Hiking up Kinder Scout from Edale Village

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Hiking up Kinder Scout from Edale Village:

Planning on hiking up Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, which offers stunning views, dramatic landscapes, and various terrain. Here’s a well-structured plan for your hiking up Kinder Scout adventure:

  • Location: Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK
  • Starting Point: Edale Village
  • Total Distance: 8-10 miles (13-16 km) depending on the route
  • Duration: 4-6 hours (moderate pace)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (due to rocky terrain and some steep ascents)
  • Highest Point: 636 meters (2,087 feet)

Getting There

    • By Train: Edale is accessible by train on the Manchester-Sheffield line, making it convenient for those relying on public transport to the Peak District.
    • By Car: Edale has a public car park (near the railway station). Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advisable.

Recommended Route

Classic Circular Route from Edale (via Jacob’s Ladder and the Kinder Plateau)

Start Point: Edale Village:

    • Edale Village: Begin your hike from Edale, a quaint village with some cafés and a visitor centre for last-minute supplies or info. You’ll find signs for the Pennine Way, a well-known national trail for hiking up Kinder Scout.

Read more about parking in Edale on my Guide to Wild Camping on Kinder Scout.

Edale to Jacob’s Ladder:

  • Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate, gentle ascent
  • Description: Follow the Pennine Way through beautiful farmland, crossing over small streams and winding stone paths. The route takes you through the picturesque Vale of Edale. The climb gradually steepens as you approach Jacob’s Ladder.

Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Low:

  • Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous, steep ascent
  • Description: Jacob’s Ladder is a famous steep zigzagging path, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Once at the top, you’ll reach Kinder Low, a rocky plateau with a trig point. Kinder Low is just below the summit of Kinder Scout and offers panoramic views.

Kinder Plateau and Kinder Scout Summit:

  • Distance: 1-2 miles (1.6-3.2 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate, relatively flat but rocky and boggy
  • Description: Once at the top, the landscape flattens out but becomes rocky and can be boggy in places. Follow the path across the plateau towards the Kinder Scout summit, which is more of a high moorland area than a peak. The terrain can be tricky, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.

Down via Grindsbrook Clough:

  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard, steep descent
  • Description: After taking in the views, head back down via Grindsbrook Clough. This route is steeper and more technical, requiring some scrambling down rocky sections, but the scenery is worth it as you follow the stream through the valley.

End Point: Return to Edale:

  • Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Description: Once you reach the bottom of Grindsbrook, the path flattens out again as you return to Edale village. You’ll pass through more lovely farmland and back to where you started.

What to Bring

  • Clothing: Layered clothing, waterproofs, sturdy walking boots.
  • Navigation: Map of the area, compass, headtorch.
  • Refreshments: Water, snacks.
Important to Note:

When hiking up Kinder Scout from Edale, being prepared for sudden weather changes is vital. The Peak District’s weather can shift rapidly, bringing fog, rain, or strong winds. Proper gear like waterproofs, layers, and navigation tools ensures safety, warmth, and visibility on this exposed, rugged route.