This weekend we decided to return to the Peak District, specifically Kinder Scout. Coincidentally this turned out to be the exact weekend that we came to the Peaks last year. Last years visit turned out to be a real adventure / disaster (depends on your outlook) with a few wrong turns, no map, gale force winds , below freezing temperatures and fading light. However this year we came prepared!
We followed a route courtesy of Trekking Britain who is a great resource to use when planning a new route as he gives estimates of duration, distance and difficulty level. He includes photos, maps and gpx files which are super useful to download to an app on your phone to use as another route finding guide.
Starting at Bowden Bridge, Hayfield we followed the river walking up to the Kinder Reservoir.
Walking round the shore to the bottom of William Clough.
If like me you like to get your head down and get your legs working this is the place to do it. This is also the place that many walkers expressed their right to ramble back in the day (1932). Groups of walkers from the local area set off on a historic Mass Trespass that would eventually open up land for walkers and adventurers like us #powertothepeople. Just don’t get carried away and leave your fellow adventurer behind.
One thing to note is that Kinder Scout is being eroded all the time so follow the signs and stick to the paths where you can.
Following the path around the plateau will eventually lead you up to Kinder Low, the highest point in the Peak District.
The path will then bring you down the other side of Kinder Low. Be sure to have a map with you at this point as if there is snow on the ground it’s difficult to see the path. We did get caught out here last year and this area was the scene of the infamous scotched egg incident and the ‘I’m going to die’ outburst so keep fellow adventurers on board with proper route planning.
We made our way round the old Iron Age burial mound eventually reaching the tremendous Hayfield sign which lets you know you’re on the right track.
Then it’s across the moor through a few fields and to The Sportsman pub for a pint of Guinness, lovely.
