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If you've ever fancied experiencing the breathtaking scenery reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings films, then an "easy" ramble located in the Peak District might be exactly what you're after. Immersing yourself in the natural world during a tranquil stroll can work wonders for your wellbeing, both physically and mentally, and there are few places better when it comes to seeing the great outdoors than the Peak District National Park.

One destination that's been recognised as among the "UK's prettiest places" for walking is Lud's Church in Staffordshire, positioned slightly over an hour's drive from cities including Manchester and Stafford.

The locale has been praised for appearing as though it's "straight out of Lord of the Rings" due to its moss-draped rocks, gnarled tree limbs, and generally spectacular panoramas.

Furthermore, the route caters perfectly to novices whilst also being suitable for family outings, meaning whether you're just beginning your hiking journey or seeking to get the children active outdoors, Lud's Church represents an excellent destination.

The spot gained attention on TikTok courtesy of Lewis Barth, who characterised the ramble as "short and sweet" whilst highlighting its "beautiful scenery", rendering it ideal for those curious about hiking but uncertain where to begin.

Showcasing video from his own expedition to the location, he explained: "This might look like something out of Lord of the Rings, but it's actually a hike less than an hour from Manchester. This is Lud's Church, and it's one of my favourite hikes in the UK. It's very beginner-friendly, and it's very easy to do."

Lewis suggested the trail can be completed in roughly an hour and a half, noting that whilst the distance isn't particularly extensive, there's an abundance of sights to appreciate en route. When conditions are favourable, he added, it serves as an ideal spot for a picnic, though visitors must ensure they collect all litter to preserve the area's natural beauty.

Numerous Peak District rambles incorporate Lud's Church into their itinerary, though many extend considerably beyond the compact route Lewis described. The Peak District Kids website identifies a circular path measuring just 5.3km (3.3 miles), which appears most closely aligned with the brief trek Lewis highlighted in his footage.

Gradbach Car Park remains the preferred starting point for those venturing to Lud's Church, however, the Peak District Kids website warns this facility becomes exceptionally congested during busy periods, recommending motorists consider a layby situated between The Roaches and Lud's Church as an alternative to circumvent the scramble for parking spaces.

According to guidance, the walk typically takes approximately two hours for adults, though families should budget over three hours, as there are "many adventures to be had" and youngsters may wish to explore. It's worth noting that Lud's Church is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

For those seeking a greater challenge, or more seasoned hikers who find 5km insufficient, the Lud's Church walk can be combined with another trail called The Roaches to create a complete 11.4km (7 miles) circular route.

Beyond its visual appeal, Lud's Church holds considerable historical and mythological significance. The Peak District website reveals the location is rich in legend, with one tale suggesting that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck sheltered in the chasm whilst evading the authorities.

The website explains: "There are also some myths that come with the area. One of our favourites is that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are reputed to have stayed in the cleft whilst hiding from the authorities. Going further back into the depths of Lud Church's history is a myth that the chasm was created by the devil's fingernail as he scraped back parts of the Earth."

The location has garnered impressive feedback on TripAdvisor, achieving a 4.6 out of 5 rating from nearly 100 reviews. Numerous visitors describe the site as "well worth a visit", whilst others draw comparisons to The Lord of the Rings and fantasy productions such as Avatar.

One visitor enthused: "Lovely walk, went early as it started to get busy about midday. Reminded me of something out of Avatar. Walked up and beyond Luds, and there were some amazing views, definitely recommend."

Another chimed in: "Such a lovely spot to visit. It really does feel like you're in an Indiana Jones film or something! It gets quite busy, but it's still worth a visit."

A third shared: "A historic and really moody time in the hills. Apparently, the oldest poem ever written was based here, and they filmed BBC's Merlin in the same crevice."