Walk leader: Jonathan

Difficulty: Strenuous

Start time: 08:50

End time: 18:00

Start point: Edale Railway Station outside The Penny Pot Café, S33 7ZA

End point: The Old Nags Head, Grindsbrook Booth, Edale, S33 7ZD

Distance (in miles): 15.6

Ascent (in meters): 1064

Is your walk dog friendly?: No

Full description: 

This hike will be a giant game of snakes and ladders as we explore Kinder Scout including the less frequented northern section and the beautiful Fairbrook Naze. It will be a fast-paced walk (requiring a good level of fitness) and may be muddy or boggy (requiring sturdy walking boots).

Starting at Edale Station we will walk into the village and pick up the Pennine Way passing through Upper Booth. After crossing Packhorse Bridge we steeply ascend Jacob’s Ladder in our first lucky roll of the die. On the Kinder Plateau we visit Edale Rocks, Kinder Low Trig Point, and Kinder Downfall with superb views down onto Kinder Reservoir. We continue a clockwise tour of the Kinder Plateau finding our way to the quiet northern edge where we will visit the impressive rock formations at Fairbrook Naze with views onto the Snake Road. As in the game, we now descend across Black Ashop Moor to the River Ashop (feeder to Ladybower Reservoir). We regain height by climbing the beautiful Fair Brook with imposing rocky edges above and opportunities for scrambling if desired (there are non-scrambling alternatives). After re-joining the edge path we step towards the top of the Blackden Brook. Weather and conditions permitting, we will then traverse the Kinder Plateau (alternatively we will continue to follow the path around the edge) and descend via Ringing Roger to claim our prize of a well-deserved drink and dinner at The Old Nags Head.

This walk will be strenuous due to both the length and significant elevation gain. To reiterate, it will also be fast-paced requiring a good level of fitness. Please note that there will be two tough steep climbs and descents, as well as undulation throughout. Terrain will include paths, fields, gravel and rocky paths, and sections of peat bog. Much of the route will be along edges and hence exposed to potential windy conditions with a noticeably lower temperature than in the valley. Sturdy walking boots are recommended. Please also bring a torch (head torch recommended) in case it begins to go dark before we finish.

Public transport or car sharing options: 

Outbound train departing Sheffield at 08:15 and arriving at Edale Railway Station at 08:47. Return trains depart Edale Railway Station at 18:33, 19:33 or 20:32, with a journey time of 33 minutes.

Public transport is strongly encouraged for this walk due to the limited parking in Edale which fills up quickly on weekends. For those who prefer to drive, please offer car shares in the Meetup comments and allow plenty of time to find a parking space.