawain survived, as has the tale of the Green Knight and Chapel.
You’ll wander in the footsteps of Sir Gawain, come face to face with mermaids of the Doxey Pool, walk on clouds and become a legend in your own right.
Doing this Challenge for Charity?
The Great Cloud Walker Challenge is ideal for charity events. It’s a tailor-made challenge, so people are often more likely to donate for your cause. As with all of our charity challenges, the event will be privately run by us, so your charitable cause takes centre-stage. For more details, including fundraising tips, visit our charity challenges page.
Itinerary and Activities
Rally Across Tittesworth – 2km Canoe or Raft
Your day starts at the stunning Tittesworth Reservoir. Like King Arthur and his noble Knights of the Round Table, you’ll have to work together for your first challenge; a thrilling race across the reservoir. Teamwork and a hefty paddle is your best chance to making it across in good time and great form.
You can choose to either paddle canoes or for a more challenging event you can build rafts and race these across. If you choose to raft build instead of canoe, the length of the walk needs to be reduced by 5km and you will need to let us know that you’d prefer this option when booking.
From the shallows of Tittesworth Reservoir, we’ll carry on by foot across the vast, rolling hills of the Peak District, where the Hen Clouds dominate the skyline. This is no easy endeavour, the only way forward is to head up.
Gain a great ridge line and walk amongst the jagged gritstone outcrops, sculpted with curious formations like the Bawdstone boulder, mythically known to have healing powers. Touch it for luck, or for the intrepid, scoot underneath to get the ‘devil off your back’. You may need it! Your next challenge is just ahead on the razor edge cliff tops and sheer drops of the Roaches.
We’ll attempt to dodge the infamous Doxey Pools. Legend has it, if you stare into the icy shimmer of the pools for even just a moment, you’ll be pulled into it by fierce mermaids. The only way out is via an abseil of epic proportions.
You’ll rappel down a sheer cliff face, using only a rope to guide the way. This is a challenge fit for a knight of Arthurian calibre. Will you sidestep the mermaids’ wrath?
The sacred land of the Roaches, leads into the Back Forest; home to ancient English woodland, a babbling brook and a harrowing tale of bravery.
Once you step into the woods, the wind dwindles, all becomes quiet and the only sound to be heard is the flow of Black Brook. It is enchanting. Hidden is a primordial chasm, a ravine, 50ft high, 200ft long carved into hillside. Moss and lichen cover the walls, a dim echo runs throughout, it is utterly magnificent in its natural grandeur. It is, The Green Chapel.
Dates and Prices
We can run this challenge at any time you like and it can be tailored to your needs.
£100 deposit reserves private events. Balance and participant numbers due 30-days before the event.
| Number of People | Price per Person Canoeing |
Price per Person Raft Building |
Lunch | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 people (private guided) |
£135 | £149 | £15 | BOOK NOW |
| 16-30 people (private guided) |
£99 | £129 | £15 | BOOK NOW |
| 31+ people (private guided) |
£89 | £119 | £15 | BOOK NOW |
At a Glance
- No experience or swimming ability needed
- No age, weight or height limit
- All adults and children from age 14+
- For groups of 10+ people to any size
- 7-days a week, all year round
- Book early to avoid disappointment
- Privately run sessions tailored to your group
For Your Information
- Qualified Instructors for all activities
- All the equipment needed for the activities
- Exceptionally high standards
- Full support, guidance and expertise from planning stages through to the end of your event
- Option to include lunch
Why Book With Us?
- Industry leading instructor to client ratios
- No pressure to do something you won’t like
- Plenty of parking
- 1000+ 5-STAR REVIEWS
- Our equipment is new, clean and the best available
- INSURANCE, AALA LICENCE AND SAFETY POLICY
- We’re a lot of fun!
Groups We Cater For
- Individuals, families and groups of friends
- School and Youth Groups
- Stag and Hen Parties
- Team Building
- Charities
- Film and TV
- Military and cadet training
Where to Meet
The challenge starts near The Roaches, close to Leek, Buxton, Manchester, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent and Chapel-en-le-Frith.