Scrambling: Charnel Clough, Chew Brook, Wilderness Gullies East or West

Route: Charnel Clough, Chew Brook, Wilderness Gullies East or West

Meet at: Dovestones Reservoir car park off the A635 Holmfirth Road, Greenfield OL3 7NE. OS map reference SE013036. As an environmentally conscious group, we actively encourage car sharing. Further details of car sharing arrangements from Sheffield, Manchester and elsewhere will appear in the comments section nearer the time.

This outing takes place on the edge of Saddleworth Moor in the far North West corner of the Peak District. It features a variety of scenery as well as two pleasant scrambles that both give plenty of interest for the grade.

Please note, there is a small chance you could get wet as there are a couple of waterfalls to descend and if you fall off the greasy pole its straight into a deep pool of water!

For those of you feeling adventurous, there will also be the option of including the classic Grade 2/3 Wilderness Gully East scramble in the day’s agenda either instead of or in addition to Wilderness Gully West

The full day will include a walk around Dovestones Reservoir. A Grade 1 scrambling ascent of Charnel Clough followed by a walk to the Chew reservoir before continuing down the brook taking in a couple of waterfall descents and of course the greasy pole. Further down is the start of the Wilderness Gullies scrambles. Ascend either of these and on to the optional grade 3 chimney at the exit of Wilderness Gullies West. Descending by Wimberry Rocks known locally as Indian Head, it's a short walk back to the car park.

Photos of some previous outings to The Wilderness Gullies when we did both Wilderness Gully West and Wilderness Gully East in addition to Charnel Clough can be seen here:

https://www.meetup.com/sheffield-mountaineering-rock-climbing-meet/photos/34718836/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/29949414/

Difficulty: Grade 1 scrambling (suitable for beginners) or Grade 2/3 (between Grade 2 and 3) if Wilderness Gully East is ascended. For more information on scrambling grades, see:

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

Experience Required: Some previous hiking experience would be beneficial along with a reasonable level of fitness, sense of adventure and preparation for any weather.

Duration: Approx. 10 km, with total height gain of approx. 400 metres. Estimated time, 4 to 5 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: OS 110 Sheffield & Huddersfield Landranger 1:50 000 scale.

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

As always, if everybody wants to contribute £2.00 towards our Meet Up site fees and other operating costs that will be great, thanks.