Kinder Scout and Grindsbrook Clough
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10.1 miles
Conquer Kinder Scout: A Challenging Hike from Barber Booth with Far-Reaching Views
Embark on a stunning and demanding walk to Kinder Scout in the Peak District National Park, renowned for its far-reaching panoramic views and miles of empty moorland wilderness. This challenging hike is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared, requiring good navigation skills, sturdy waterproof footwear, and ample common sense.
Your adventure begins at the Barber Booth car park, from where you'll undertake a steep and rapid ascent onto the Kinder Plateau via the iconic Jacob's Ladder. This well-known route provides a dramatic entry to the moorland. Once atop the plateau, follow the craggy, boulder-strewn paths that wind their way towards the impressive Kinder Downfall.
Upon reaching the Kinder Downfall waterfall, you'll face a crucial decision regarding your onward route. After periods of dry weather, an option is to venture straight across Kinder Moor. While offering a unique experience of this desolate peat bog, be aware that this path lacks clear navigational aids and a defined route, demanding confident map reading and compass skills.
For those less comfortable with navigating across open moorland, a safer alternative is to retrace your steps towards Jacob's Ladder. From there, follow the Kinder Plateau eastwards until you reach the descent point at Grindsbrook Clough. The path down Grindsbrook Clough can be easily missed, so meticulous map checking is essential. This descent is a steep scramble down a mountain stream bed and is not recommended for less agile individuals or those with dogs.
From the bottom of Grindsbrook Clough, the return to Barber Booth is a relatively straightforward walk along the initial section of the Pennine Way, a well-maintained and signposted national trail.
Remember that despite favourable starting conditions, the weather on the Kinder Scout plateau can change rapidly. Be prepared for strong winds, sudden heavy showers, and even hail, as experienced even in mid-May. Only attempt this walk with high-quality, waterproof outdoor clothing and proper Ordnance Survey mapping (OL1 Peak District - Dark Peak Area) and a compass. This incredible but challenging hike offers a true taste of the Peak District's wild beauty for well-equipped and experienced walkers.
Further Information
Kinder Scout is a plateau in the Peak District, located in the county of Derbyshire. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Some of its notable features include:
Highest Point: Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, standing at 2,087 feet (636 meters) above sea level.
Natural Beauty: The plateau is known for its wild and rugged beauty, with heather-covered moors, rolling hills, and deep valleys.
Right to Roam: Kinder Scout was the site of a famous mass trespass in 1932, which was a key moment in the campaign for the right to roam in England and Wales.
Hiking and Walking: With miles of footpaths and trails, Kinder Scout is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, offering challenging and scenic walks.
Wildlife: The plateau is home to a variety of wildlife, including red grouse, curlews, and lapwings.
The mass trespass of Kinder Scout was a political demonstration that took place in 1932 in the Peak District. It was a key moment in the campaign for the right to roam in England and Wales, and it is considered a seminal moment in the history of the British environmental and access rights movement.
The demonstration involved a group of several hundred hikers and ramblers who peacefully walked onto Kinder Scout, a privately owned plateau in the Peak District, in defiance of the ban on public access to the area. The trespass was organised by the Communist-led Sheffield Workers' Outing Club, and it was one of the largest and most successful direct action events in the history of the access rights movement.
The mass trespass helped to raise public awareness about the need for greater access to England's countryside, and it led to the creation of the National Parks system and the right to roam legislation in England and Wales. Today, Kinder Scout is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, and it is widely regarded as a symbol of the freedom to enjoy and explore the natural beauty of the British countryside.
What will I see on this walk?
