Kinder Scout - Mass Trespass Guided Walk

Description

We pass Kinder Reservoir and follow the winding stream up William Clough as it narrows. The route gets steeper as we ascend onto Kinder Edge and walk to Kinder Downfall. We watch the waterfall tumbling over a series of rock steps to the valley below; on a windy day the spray is tossed backwards into the air. We continue along the plateau’s edge, reaching the summit cairn at Kinder Low (633 m / 2077 ft) – the highest trig point in the Peak District. We descend back to Hayfield via Edale’s medieval cross and the valley pastures below.

There’s a significant climb onto the plateau but we’ll take breaks and share the history as we climb – it’s worth it for the views!

The History
“There were hundreds of young men and women, lads and girls, in their picturesque rambling gear: shorts of every length and colour, flannels and breeches, even overalls, vivid colours and drab khaki…multi-coloured sweaters and pullovers, army packs and rucksacks of every size and shape.” Benny Rothman, in 1982, recalls the moment he spoke to ramblers before the Mass Trespass. Find out more here >

Additional information

The Walk	This walk begins in Old Glossop and follows a packhorse route before climbing up onto Higher Shelf Stones Trig Point, Bleaklow's high southern edge with wind carved stones overlooking Snake Pass and Kinder Scout. We’ll take you to the site of the B-29 Superfortress, 'Over Exposed', recounting the tale of the air crash on 3 November 1948, when the USAF aircraft struck Bleaklow in mist. Remnants of the aircraft's engines, undercarriage and wings remain, alongside a memorial to the 13 souls who tragically lost their lives. The walk continues up the Pennine Way to Bleaklow Head at over 2,000 feet/600m and our summit cairn. On a clear day, we’ll leave the path and cut across wild heather moorland, looking for mountain hares amongst the peat cloughs. We then join a high-level track above Dowstone Clough and Dog Rock overlooking Yellowstone Brook, 150 feet below. A final steep stroll down through green pastures returns us to our starting point.

The Walk

This walk begins in Old Glossop and follows a packhorse route before climbing up onto Higher Shelf Stones Trig Point, Bleaklow's high southern edge with wind carved stones overlooking Snake Pass and Kinder Scout.

We’ll take you to the site of the B-29 Superfortress, 'Over Exposed', recounting the tale of the air crash on 3 November 1948, when the USAF aircraft struck Bleaklow in mist. Remnants of the aircraft's engines, undercarriage and wings remain, alongside a memorial to the 13 souls who tragically lost their lives.

The walk continues up the Pennine Way to Bleaklow Head at over 2,000 feet/600m and our summit cairn. On a clear day, we’ll leave the path and cut across wild heather moorland, looking for mountain hares amongst the peat cloughs. We then join a high-level track above Dowstone Clough and Dog Rock overlooking Yellowstone Brook, 150 feet below. A final steep stroll down through green pastures returns us to our starting point.

What’s included?

Included

Qualified Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader with Outdoor First Aid Qualifications.
Guiding throughout the day with briefing advice and support to ensure your safety.
Narrative on local points of interest, wildlife, geology, history and culture.
Optional photography of your day which can be shared with you.
The option of a free, return lift from a station or bus stop to the start of your walk to encourage sustainable travel. We can only arrange this if we have spare space in our vehicle and the pick-up point is reasonably close to your walk. Ask us when you book.

Not Included:

Parking or transport costs associated with your walk.
Essential walking kit or food.
Navigation equipment and maps for Navigation Courses (we will help if we have spares).

What to Bring

Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >

Meeting and Parking

The meeting place is Bowden Bridge Car Park, Kinder Road, Hayfield, SK22 2LJ.

Directions

Bowden Bridge Car Park is a mile up a lane from Hayfield.
You may find free parking on the road by the car park.
If not, the car park is Pay & Display, (currently) costs £4.75 a day and takes coins only.
Mobile reception may be limited.

Please see a Google Map showing the location of the car park here.

Coming by Bus or Train?
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re arriving reasonably nearby, we’ll give you a free lift. Ask us when you book.

Facilities

There are basic toilets opposite the car park. There are cafes, pubs, shops and accommodation in Hayfield. The nearest train stations are Glossop or Chinley.

Map here.

Walk Difficulty

This is a Moderate Walk. Here is our walk difficulty guide >

FAQs

We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >

Accommodation

Click here to see a Google map of accommodation near this walks start.

We have also created a page of Peak District accommodation we recommend here >

Respect, Protect and Enjoy!

We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…

Respect:

Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
Leave gates and property as you find them
Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
Be nice, say hello, share the space
Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect:

Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
Always keep dogs under control and in sight
Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance

Enjoy:

Check your route and local conditions
Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Want to know more?

Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.