A Full Guide to the Kinder Scout Walk from Edale (via Jacob’s Ladder)
The Kinder Scout walk from Edale is a popular route because it is the highest point in the Peak District National Park at 363m above sea level and the highest poing in Derbyshire at 2,087 feet high.
It is also the place wherein 1932, 500 people (mostly from Manchester and Sheffield) fought for the right to roam in the open country in the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.
The public has not always had access to the countryside, and it was this movement and protest that led to the Peak District National Park becoming the oldest national park in England. Are you ready to walk in their footsteps in the unspoilt natural playground?
This Kinder Scout walk is a wild circular route leaving from Edale, via Jacob’s Ladder and then down Grindsbrook Clough. Expect to find incredible views, stream crossings and areas where you will have to scramble. Before you attempt the walk, it is good to know that Kinder Scout and Kinder Low are different; the latter is actually 3m lower.
However, most people aim for Kinder Low because it is known to be nicer, and you don’t have to trudge through the moorland (it can be challenging). It is where you will find the trig point, whereas the Kinder Scout summit is a pile of rocks. We still wanted to reach the Kinder Scout summit, though, so we will include details about how you can too.
Interesting fact: low is an old dialect word meaning ‘hill top’.
You will soon learn why the Kinder Scout walk from Edale is one of the best walks in the Peak District, and people love visiting time and time again. However, it’s easy to see how one can get lost up there, as the terrain is quite boggy with many small streams running through it. So plan carefully usingour guide below.
Kinder Scout Walk Details
- Kinder Scout Walk from Edale Distance: 14km (8.5 miles)
- Kinder Scout Walk Difficulty: Medium to challenging (depending on fitness levels and conditions)
- Ascent: 653m
- Kinder Scout Walk Time: 4-5 hours
- Kinder Scout Walk Terrain: The terrain is diverse; grass, rocks, mud, tarmac, steps, gravel, and boulders
- Ordnance Survey: OL1 – Peak District (Dark Peak).
- Crowd Levels: Medium to high (weekends)
How to get to the Kinder Scout Peak District Walk
The nearest train station for the Kinder Scout walk is Edale. This is conveniently located 300m from the start of the walk, which means that it is accessible, even if you do not have a car.
You can follow the Google Maps Directions to the car park here.
It is on the Hope Valley Railway Line that goes between Manchester and Sheffield.
The number 271 bus service from Sheffield to Castleton stops in Edale.
Kinder Scout Parking
Kinder Scout Walk Postcode: S33 7ZQ
The Kinder Scout car park is the Edale Village Hall car park in the Hope Valley. There are 140 spaces in the Kinder Scout car park, but it can still get busy. There is an overflow car park nearby that costs £5 all day and Edale station has 20 spaces too.
The Edale Village Hall car park is cash only (coins needed), and the costs are:
0-1 hour £1.60
1-2 hours £2.50
2-4 Hours £4.00
Up to 10 Hours £6.00
24 Hours (cars only) £7.00
Also, you can use PayByPhone (location 806749). Current costs can be found on the High Peak Council’s website here.
Good to know: there are public toilets in the car park and they are open between 8am and 6pm.
When is the best time to go on the Kinder Scout Walk from Edale?
The Kinder Scout walk from Edale is a year-round hike. Although in wet weather, the walk can be challenging due to the boggy and waterlogged paths. It is recommended to complete the walk in spring and summer to avoid this.
Be aware of the peat bogs on Kinder Scout, some of which can be waist-deep. If you decide to leave the marked path, make sure you know how to use a map and orient yourself on the mountain.
The mountain’s terrain is vast and varied, with valleys, bogs, crags, and uneven ground. It’s important to be prepared and know what you’re doing to avoid getting lost.
If that is not possible, just remember to bring some spare socks for the journey home.
Arguably, the best time to visit is in late August to early September, when the colours of the moors turn pink with the heather flowers! The weather is usually ideal hiking conditions too.
Kinder Scout Weather
Pack a raincoat or a waterproof; the weather on the Kinder plateau can change very suddenly. We experienced hail, rain, sunshine and wind all in 5 hours! Therefore, even if it is sunny in Edale, this does not mean that it will be sunny on the tops.
You are in the high peak, at the highest point (when you reach the Kinder Scout summit), which means that the weather conditions may not be the best.
Although Kinder Scout may not meet the traditional criteria for a mountain, it can still be very dangerous for hikers. Every year, many people become lost on the mountain and require rescue from mountain rescue teams. This is often due to the sudden changes in weather that can occur on Kinder Scout, as well as the vast expanse of the mountain’s top, which covers approximately 20 square miles.
Even experienced hikers can become disoriented in low visibility or when they stray off of a marked path. It’s important to be prepared and to have a map when hiking on Kinder Scout to minimise the risk of getting lost.
You can check the Kinder Scout Weather below to prepare for your walk:
Mountain Weather Forecast Kinder Scout
Met Office Kinder Low (Derbyshire)
Useful Tips for Kinder Scout Peak District Walk
When climbing Kinder Scout, it’s important to take the same precautions as you would on any other mountain.
- It is the highest point in the Peak District National Park, so make sure you take warm clothing or pack layers.
- Have the correct hiking gear, clothes and footwear. Trainers will not suffice for this walk, especially in wet weather. Although, we did see people wearing them.
- Take a camera or a phone to take beautiful pictures during your walk.
- As with any hike, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring more water and food than you think you’ll need in case of unexpected delays. There are only facilities in Edale, at the beginning and end of the Kinder Scout walk.
- It is recommended to begin your walk early in the day to take advantage of the available daylight and give yourself plenty of time.
- Remember to take cash for the car park. The machine only accepts coins, but you can get cashback from the Penny Pot Cafe.
- Make sure you have a map and compass, and know how to use them. An OS Map will be best, or download one on the app before you go.
- Additionally, be sure to fully charge your phone, but keep in mind that there is no cell signal on Kinder Scout, so relying on Google Maps may not be an option.
- From our experience, the car park was full at 9.15 am on a Sunday. There are alternative car parks elsewhere in Edale, but the main one is the most convenient to begin the walk.
Map of the Kinder Scout Walk from Edale
Kinder Scout Mass Tresspass
On April 24, 1932, over 400 peaceful protestors participated in a coordinated “Mass Trespass” on private land on Kinder Scout to protest the restrictions on access to open country.
This event ultimately led to legislation allowing people to freely walk on access land throughout the UK and played a role in the creation of National Parks, including the Peak District.
Anually, wardens and rangers from the National Trust and the Peak District National Park Authority hold a walking event to commemorate the anniversary of this historic event.
The Kinder Scout Walk Route – 4 Stages To Follow
You can complete Kinder Scout circular walk in reverse, but if you are worried about your knees, we would say go this way, as it’s usually easier to guide yourself down the scramble rather than up.
However, some people prefer going up the waterfall rather than down it.
There is usually people doing this walk both ways and as always choose what is best for you.
STAGE 1 – Edale Grid Reference (123859)
From the car park in Edale, turn right onto the road by the toilets heading past the train station under the bridge. Go past the Rambler Inn on your left. Keep heading north up through the village, passing the Moorland Centre on your right.
Turn left opposite the Nag’s Head pub. It is the official start of the Pennine Way, it is well signposted, and it should be straightforward to follow. Go through the woodland and then turn left at the signpost to continue on the Pennine Way. The path is straightforward as there are stone slabs to follow.
Continue through the gates along the Pennine Way. The terrain changes to a stony path, but the trail is evident to Upper Booth Farm. At the farm, turn right. You will see a signpost for Jacob’s ladder at the entrance of the farm.
Walk alongside the River Nor. You will have woodland on your left, and you will see a National Trust sign for Lee Farm, continue down the tarmac path until you pass some houses and farm buildings. Please go through the National Trust gate and continue on the track as it curves around the hillside.
Go through a gate, and over a small bridge. Head right, and you will see a National Trust sign for Jacob’s Ladder. However, you will soon see that it’s not a ladder but lots of steps.
The Jacob’s Ladder walk is also very popular, so do not be surprised to see it busy!
STAGE 2 – Jacob’s ladder Grid Reference (087862)
Climb Jacob’s Ladder’s footpath. There are many steps, and it can be tiring, so do not be afraid to stop if you need to. You will go past a pile of stones on your left and you should continue along the path as it curves right around the hillside.
Expect to see spectacular views over Edale, and you can see as far as Mam Tor. We promise the steps are worth it! You will go past incredible rock formations called Edale Rocks.
Take lots of pictures here and continue up towards the Kinder Low Trig point. You are now at 633m above sea level. Make sure you have your layers on; it can get cold on the top. Turn right onto the edge of the Kinder Plateau when you reach the top.
STAGE 3 – Kinder Scout Grid Reference (078872)
If you want to go to the top of Kinder Scout, you will have to cross over the bog and head towards a small triangle or rocks. It is visible from the trig point and involves following the map and your nose. Most people do not do this and instead follow the instructions without the detour below.
Detour to the top of Kinder Scout:
If you want to experience isolation and get a feel for what the land is like, you can head to the top of Kinder Scout. We do not recommend this when it’s wet because it is boggy. Although it is an adventure when the ground is dry.
It is more to say that you are at the highest point in the Peak District, rather than seeing anything unique. There is only a tiny pile of rocks. This is the Kinder Scout summit. You can see the 636m height on the map! Head back across the bog to join the popular path.
Without the detour:
Come off the Pennine Way, taking a path to your right and head eastwards around Kinder Plateau. You will go past Noe Stool! A great photo spot. Continue now along the path towards the other rock formations in front of you. These are called Pym Chair, and this is a great spot to take pictures; if you haven’t eaten already, we can recommend this spot for a picnic. You can shelter below the rocks, and it’s a great spot to relax, breathe and look out over Jacob’s Ladder.
Go through The Woolpacks, which are large, impressive boulders and head towards Crowden Tower, with views over the Fords. Take your time to appreciate the rock formations and the views. It really is something special.
From here, you can go down, and you can return to Edale via Crowden Brook here if you wanted to. Alternatively, head over the brook and continue following the path around towards the fords following the ridge overlooking the valley and continue down the track.
At the fork in the path, turn left and continue following down and stay left, ready to head down Grindsbrook Clough on your right.
STAGE 4 – Grindsbrook Clough Grid Reference (105873)
You will be rewarded with incredible views of the Vale of Edale as you descend from the plateau. Follow the Grindsbrook Clough descent back to Edale village. The first 30-minutes are pretty tedious, because you are scrambling down the rocks, but you will see a waterfall on your left.
This section can be slippery, so take your time scrambling down, especially if you have never done it before. The first section is very steep, but it levels off and curves through the valley. You will go through a gate after about 25 minutes of climbing down.
Here, you can follow the higher path next to the gorge or continue down the gorge. We recommend following the path next to it because we have seen many people struggling on the rocks in the valley, and the trail is much easier. Keep going down, you will find it becomes easier as it begins to level.
If you haven’t already, cross Grinds Brook at the bottom and keep it to your right as you head back into Edale. Here, the path is obvious. You will go over a single-lane wooden bridge and through a small gate in a stonewall. There is a waterfall on the left, and it’s beautiful! There is also a bench on your left if you want to have a breather just after the gate.
The trail then goes into the woods, where you will go through another gate onto a straightforward stone path leading down with views of Mam Tor in front of you!
Go down the stone steps, through a gate and cross another small wooden single-lane bridge. After, head up the steps and return down the gravel road, where you will find the Old Nags Head pub on your left. Continue down the road, past the graveyard on your left, the Rambler Inn on your right, and you will soon find the car park and toilets on your left.
Edale is a beautiful spot, and if you have enough energy, you should take some time to explore or have a drink in one of the friendly pubs or cafes! If you think of the typical English countryside – this is it! We love the Rambler Inn!
You made it. Kinder Scout circular Walk completed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Kinder Scout walk start?
The circular Kinder Scout walk begins in Edale, but you can also begin your walk-in Upper Booth, where there is free parking. We choose to do the walk from Edale because of the facilities in Edale Village.
Where is Kinder Scout?
Kinder is accessible from the villages of Edale in the Peak District (which has a well-connected train station) and Hayfield in the High Peak region.
Is Kinder Scout a hard walk?
The Kinder Scout walk from Edale is known as a moderate route. This is mostly due to the steep section of Jacob’s Ladder being quite tiring and the descent down Grindsbrough Clough being challenging.
The terrain is also quite physically demanding, and the weather can change quickly because the Kinder Plateau is exposed.
Where does the name Kinder Scout come from?
The name comes from Kinder Scut, the previous name of Kinder Downfall, the waterfall that flows down from the Kinder Plateau.
Can I take my dog on the Kinder Scout Walk from Edale?
Yes, you can take your dog on the Kinder Scout walk from Edale. The rules of the Peak District are from early March to the end of July; dogs need to be on leads because of the breeding season.
Also, please keep in mind that there are a lot of boulders to go over that some dogs may find difficult.
How far is Kinder Scout from Edale circular walk?
A walk from Edale to Kinder Scout is a distance of 14km (8.5 miles).
Are there any toilets on the route?
There are no toilets on the Kinder Scout walk apart from the toilets in the car park in Edale.
Is Kinder Scout a mountain?
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of what constitutes a mountain, but some geographers consider any hill over 300 meters in altitude to be a mountain.
Kinder Scout, which stands at 636 meters tall, is typically referred to as a mountain in the Peak District. Whatever you call it, we recommend treating it like you would any other mountain as the terrain and conditions are similar.
Can you walk up Kinder Scout?
Yes, it is possible to walk up Kinder Scout, and there are several trails that lead to the summit.
How high is Kinder Scout?
The highest Point on Kinder Scout is 2,077 feet (633 metres) above sea level. It is the highest point of the Peak District.
What is the Kinder Reservoir and where is it?
The Kinder Reservoir is located in a beautiful area beneath the Kinder Scout mountain. It is a large, peaceful body of water that covers 44 acres and was once considered the largest earth dam in the world when it was built in 1911. The Kinder River flows from the Kinder Plateau and into the reservoir.
Many trails lead from the shores of the reservoir to the top of Kinder Scout, but it is a different walk (from Hayfield) to the one we describe where you will go past Edale Cross.
How can I extend the Kinder Scout walk?
You can extend your walk to see two impressive natural features, Kinder Downfall and Mermaid’s Pool.
The Kinder Downfall is a breathtaking waterfall that is created by the River Kinder, which is a small river that flows for three miles before joining the River Sett
The Kinder Scout waterfall itself is about 100 feet tall, making it the tallest in the area. When the water is flowing at full capacity, particularly when there is a strong westerly wind, the water can be seen blowing back up the hillside, creating a cloud of spray that is visible from miles away.
Another nearby attraction to visit is Mermaid’s Pool, a small pool located below the Kinder Downfall. According to legend, the pool is home to a mermaid who will grant immortality to anyone who sees her on Easter Saturday.
What other walks in the Peak District do you recommend?
We love the Peak District and are always searching for new places to go and explore. We loved the Kinder Scout walk from Edale because of the diverse terrain and impressive rock formations and views. Read our guides to some of our favourite Peak District walks below.
- Mam Tor Walk
- Padley Gorge Walk
- Dovestone Reservoir Walk
- Ladybower Reservoir Walk
- Pots and Pans Walk
- Thor’s Cave Walk
- Bamford Edge
Kinder Scout is a stunning place with a diverse array of wildlife. There are many walking routes to choose from, so you can select one that is suitable for your fitness level or that is appropriate.
Whether you prefer challenging walks or a more leisurely walk, there is something for everyone. Just be sure to prioritise safety while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
