Kinder Scout walk from Snake pass, Peak district.
Kinder Scout height
Kinder Scout is the peak districts highest point at 636 meters above sea level. It is also considered a mountain, being 26 meters higher than the required height for mountain status. It's only one of three actual mountains in the peak district, the other two being Bleaklow and Higher shelf stones.
THE WALK
Distance - Approx 5 miles
Height gain - Approx 300 meters.
Difficulty - Fairly strenuous towards the top.
This circular walk to kinder scout starts at snake pass Inn. Free parking is by the Inn at a small layby. There's also a larger parking area further towards the wooded area a little way up the A57.
At Snake Pass Inn, cross the road and head for the walking track that you will see straight ahead. This will take you through a recently deforested area towards a footbridge that crosses the river Ashop, the footbridge is around 400 meters South East of the Inn.
After crossing the footbridge you will bear left on a well-trodden path for several hundred meters. Cross flat ground until you see Fair brook which flows into the river Ashop. This is the start of the ascent to kinder scout.
Fair brook offers some beautiful spots for photographs should you have the time to stop. Lone trees and tumbling cascades, Fair brook has it all. However, you will need some shade to get the most from this spot as the light in the gorge can be particularly harsh and getting a balanced exposure somewhat difficult. Wait for cloud cover or when the sun dips behind the top of kinder for a more balanced shot. There are lots of nice rocks to sit and ponder along the way too, so if you fancy a break or a spot of lunch, the area around 2/3rds of the way up is perfect.
You will follow the well-trodden path up the steady incline, keeping the brook on your left all the way to the summit. It is probably around a mile and a half to two miles from the river Ashop to the top. The going is fairly moderate with the odd rock or two to hop over as you approach the top. Make no mistake though, this route will get the blood pumping and a well-earned rest will be needed when you finally reach the top.
Now standing on the kinder plateau you will see some delightful rock formations to your right. Spending time here will be well worth it.
In the early summer months expect to see cotton grass in abundance. Later in the summer around August time, heather blooms giving of an incredible carpet of purple flowers. look out for Grouse and mountain Hare which reside on the plateau. The area is mainly bogland or peatland which is made from decaying plant life such as mosses and heathers. This decaying material over time turns to peat and can run several meters thick. Peat bogs are very fragile environments indeed and store the majority of the world's carbon. Damaging these environments can have a serious negative effect on the planets co2 emissions and in turn can lead to global warming.
After wandering around the rocky ridge that leads to Fairbrook Naze you will begin to see your descent. When you see the toadstool, which is a small rock formation that looks like a toadstool, you will have reached the turning point for this walk. From here you will see spectacular views stretching back towards snake pass and if you are lucky some nice light over Bleaklow for a photograph.
From the toadstool you have a couple of options. You can either retrace your steps, which is recommended, if you fancy taking some more photos of Fair brook and its wonderful cascades, or you can find your way back across the moorland. Finding a route shouldn't be difficult as you will be able to see what lies ahead as you walk down. I do believe this area will become quite boggy in the wetter months though, so perhaps something to think about before returning. The path across the moorland is joined by many other tracks, but if you keep in mind that you want to follow Fair brook and keep right, you will soon be able to see Snake pass Inn at the Ashop valley floor. Head back to the footbridge and you will be back at Snake pass Inn before you know it.
Things to watch out for
The central plateau of kinder scout is largely made from peat bogland which has many natural paths, ditches and groughs. During the wetter months, finding yourself knee deep in mud will be a common thing. Try to stick to the stoney pathways. The plateau has many paths, but for this particular walk you will stick tight to the edge when you arrive at the top. Getting lost on the moorland is fairly easy when the weather closes in. It all looks the same when the mist descends. If you find yourself scrambling on your hands and knees when on your descent, you will have run off course. Retrace your steps and find an easier route. OS Explorer map OL1 which is for Dark peak will give you a detailed view of the area and I would advise putting the downloadable version on your smartphone. View the map on Amazon https://geni.us/FAhVAK8. This will help with your navigation should the mist come down.
I would say this is a fairly strenuous walk and a good level of fitness is advisable. Walking poles will help, especially if you are carrying a lot of gear. Make sure to bring waterproofs, several litres of water and good walking boots. Parking on the A57 can be a little difficult during busy weekends, also be wary of the traffic on this bendy part of the road when crossing.
To find out more about this fabulous walk, consider taking a look at the video below which will give you an idea of the terrain. Drop me a sub if you like it 👍
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