Lud's Church in the Peak District
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Lud Credit: Maurice Joy

Lud's Church in the Peak District

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Find shelter in Robin Hood's hideaway

S

tepping into this deep, moss-lined chasm that cuts through Black Forest, in the Peak District, non-believers can breathe a sigh of relief: there’s not a pew in sight.

Despite its name, Lud’s Church wasn’t just a 15th-century place of worship, but also a hiding place for outlaws and heretics. Even Robin Hood and Friar Tuck were said to have descended into the 50-foot ravine to hide from the authorities.

These days you’re more likely to see the lesser-spotted rambler searching for the hidden entrance to this Medieval chapel, which was supposedly the inspiration for the classic poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. If you find it, take a closer look at the rocks above, where two familiar faces can be seen staring at each other from either side.

Even on the hottest summer days it’s refreshingly cool and misty here; and prepare to be enveloped in complete silence – save for the odd drip-drop from the rocks onto the ferns below. Just take your time, sit back and listen.