Four Scrambles on Kinder

Route: The Cloughs, Red Brook, Arpeggio Gully and Crowden Clough.

Meet at: Car park near railway bridge between Barber Booth and Upper Booth. OS map reference SK107847. From Sheffield follow the A625 then A6187 to Hope. In Hope turn right opposite the church and follow the road to Edale. Continue past Edale for approx. 2km, cross a bridge over a stream then turn right immediately. Follow the road under a bridge then slightly uphill for approx. 300 metres to the parking area on the left side. The car park fills up very quickly so we highly recommend going by train. Edale station is 20 minutes walk away and is well served by trains from Sheffield and Manchester and points in between.

This outing includes some of the finest scrambles in the Dark Peak, each having something truly spectacular and memorable to offer. The Cloughs is a sustained and varied route in a lovely, picturesque setting, with some optional harder sections. Red Brook is a delightful scramble over clean, water-carved rock with breathtaking views. Arpeggio Gully is a stunning technical scramble with a steep and airy aspect, and some wonderfully pleasant moves on offer, and Crowden Clough is an endlessly rewarding route with an impressive waterfall pitch and a whole host of interesting lines to explore.

The day begins with a pleasant hike along a section of the Pennine Way towards Jacobs Ladder, followed by a Grade 1/2 (between 1 and 2) scrambling ascent of The Cloughs. From here, we head towards Kinder Low, and then along the edge of the plateau to the top of Red Brook, with stunning views towards Kinder Reservoir and beyond. A Grade 1 scrambling descent of Red Brook is followed by a contouring traverse along the hillside, and a Grade 3 scrambling ascent of Arpeggio Gully. Heading back towards Kinder Low, we continue towards Pym Chair and some optional scrambling and easy soloing in amongst cracks and chimneys. The path then takes us past the ornate and eye-catching forms of The Woolpacks to Crowden Clough, and a Grade 1 scrambling descent back towards Barber Booth.

Photos from the previous times we've done this outing can be seen here:

https://www.meetup.com/sheffield-mountaineering-rock-climbing-meet/photos/34596239/

https://www.meetup.com/sheffield-mountaineering-rock-climbing-meet/photos/33275646/

https://www.meetup.com/sheffield-mountaineering-rock-climbing-meet/photos/32454885/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/31460684/

Difficulty: Arpeggio Gully is a Grade 3 scramble, the other scrambles are all Grade 1/2 (between Grade 1 and 2). For more information on scrambling grades see:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/understanding-scrambling-grades

Experience Required: Some previous scrambling or rock climbing experience is essential.

Duration: Approx. 12.5 km with overall height gain of approx. 650 metres. Estimated time 5 to 6 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: OL 1 Dark Peak Area 1:25 000 Scale.

Guidebook: Scrambles in the Dark Peak published by Cicerone Press.

As always, if everybody wants to contribute £1.00 towards our Meet Up site fees and other operating costs that will be great, thanks.

(Description and original idea by Sam D)