By Coriarna Morris
The Roaches - Summit Seven of Seven in the Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits Series
Our final hike in the Seven Summits Series took us to the breathtaking Roaches Summit a truly epic way to wrap up this challenging and rewarding adventure! The morning started off a bit chilly as we gathered at the base, parking at the Roaches Tea Café—a perfect spot to kick off the day.
Pro tip: Stick to the café’s designated parking. Some of the group parked along the road, which ended up costing them with parking tickets on the way back. A small lesson learned to avoid any unwelcome surprises!
Birthday Celebrations & Big Turnout
This hike was made extra special by a very important birthday Teal, Katie’s daughter, was turning one! Katie brought a delicious picnic spread, and everyone was eager to dig in and celebrate. Despite the cold weather, spirits were high with our largest group yet—lots of friends, even more dogs, and plenty of enthusiasm for the adventure ahead.
The Ascent Begins
We set off from the tea rooms, taking the side path up to the Roaches. The climb started deceptively easy, but as we pushed onward, the path grew steeper and steeper. The wind picked up and the temperature dropped, catching some of us—and our little ones—a bit off guard.
If you’ve ever carried a baby in a backpack, you’ll know the wind can be brutal, whipping around and making them feel much colder than you’d expect. Some of the parents wisely stopped to take babies out, change them, and give them a quick feed to keep everyone comfortable.
Turning Back with Safety First
As we climbed higher, the conditions became tougher. The relentless wind and cold started to take their toll, especially on the little ones. Though we could see the summit just ahead, the weather simply wasn’t playing fair.
With safety and comfort front of mind, we made the tough but sensible decision to turn back. It wasn’t the finish we’d hoped for, but the right call when hiking with children—and there’s always next time.
Not Goodbye, Just See You Soon
Though we didn’t quite make it to the top of the Roaches this time, we know the summit will be waiting for us. This isn’t the end of the Roaches—it’s a definite “we’ll be back” moment. The day was unforgettable nonetheless, filled with fantastic company, birthday joy, and the shared excitement of future adventures.
Looking Ahead
So for now, the Roaches stays on our list, ready to be conquered when the conditions are right. Until then, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, grateful for the incredible group that’s shared this journey, and eager to keep the adventures rolling.
Here’s to finishing strong next time—and claiming that final summit in true Seven Summits style!