Scout - Kinder Downfall Walk Edale - Peak District South Pennines

<<

>>

Scout Kinder downfall walk is on the first section of the Pennine Way.

It is in one of the most popular walking areas in Britain.

It was here that the walking movement in Britain began and the famous mass trespass took place.

The concept of a long distance footpath from Edale Peak District village to the Scottish Borders was first talked about in 1935.

After 30 years the route, which goes from Edale to Kirk Yetholm was officially opened in April 1965.

The two hundred and seventy mile path takes between two and three weeks to complete depending on your speed.

The first section includes the downfall and various circular walks are possible to include it. After the Downfall the Pennine Way goes northwest to Bleaklow.

The Pennine Way starts at The Nags Head pub in Edale. Limited parking is available but there is a big pay and display car park as you enter Edale village. There are alternative starts to the route so just pick the one you fancy and go. They all are good. Apart from the original route, which can still be followed with difficulty.

For this you walk up Grindsbrook and follow the stream up to the top of the edge and the go straight over the top of Kinder plateau, to Crowden Head. This at sixhundred and thirty one metres is the highest point on the plateau and in the Peak District as a whole. Then you need to drop down to follow the River to the Downfall. Sounds great but in reality you are walking in peat bogs and can see nothing but peat banks.

I think the best alternative route is to climb up Jacob's Ladder, then up to Kinder Low and along the western edge of the plateau to reach the Downfall. If however you want a good circular walk then instead of turning up to the low just go straight on to Hayfield and then up William Clough to join the Pennine way. Turn right and walk back to the downfall and continue back on the edge to the Low and then simply drop down to Jacobs Ladder or turn right, through the natural sculpture park, to come of the edge at Grindsbrook where you can descend into Edale.

At the western side of Kinder Scout the river flows over the edge of the plateau in a spectacular waterfall, after the rain. But mostly there is a steady trickle of water, although the rock formations are spectacular.

Kinder walking can get very busy especially along the Edale edge side. The eastern and northern parts of the plateau are less accessible and are generally less busy.

The Plateau is unmistakable and rises around six hundred meters above sea level from the surrounding country side and is accessible from all sides. On the northern edge there is a long series of rocks and crags and you will also find Ashop and Fairbrook streams. To the east the plateau gradually lowers to a path that connects the plateau to Win Hill via Hope Cross.

Going around the edges of the whole plateau will give you a good day walk. The northern edge can be very up and down but on a good day there are some terrific views.

Thanks to the Victorians, Edale or Aidale as it is called in the Domesday Book, is easily accessible by train both from Manchester and Sheffield.

In between the two world wars there was a move for people to leave the grimy cities and have a day in the country and Edale figured prominently.

Each weekend the train would disgorge ramblers at Edale station for a day in the country. Now it’s the car that brings people but it is still as popular for those who want to walk, climb, cycle or just sit and admire the wonderful views.

Visit Kinder Downfall Walk at Edale in the Peak District you’ll be glad you did.

<<

>>

Go from Kinder Downfall Walk Edale - Peak District to travel and short breaks home page.