Roaches Grit is a coarse gritstone which outcrops widely throughout the western part of the Peak District of northern England and gives rise to several significant landscape features in the area. Its counterpart in the eastern part of the National Park is the Ashover Grit.
The combined Roaches Grit and Ashover Grit are amongst the most widespread sandstone geological unit within the Millstone Grit of the Peak District. Along with other similar sandstones, such as the immediately overlying Chatsworth Grit, it is assigned to the Marsdenian sub-stage of the Namurian stage within the Carboniferous period.
The two units which, prior to the doming and erosion of the central Peak District were once one, are interpreted as delta-top sandstones. The deposited material was brought down from a northerly source by braided rivers.
Equally the Ashover Grit contributes to the landscape in the form of Stanton Moor and Harthill Moor. The former is home to gritstone quarries whilst the latter boasts Robin Hood’s Stride and Cratcliffe Tor. Much of the country around Edensor and Baslow (though not Baslow Edge) and around Ashover, from whence it derives its name, is underlain and shaped by this rock.
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