Category: Walks and hikes in The Peak District

Grindsbrook Clough from Edale circular hike

November 27th, 2025
This 10km moderate route in the Peak District begins in the village of Edale, the official start of the Pennine Way. Climb the rocky path of Grindsbrook Clough onto Edale Moor before descending down Crowden Clough. This is a great route with a rocky ascent, interesting rock formations and an optional waterfall scramble. Get the full guide below as well as downloadable walking routes from Ordnance Survey and Komoot.

😮Difficulty: moderate – a rocky ascent with optional grade 1 waterfall scramble. Navigation tricky on the moorland in poor visibility.

⛰️Terrain: a mix of rocky and established moorland paths, steep descent and slippy in wet weather

↔️Distance: 10.2km/6.3miles

⌛Time taken: 4-5 hours

📈Ascent: 481m

🗺️Click here for the OS downloadable route.

🗺️Map needed is OS Explorer Map OL01

🗺️Click here for the Komoot downloadable route
Car parking for Grindsbrook Clough from Edale

There are two car parks in Edale; the main village car park and an additional one at the train station. Edale is a very popular place for walking so during peak times it’s best to arrive as early as possible.

Edale Car Park cost

The main car park in Edale has space for 138 cars and is a coin only machine. You can also pay via the PayByPhone app. The location number for the app is 806749. I recommend paying before you arrive as internet signal on some phone networks is weak here.

Parking here costs £6 for over 4 hours (correct 2025).

Edale Train Station parking cost

There are limited spaces here for 20 cars and is pay and display. It costs £6.80 for over 4 hours and payment is by card or cash (correct 2025).

Grindsbrook Clough circular walk route

From Edale, head under the railway bridge and follow Mary’s Lane, passing the campsite, a cafe and The Old Nag’s Head pub until you reach a small bridge crossing Grinds Brook. Once across, follow the clear footpath along the treeline and through the gate at the end to reach the valley ahead. This gentle start gives you a chance to warm up your legs and enjoy the peaceful Edale valley before the more challenging section of Grindsbrook Clough begins.

As you gain height, with Grinds Brook below you to your left, the path becomes rockier and the scenery more dramatic. The path follows the course of Grinds Brook, gradually narrowing as the valley walls rise around you. Expect a mix of rocky steps, uneven ground and if it has been raining, you might need to navigate an easy crossing of the brook. This crossing can become trickier if there has been a large amount of rain recently.

Grindsbrook Clough is one of Edale’s most popular routes onto the Kinder plateau, offering a real sense of adventure. From the base, it can look intimidating and like there isn’t a path however there is a clear path to follow with some light scrambling. The final section of the ascent involves a short but fun scramble over gritstone rocks; you shouldn’t really need to use your hands but if this makes you feel more confident and secure then definitely use them! The path is rocky with lots of steps and good footwear is essential, especially after rain, as the rocks can be slippery.

Edale Moor

Once on Edale Moor, the landscape opens up into an expanse of heather and peat. Take a left-ish path from the top (consult your chosen map/route here to ensure you are going the right way across the moorland) and follow the clear path that runs across the moor. You’ll pass fascinating gritstone rock formations carved by centuries of wind and rain. These strange outcrops are perfect for a quick photo stop or a well-earned snack break.

On a clear day, you’ll have panoramic views across the Dark Peak and down towards the Hope Valley and even across to Mam Tor and The Great Ridge.

Descending Crowden Clough

After a short walk along the edge of Edale Moor, you’ll reach a section of flat stones to cross that marks Crowden Clough. It’s likely that there will be water in it and after heavy rain then it can be a trickier crossing. You’ll want to check your route again for this bit to make sure you’re at the top of Crowden Clough as from here you have a couple of options:

Option A – there is a Grade 1 scramble directly over and down the waterfall. It is much harder scrambling down it than it is scrambling up so only do this if you know the route already or are confident with your scrambling ability. You can find out more about Crowden Clough and the scramble here.

Option B – take the bypass path to the right of Crowden Clough that avoids the scramble completely.

After crossing over the rocky slabs, there are two paths; a higher path and a lower path. Both are fine to take but if you choose the higher one then look out for a steep path cutting off downhill to your left. This is the bypass path that traces the side of Crowden Clough and provides a much safer alternative. This path is quite steep and can also get slippery but it’s much quicker than the scramble and will take you to rejoin the main path lower down. This is where the terrain levels out and all you have to do is follow the path alongside the brook.

On a sunny day, you might want to cool yourself down in one of the many waterfall pools located along this section. They aren’t massive but still refreshing! Continue following Crowden Brook all the way to Upper Booth and the farm there.

Walking from Upper Booth back to Edale via the Pennine Way

From Upper Booth, head through the farm yard and turn left to join the Pennine Way, which leads you back towards Edale. This final stretch is a relaxing finish to the walk, following a clear track and along paved path sections. As you approach Edale again, the village pub or café will no doubt be calling your name; the perfect place to celebrate completing this classic Peak District circular walk.

Grindsbrook Clough and Crowden Clough Circular walk OS route

Click here to download the route
Grindsbrook Clough and Crowden Clough circular – video

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Crowden Clough and Ringing Roger Circular Walk

November 6th, 2025

This 11.6km circular walk in the Peak District ascends Crowden Clough via a Grade 1 scramble high onto Edale Moor and the Kinder Scout Plateau. The route then traverses the moor with sweeping views down into the valley below and descends back into the village of Edale. Get the full guide below as well as downloadable walking routes from Ordnance Survey and Komoot.

😮Difficulty: moderate – some grade 1 scrambling involved and good route finding needed

⛰️Terrain: a mix of good paths, rocky tracks and grade 1 scrambling

↔️Distance: 11.6km/7miles

⌛Time taken: 4-5 hours without rest stops

📈Ascent: 547m

Start point: Edale car park

🗺️Click here for the OS downloadable route.

🗺️Map needed is OS Explorer Map OL 01

🗺️Click here for the Komoot downloadable route

Car parking for Crowden Clough

There are two car parks in Edale; the main village car park and an additional one at the train station. Edale is a very popular place for walking so during peak times it’s best to arrive as early as possible.

Edale Car Park cost

The main car park in Edale has space for 138 cars and is a coin only machine. You can also pay via the PayByPhone app. The location number for the app is 806749. I recommend paying before you arrive as internet signal on some phone networks is weak here.

Parking here costs £6 for over 4 hours (correct as of March 2025).

Edale Train Station parking cost

There are limited spaces here for 20 cars and is pay and display. It costs £6.80 for over 4 hours and payment is by card or cash (correct as of March 2025).

Crowden Clough Walk route

The walk starts in Edale from the main car park and heads under the railway bridge and along the road through the village. After passing the Rambler Inn pub, the church and then the primary school, the route cuts left signposted for The Pennine Way. Soon, you head through a gate and along the paved path through the countryside.

The route follows the Pennine Way until it reaches Upper Booth and the farm. Passing through the farm, the path joins the road where you cross a bridge over the river and then immediately turn right, through the small gate and follow the path through the woods with the river below you on your right hand side. Eventually, the view opens up and you pass through a wooden gate on the right to cross a bridge over Crowden Brook.

After crossing the bridge, the path follow the river upstream and passes lots of small waterfalls and a few places for a wild swim dip. The path here is easy to follow but gets muddy in wet weather and is quite uneven and rocky.

Crowden Clough scramble

In front of you, you’ll be able to see the path of the brook and Crowden Tower on the moorland above. As the path veers off uphill to the left (this is the bypass path if you want to avoid the scramble completely) keep right and follow the rocky bed of the river. There is a path to the right of the rocky brook for most of the way with a few rocky sections and large boulders to cross. Towards the top of the scramble, you’ll reach the waterfall which is the main scramble section. Stick to the left here where there are large hand and foot holds but be mindful that the drop here is still large and the rocks can be slippy.

After the waterfall, you’ll have a few more minutes of walking to reach the top and find yourself on Edale Moor. There are plenty of walking routes to choose from here, but this route heads along to the right, towards Grindsbrook Clough and the rock formations on Upper Tor. This is a great place for a lunch with views down into Edale below.

The route then continues along the well maintained path before cutting down the path towards Ringing Roger, the rocky outcrop that sticks out from the moor. There are a couple of options here; either stick to the high path to go to the top of Ringing Roger and then follow the path down off the top or follow the path below Ringing Roger.

The path here is easy to follow and only goes in one direction; towards The Nab, another rocky outcrop, which looks over Edale below. From here, follow the path down towards the trees, through the gate and into the open field, back down to Edale.

How hard is Crowden Clough?

Crowden Clough is classed as a grade 1 scramble. Grade 1 is the simplest level of scrambling where there are no technical requirements or equipment needed. The difficulty in a grade 1 can vary hugely in exposure, difficulty, steepness and length.

Crowden Clough is a straightforward scramble route that follows a stream uphill but still comes with risks, as with all routes.

The majority of the route is on an uneven path alongside the stream until the last ten minutes. The final section involves scrambling over large rocks and boulders, some of which are slippy and can become loose underfoot. The waterfall at the top end is the crux of the scramble and the most difficult section.

The scramble follows to the left of the waterfall on large rocks with plenty of hand and foot holds. The exposure is minimal but there is still risk of severe injury in case of a fall. Some of the steps up are high and you will need to use your hands for balance and to pull yourself up on this section.

This is a great introduction to scrambling on grade 1 terrain but if scrambling is new to you, I would always recommend going with someone who is confident and knows the route.

If you don’t want to do the scramble section, there is a bypass path that avoids the scramble completely and takes you to the same point on Edale Moor.

Crowden Clough route on the Ordnance Survey App
Exploring the Peak District’s hidden waterfalls; the Seven Waterfall Trail

April 9th, 2024
This 6.3km Peak District waterfall trail is a bit of a hidden gem and you’ll be treated to not one but SEVEN waterfalls tucked away on Arnfield Brook. However, there are definitely more of them as you head further upstream. The series of waterfalls come down from the moorland above and some are perfect for a wild swim. Get all the details and downloadable maps for the route here.

Where is the Peak District Waterfall Trail?

The walk starts from Arnfield Reservoir in Tintwistle and there is free parking on Crossgate Lane. The road is narrow so you’ll need to check you aren’t blocking access and that cars and tractors can pass. Once you’re all parked up, the route is simple to follow.

Walking route from Tintwistle

Walk straight up the road with the reservoir on your left until you pass Crossgate Farm campsite. Take a left here along Arnfield Lane. There are some lovely views back down to the reservoir and it’s just a 10 minute ish walk to some farm buildings on your right. Before the road bends around to the right is a sign showing the public footpath you want to follow. Head through the metal gate. Once you pass through the gate, stay on the wide path and head straight for the woodland in front of you. Pass through the woodland and after five minutes or so, keep an eye out for a small pile of stones and a path to the left.

Peak District Waterfall trail; finding the waterfalls

This path will lead you down to Arnfield Brook where the series of waterfalls starts. This can be a bit tricky to find as it isn’t signposted and there are a few little paths leading off to the left. I’d suggest checking the map or using the OS route to double check where you are.

To get to the waterfalls you need to come off the path and navigate down a steep bank to the river. This can also be slippery so extra care is definitely needed here to get down and back up again!

Once you’ve safely made it down to Arnfield Brook, you follow the stream which will involve some little scrambles.

There are a whole series of waterfalls and we found a quiet and secluded spot right by the brook to have some lunch. It was just below the shooting hut so if you’re checking a map, I definitely recommend that spot for a snack.

You can have a little wild swim/dip in quite a few of these but the water level will reduce during a spell of dry weather. If you want the pools to be a bit deeper, I’d probably head there after some rain!

Soon, it will be time to get your map out because you’ll need to navigate to the shooting cabin just above the brook.

There isn’t really a defined path and it is a little steep but it doesn’t last long. Once you’re at the cabin, it’s a nice easy walk back down the track.

The track leads down to a plantation of pine trees before reaching Arnfield Farm. When you reach the main road you have two options; left will take you back along the road you first walked on and right, following the river and the wall will lead you back to the reservoir.

This is a really beautiful route and one you’re likely to have to yourself or with very limited other people. Take the time to enjoy it as it isn’t very often you get a spot as beautiful as this so quiet!

Map and route for the Peak District Waterfall Trail

Access the route on the OS Map App here.

Locations

1: Parking and start location on Crossgate Lane next to Arnfield Reservoir

2: Farm track through metal gate to get to Arnfield Brook

3: Section where you leave the main path to get down to Arnfield Brook at the waterfalls

4. Shooting cabin

5. Meeting point back with the road which will take you back to Arnfield Reservoir

Komoot App

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own. You can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

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Top Tips for the Seven Waterfalls Trail
- The roadside parking gets full quickly on a nice day so arrive early and park respectfully
- The path down to the brook is steep and slippery if wet so take extra caution here
- At the end of the brook, some navigation skills are needed to get to the shooting cabin
- There is a cafe at Arnfield Reservoir – perfect for a post-walk visit
Happy hiking!

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Stunning Walks in the Peak District: Chrome and Parkhouse Hill

March 4th, 2024
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Derbyshire hills in the Peak District lies a sleeping dragon whose spiky, grass covered back you can clamber across. But fear not, the dragon has fortunately lain asleep for millions of years and it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll wake anytime soon! This wonderful walk takes in the two jagged limestone hills of Parkhouse and Chrome Hill and as you look back over the dramatic ridge lines, it’s easy to see why it goes by the nickname of “The Dragon’s Back”. The route along these mini mountains that appear to burst through the ground from nowhere can be started from many different places but this route starts from the tiny village of Earl Sterndale and crosses over the top of both hills; be careful in wet weather as this can become an incredibly slippery and treacherous route.

Where is the Dragon’s Back in the Peak District and how do I walk there?

The quiet village of Earl Sterndale is your starting point for this route and the free roadside parking near The Quiet Woman Pub is your aim (it’s the pub with a painted sign of a decapitated barmaid!). The pub has been closed for a while now and there aren’t any other facilities here unfortunately. The pretty village is in the middle of some gorgeous Peak District countryside in the Upper Dove Valley in Derbyshire and is a popular starting point for walks, especially over to Dovedale.

Once you’ve found a suitable place to leave your car, there’s a signposted path out the back of the pub which leads across fields and along the side of Hitter Hill, a 362m little rounded peak and before descending down the hill towards the road you get some brilliant views of the two peaks you’ll soon be heading up.

Walking up Parkhouse Hill

The first peak of the route is Parkhouse Hill and the path winds steeply up the closest end to you. It requires some scrambling and sure footedness as well as a good level of fitness and it is steep on the way up! However, once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

This unusual hill is actually the remains of a reef formed when the Peak District was covered by a tropical sea! It’s crazy to imagine that now as you walk along the top of the ridge and down onto lush, green farmland but this is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for it’s unusual geology and flora.

Most interestingly though, this is where a double sunset can sometimes be seen. From late March to early April and again in September, when the sun sets to the south of the hill it disappears and then appears to re-emerge again before finally disappearing at the foot of the hill. This was first captured by the photographer Chris Doherty and if you’d like to know how to maybe photograph this for yourself take a look at how to see it here.

Once you’re finally on the top of Parkhouse Hill, the walk is a traverse of the ridgeline. At the end, there is a very steep path down so I would only recommend this if you are confident with steep slopes. At the bottom, you’ll be close to the base of Chrome Hill and there isn’t much time to rest; it’s a quick cross of the track before hedging straight up the side of Chrome Hill.

Walking up Chrome Hill

Chrome Hill, the slightly larger “mini mountain” of the two hills, is another challenging leg burner with a steep incline to get to the summit. Be sure to look back here for incredible views and to see the dragon in all its beauty as well as sweeping views across the hills and farms which dot the landscape. It’s quite exposed and the wind can pick up so I’d definitely recommend wrapping up warm up here!

After you descend Chrome Hill, you’ll start heading back in the direction you came from but this time alongside the bottom of Chrome Hill and through farm land until you reach a farm track. Following this track all the way back and finally across some more fields, will take you back to the main road by Parkhouse Hill, where you can retrace your steps back into Earl Sterndale.

Map and key locations for Chrome and Parkhouse Hill

Access the route on the OS Map App here.

Locations

1: Roadside parking in Earl Sterndale near The quiet Woman Inn

2: Beginning of the ascent up Parkhouse Hill

3: Beginning of the ascent up Chrome Hill

4. Flat walking back towards the starting point

Komoot Route

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

Top Tips for walking the Dragon’s Back
- Parking is limited in the village of Earl Sterndale and there are no facilities in the village
- In bad or wet weather, the ascents and descents of both Parkhouse and Chrome Hill can be incredibly slippery.
- There are some steep inclines if you want to head onto the top of each hill
- If you don’t want to walk onto the top of each hill, the views from the base are still beautiful
- If you’re feeling peckish, there’s an honesty hut in Hollinsclough which you can easily detour to. It sells lots of different refreshments and you can pay with cash and card.
Take a look at the route video here…

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Walks in the Peak District; Magpie Mine and the curse of the “murdered” miners

February 26th, 2024
The remains of the almost 300 year old Magpie Mine, just a short 5km from the town of Bakewell, is one of the best historical sites to visit in the Peak District and is classed as one of the top industrial heritage sites in Derbyshire. Mining has always been an important industry in the Peak District and the earliest recorded workings here date back to 1740 and was one of several which worked on the same underground vein. The mine caused some difficulty for the miners from the beginning as it was prone to filling with water but after a new pump was introduced in 1824, the production of lead reached 800 tonnes. Magpie Mine was the last working leadmine in Derbyshire and its remains are some of the best preserved in the UK. The buildings are so well preserved partially due to Lottery funding and the site is a fascinating place to visit. Although you are likely to experience a peaceful couple of hours visit at Magpie Mine, the site is said to be haunted and cursed by the ghosts of miners who were allegedly murdered in an underground accident, so always keep an eye out for anything unusual happening around you…

Where is Magpie Mine?

Magpie Mine can be found near the village of Sheldon and around 5km from the beautiful little market town of Bakewell. Luckily, the mine is situated on open access land which allows public access on foot at any time.

Parking and access to Magpie Mine

There are several public footpaths that cross through the mine and you can easily tie this in with longer walks in the area however, if you just want to visit the mine then there is free roadside parking on a road called Grin Low literally at the end of a path that leads straight to the mine. To access the mine, you head through the gate and along the track straight towards the mine buildings. Be aware; this field was FULL of those things people call grass puppies (aka cows) and if you’re a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to cows like me then this might be the most unenjoyable section of the whole walk! Honestly, my heart rate must have reached its max just while I was figuring out a way to get through the field without them wanting to hunt me down.

Anyway, here’s a pin drop to the parking area close to Magpie Mine.

What you’ll see when visiting Magpie Mine

As you wander around the site, you really get a sense of the scale of this ex mine; with multiple deep shafts which appear to plummet into black nothingness below (but which are also now blocked or capped for safety), a ruined engine house, the chimney, horse gin and the Agent’s House take the time to explore the buildings and reflect on the intense work that miners would have experienced day in, day out.

Replica horse gin

This impressive horse gin would have been used as an engine but one powered by horses! A horse would have been attached to the rotating wheel and when it walked around it would pull up lead ore up the shaft to the surface for the miners to collect at the top.

The square chimney and winding drum

Originally built in 1840 the remains of a winding drum remain outside. The winding system was often used in deep mines to control a cable to bring things to the surface of the mine. You can see the remainder of the cable next to the engine house at Magpie Mine.

As you walk around the site, more buildings appear and one of my favourite parts is a 221m main shaft which is marked by this steel headgear and cage dating back to the 1950s.

Take a look through the grille here which covers the main shaft below and you might be able to see the water over 150m below you. This main shaft is flooded at the lower part but drains through a drainage tunnel over a mile away near the River Wye. You can even stand in the old cage which would have been used as a lift to descend down to the mining tunnels below.

Be sure to head away from the site to get a beautiful view of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside – reflecting on the hardships that miners faced here is in stark contrast to the peaceful site you can experience there today. When we visited over Spring the wildflowers were in full bloom so we relaxed here for a bit with our lunch – just us and a couple of other mine enthusiasts wandering around.

Arguments, murders and curses at Magpie Mine

Historical sites are nothing without a bit of drama and curse and Magpie Mine is no different. Over many years, disputes with neighbouring mines using the same vein often broke out and miners would light fires underground to smoke each other out and halt their production. In 1833 though, disaster struck. After provocation from miners at the nearby Maypitt Mine, some of the Magpie miners lit a fire resulting in the death of three miners from the Maypitt Mine due to suffocation from the fumes. This led to 24 Magpie miners being put on trial for their murders however many were immediately freed due to the challenges involved in identifying the culprits. The wives of these murdered miners were said to have put a curse on the mine which closed two years later in 1835 but the ghosts of the murdered miners still haunt the site to this day. When visiting this site, it’s hard to believe that is was a place of deadly disputes especially with the colourful wildflowers in bloom and the quiet and peaceful feeling that enshrouds the site.

Top Tips for Magpie Mine
- Visit here in early Spring when the wildflowers literally create a carpet of colour around the site
- Even though the mine shafts are blocked or capped, take care around these and don’t be tempted to mess with the metal coverings. A fall down one of these could be fatal.
- Magpie Mine has protected status due to its wildflowers and it is an offence to pick any of them
- Access to the site is free but the cost of maintaining the site is high and any donations to the nearby museum or the purchase of a guide book is appreciated
- Guided tours are sometimes offered on Heritage Open Days and group tours of six or more can be arranged by contacting magpiebookings@pdmhs.com
Take a look at this video of Magpie Mine…

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Peak District hike: circular route of Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook

December 9th, 2023
If someone suggests a “scrambly hike” as a day out, you’d be forgiven for not first thinking of the Peak District as the obvious destination but the Peaks is actually home to some of the best UK hikes and scrambles of different grading thanks to the endless supply of rocky, bouldery brooks and cloughs which are often running dry. Although not as high or exposed as scrambles you might have seen or experienced in the Lake District, Snowdonia or Scotland, scrambling in the Peak District can actually be a much more fun, alternative way to explore the area. Plus, these routes are often quieter so you can really hone in on your explorer skills and feel at one with the outdoors amongst the tranquility of vast moorland. The circular route of Fairbrook Naze, The Edge, Nether Red Brook and Black Ashop Moor is what feels like a remote one and will keep you on your toes (literally and figuratively) throughout the day; enjoy wild swimming spots, slippery scrambles, bizarre rock formations, vast boggy moorland, river crossings and friendly sheep – this Peak District hike really has it all!

*A grade 1 scramble is classed as an easy scramble with simple route finding and no requirement for technical skills or ropes but you may need to use your hands and this route definitely requires that. The route is slippery over the rocks and sure footedness is required as a slip could easily result in injury.

How to hike Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook

Starting at Snake Woodlands, the Nether Red Brook scramble can be done a couple of ways but is best tied in with Fairbrook Naze, a hike which I wrote about here. After scrambling up Fairbrook Naze and reaching the summit plateau famed for its fascinating (and totally random) rock formations, the walk from here along what’s known as The Edge (sounds like a budget rate horror film to me), takes you alongside many of these weird and wonderful formations including this one, which I tried, and ultimately failed, to climb.

After admitting defeat and soothing my bruised ego while my hiking companion giggled and rolled her eyes with that knowing look of “I knew you couldn’t do it”, we set back off along The Edge, a quieter part of the Kinder Scout plateau, making our way through more funky rock formations and along a well maintained path.

Glancing to the right, the views down towards Black Ashop Moor are ones that make you really feel like you’re deep in the wilderness (not just an hour or so from your car) but still, this area isn’t to be underestimated and it’s really important to understand that navigation in this area, when the weather comes in, can become incredibly challenging, especially if waymarkers disappear quicker than the white walkers in the fog (sorry if you’re not a Game Of Thrones fan – sorry that you’re NOT a fan that is).

Passing some more formations to make you go oooh, ahhhh you’ll eventually reach the top of Nether Red Brook where the path makes a turn left away from the edge and a right turn back towards it. There are no signs to mark this path which is why navigation is important or be sure to download the offline route to your phone from OS maps or Komoot. At the top of Nether Red Brook, the way down can seem unlikely but this scramble effectively follows the stream bed straight down.

Standing at the top of the rocky outcrop, not being able to see an obvious route down I questioned whether my map reading skills were really as accurate as I thought they were. Here I was, standing at the top of Nether Red Brook with my mum, who had already set off in front of me shimmying her way down a steep drop between two rocks after a fleeting, “this way is it?” but after one more quick check of the map I took a sigh of relief; it was definitely the right way.

The scramble isn’t technical but good balance, strength in your legs and arms and confidence over rough terrain is a must. There is a small path every now and again to hop onto but the majority of the route is over large boulders and you’ll have to navigate your way down over these.

Looking back up towards the way you’ve just scrambled down…

Eventually, you’ll find yourself in the base of the Valley known as Black Ashop Moor with no path to follow; not even the faintest glimmer of one to be precise and this is where your navigation skills will come in handy.

You’re heading for the small steam at the opposite end which will lead you back to wards Snake Woodlands but be prepared to lose a foot or even a whole leg to the boggy moorland swamp monsters which will try to suck you down to their peaty home if you make a wrong choice of step. At least if you get sucked into the pool of peaty mud, the view back up to where you came from is a nice final view.

After navigating through the moorland, the next obstacle you’ll face is the river crossing. I hope in your mind you’re picturing a whirlpool and rapid-ridden force of nature but actually it’s just a small one which, if your legs are long enough, you’ll be able to leap across in one foul swoop to the safety of the path on the other side.

Following the path downstream will lead you back towards Snake Woodlands and the view back is stunning during heather season with all the purple hues.

Eventually, you’ll reach the edge of Snake Woodlands and will continue following the path through the woods and back up towards your starting point. There is another wonderful little spot for a swim in Snake Woodlands which the path will take you next to.

Map and key locations for Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook

Access the route on the OS Map App here.

Locations

1: Roadside parking at Snake Woodlands

2: Footbridge below end of woodlands to cross over the river

3: A series of waterfall pools

4: Beginning of the steeper, rocky scrambling section of Fair Brook

5: Top of Fairbrook Naze, rock formations and the beginning of The Edge

6. Top of Nether Red Brook marking the scramble down

7. Boggy moorland crossing across Black Ashop Moor and river crossing (you’ll need to find a suitable crossing place yourself)

8. Path back towards Snake Woodlands

9. River running to Snake Woodlands and extra swim location

Komoot App

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

Top Tips for scrambling Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook
- The parking area in Snake Woodlands fills up quickly on a nice day so be sure to get there early or late in the day for any chance of parking
- There are no facilities on this route or in the car park
- The scrambles are slippery in places and require sure footedness and confidence on rough, scrambly terrain.
- The scramble down Nether Red Brook has a steep and relatively high drop to navigate
- Navigation across Black Ashop Moor is pathless so strong navigation skills are needed
- This route includes a small river crossing
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check out my other blog posts and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.

Happy adventuring and don’t forget to subscribe!

Izzy

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The Edale Skyline: the ultimate Peak District hiking challenge.

September 4th, 2023
The Edale Skyline, a circular loop which winds its way around the hills either side of the Edale Valley, is a spectacular long-distance hiking challenge. On this 20 mile route, you take in several summits and will finish by walking along the glorious Great Ridge before descending back down to the valley floor. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful views in the Peak District and want to push yourself then look no further than the Edale Skyline!

Key information for the Edale Skyline

Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Distance: 33.5km/20.8miles

Total ascent: 1128m

Est Time: 8-12 hours depending on speed, fitness and rest breaks

Starting location: Hope Train Station (S33 6RR)

Cost: £3 for all day parking with the RingGo app. Correct at time of writing (July 2023).

Dog friendly: Only if fit, healthy and able to walk long distances.

Key features: summits of Win Hill, Brown Knoll, Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill, rock formations towards the Kinder Scout plateau.

Edale, the little village nestled below the watchful eye of Kinder Scout and at the end of the Edale Valley, is an incredibly popular destination with walkers, runners, cyclists and the odd few hundred tourists. On a sunny summer’s day, the village is bustling with crowds of people and the surrounding hills alive with cheerful and jubilant walkers. Its popularity is easy to understand when you take into account its accessibility; 30 minutes from Manchester and Sheffield with a train station if you’re coming by public transport. This isn’t an area you head to if you want a peaceful, isolated hike but on the Edale Skyline you will find that some sections are much quieter than others. My friend Zoe and I completed this route under the warm Spring sunshine and only really bumped into the crowds near the popular sections of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor.

The Edale Skyline is a popular fell running face but that doesn’t mean you need to be a trail runner to attempt this route. On a clear and calm day, the Edale Skyline can be an excellent first time, long-distance hiking route with clear paths and relatively straight-forward navigation. This route starts from Hope Train Station and takes in the summits of Win hill, Brown Knoll Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill but also passes by an array of interesting rock formations, historical sites and famous locations along the way.

The route can be started from multiple places but this route starts from Hope Station, one of the more popular starting points.

Route Details for the Edale Skyline hiking challenge

Upon leaving the car park at Hope Train Station you head over the bridge which crosses the train track and follow the stream, uphill, through the fields. Eventually, you reach a stile on your right which you cross allowing you to cut across another farmers field until you reach a track called Parsons Lane. Following this road will take you to a small hamlet called Aston and you eventually reach a right or left turn. Turn right onto Thornhill Lane then immediately left through the trees (look for the public footpath sign). Once you’re on the public footpath, it’s simply a matter of following the path slowly uphill to the summit of Win Hill. From here, the views are stunning down into the valley and behind to Ladybower Reservoir and you can make out part of the route you’ll be doing towards the end of the day too.

Win Hill is a great little one to start with; it gets the legs warmed up and you’ll have done a chunk of elevation to start the day. We were even treated to a stunning cloud inversion during our attempt!

From the summit of Win Hill, the path takes you along the edge of a section of woodland, which for those budding historians, is actually where an old Roman Road to Hope begins. This road crosses the ridge of Win Hill and is a wide and well-defined path. Eventually, you reach the historic landmark of Hope Cross, a packhorse waymarker which would have been used in the past for directional guidance. Thank god we have maps now, eh?

Leaving Hope Cross behind you, your next hill to tackle is Crookstone Hill for which you head up the hillside to your left shortly after leaving Hope Cross. Look for the tree on its own and you’ll be on the right track! The path here rises gently uphill before topping out above a rocky outcrop and onto the ridge above the valley beneath you. There is only one path to follow here and it eventually leads you towards Ringing Roger (an eroded rock that gets its name from the sound it makes when the wind blows over it) and some fascinating rock formations on Upper Tor. This is my favourite place for a little snack and photo stop as the views back down the valley and across to Mam Tor are breathtaking on a clear day.

Continuing on the path, you’ll see Grindsbrook Clough in front of you (a great, scrambly route for another day) before making a sharp right turn and crossing over a small stream and back again. Heading away from this area, you’ll now find yourself on Edale Moor and below the Kinder Scout plateau which is probably when you start to notice many, many, many more people. This section can feel wild at times especially when the cold wind bites and whistles through your bones. It’s quite exposed and can feel long after the hiking so far, therefore this is another section that is nice to take a quick pit stop on. There’s some wonderful rock formations too along here called The Woolpacks, Pym Chair and Noe Stool that you’ll probably find yourself getting distracted by. These rock formations were formed over 320 millions years ago when the UK was actually located on the Earth’s equator when eroded material was deposited into the Pennine Basin. The rocks now have been weathered over thousands of years to form some remarkable shapes.

Your next checkpoint is the trig of Brown Knoll but this path can be a real joy killer. After leaving Edale Moor behind you and passing the descent of Jacob’s Ladder, the path winds through boggy moorland along a series of, what feels like never-ending, paving slabs. Reaching the trig is a welcome sight but don’t get too comfortable because you’ve got another never ending section of stone paving slabs in front of you again.

At the end of this section, you head left up a stony track and soon you are rewarded with the wondrous, and famous, view of Rushup Edge and Mam Tor in the distance. This section really feels like the home straight and you’ll start to feel that buzz of accomplishment seep in as you realise that this is the final section.

The Great Ridge and Mam Tor is iconic to the Peak District and this final section of the walk, once you cross the road, takes in the whole of the ridge, up Back Tor and along to Lose Hill. Mam Tor, meaning “Mother Hill” attracts hordes of walkers, experienced and beginners alike, who flock here to soak up the joy of this ridge. This will be the busiest section yet but the views make up for that and as you pass over the ridge, the views on each side down to Edale on one side and Castleton on the other are something special.

In the past, Mam Tor was a place of ancient civilisation with occupation believed to be from around 1200BC. The summit has two ancient hill forts, Bronze Age burials nearby and archaeological artefacts have also been recovered here. Read more about the ancient history of Mam Tor here.

The path along the Great Ridge is paved and incredibly well maintained that your feet will thank you for the easy work along here. Your final destination is the toposcope of Lose Hill, marking pretty much the end of the skyline (you just need to find enough energy to make it back to the car now). Soak in the views from here and take a moment to look back at the whole route you have covered that day; it’s a real accomplishment so allow yourself to be proud of your achievements.

Once you’re ready to leave the challenge behind you, head down hill, keeping left and not crossing the stile, back down towards Losehill Farm and the road that follows the river into the village of Hope. This road section is your final part of the walk and soon you’ll find yourself at the main road where you turn left and head back towards the train station.

This is a really wonderful route and is a great one for your first long distance challenge and one that will keep you coming back for another go time and time again even if you hear yourself uttering the words “never again” as you soothe your blister ridden feet and achy legs at the end of the day.

Map and key locations for the Edale Skyline

Access the route on the OS Map App here.

Locations on map

1: Parking at Hope Train Station

2: Summit of Win Hill (463m)

3: Site of Hope Cross

4: Interesting rock formations at Upper Tor

5: Summit of Brown Knoll (569m)

6: The Great Ridge and the summit of Mam Tor (517m)

7: Back Tor

8: The summit of Lose Hill (476m and the last summit of the day)

Komoot App

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

Top Tips for The Edale Skyline
- Arrive at the car park early in the morning as it fills up quickly
- The Edale Skyline requires a good level of fitness and it is important to ensure you have practised some longer distance walking over rough terrain and with ascent before attempting the Edale Skyline
- As this is a long distance circular loop there aren’t many options to shorten the route.
- There are no facilities on this walk
- Most paths are obvious as you are following the edge however in poor weather, navigation could become harder and a wrong turn could be likely
Remember – the Peak District is a beautiful location that we want to keep beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Practise “Leave no Trace” and take all your rubbish home with you.

For more UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.

Happy adventuring!

Izzy x

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Easy Chee Dale Circular walk from Miller’s Dale

August 30th, 2023
This 4km loop is one of the most incredible walks in the Peak District. The stunning River Wye offers up an astonishing amount of natural beauty; from lush, green rolling countryside to a 200ft beautifully craggy limestone gorge, an abandoned quarry and historical lime kilns as well as THOSE famous stepping-stones. If you enjoy wild swimming, then this is definitely a walk I would remember to pack my swimming costume for!

At a glance

Distance: 3.83km/2.4miles

Est Time: 1 hour (not including any rest or swim breaks)

Starting location: Miller’s Dale Car Park, SK17 8SN

Cost: £4.75 for all day parking (coins or card). Correct at time of writing (June 2023).

Difficulty: Easy – this route is well signposted with obvious paths however it can be slippery after rain and incredibly muddy. With some of the paths heading across rocks and down a couple of rocky slopes and alongside the river some sure-footedness is required. The elevation is only 60m so this would be suitable for all levels of fitness. Be mindful that in wet weather, some of the route may be underwater therefore to enjoy this walk for its full potential, it would be best enjoyed during dry weather.

Dog friendly: Absolutely! With lots of places for your beloved pooch to cool off in and with the walk being relatively short, it’s definitely dog friendly.

Key features: Abandoned quarry and lime kiln, Chee Dale limestone gorge and stepping stones, Monsal Trail tunnels.

England’s ever popular Peak District, with its varied terrain and picturesque rolling hills is a place worthy of its popularity. In the middle of the Peak District, known more readily as the White Peak and not too far from Buxton, lies Chee Dale; a stunning, and at times magical feeling, limestone gorge that hugs the winding Wye River. Hidden below the Monsal Trail lies this accessible trail that really packs a punch into such a short walk.

Route details for Chee Dale circular walk

The walk starts from Miller’s Dale Car Park (a large paid car park with enough space for 80 cars) and the location of an abandoned railway junction. The railway station was built in 1863 by the Midland Railway and served as a junction for trains between London and Manchester. The station closed in 1967 but the once derelict building has now been renovated and serves as a self-guided centre called The Goods Shed where you can find out more about its rich history. Location 1 on map below.

From here you follow signs for Buxton and head along the Monsal Trail (watch out for cyclists) surrounded by woodland on each side of you. On your right you’ll see a sign for the “top of lime kilns” and following this will lead you into the disused quarry where cliffs tower above you. There isn’t an awful lot to see here but once you rejoin the path, you’ll eventually reach the old limekilns. Location 2 on map below.

The abandoned lime kilns were in use from 1880 until 1944 and produced over 50 tonnes of quicklime per day but today the kilns are home to wildlife including swifts which nest in the boxes secured high up on the buttresses. Inside the kilns you can see the remains of fireplaces where the burning process took place and keep an eye out for hibernating bats in winter too!

Carrying on down the Monsal Trail you’ll reach a bridge (you might even be lucky enough to see people abseiling off it) with a stepped path down the side leading to the riverbank (Location 3 on map). It’s signposted Chee Dale and you want to follow this down to the riverside. At the river, don’t cross under the bridge and instead head upstream. The next couple of miles take you alongside the stunning River Wye as it makes its way along the valley. The surrounding nature, wildlife, flowers, wild garlic and trees are worth stopping to enjoy as the scenery then changes quickly. There are also some great swimming spots around here if you want to have a quick dip!

As you head deeper into Chee Dale Nature Reserve the limestone gorge starts to tower over you with rocks and the cliff face hanging overhead. You might notice climbing equipment drilled into the limestone here or if you’re lucky, maybe a brave soul making their way up the wall. This section of the walk is jaw-dropping and you really feel so small standing under these huge cliff faces. Location 4 on map.

Now the bit you’ve been waiting for – the stepping-stones! The line of stepping-stones is quite long and you may have to turn around if you bump into someone coming the other way at the same time. There are excellent photo opportunities here and the stepping-stones really add a bit of childish fun into the walk. It’s worth noting that they can become covered in heavy rain and there’s also another set of stepping-stones about another mile up the river but this route misses those out. Location 5 on map.

After the stepping-stones, the path continues up river for a short distance until you cross under a viaduct and see a path cutting left up the hillside. If you follow this path, it will lead you onto the viaduct above and the entrance to the Chee Dale Tunnel looms in front of you (location 6 on map). This tunnel forms part of the 8.5 mile Monsal Trail, a spectacular traffic-free route suitable for cycling, walking and horse riding between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell. Following this tunnel will lead you all the way back to the car park at Miller’s Dale where you started.

Map and key locations for Chee Dale and the Stepping Stones

To access the route on the OS Maps App click here and you can download the route to your phone.

Locations

1: Parking at Miller’s Dale

2: Disused quarry and lime kiln on the right of the path

3: Path down to the riverbank underneath the viaduct

4: Limestone gorge at Chee Dale

5: Chee Dale stepping-stones

6: Path back up to the next viaduct and the entrance to the Chee Tor tunnel that will lead you back to the car park

Komoot App

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

Top Tips for visiting Chee Dale and the stepping stones
- Arrive at the car park early or later on in the day. Even though it is a large car park, it’s a popular location so it does fill up quickly especially during weekends and school holidays.
- In or after bad weather the river level will rise and the stepping-stones will likely be under water so I’d probably save this one for after a period of dry weather.
- Some of the banks can become quite slippery in wet weather so caution is needed in these sections.
After your visit, I recommend heading into Bakewell (not too far down the road) and making a naughty stop off at Cake Corner – an absolutely delightful shop selling a delicious selection of handmade cakes. You won’t regret it, trust me!

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For more UK hiking routes check out the rest of my website or check out my Instagram page.

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