Kinder via Red Brook in memory of Mark

A special event to celebrate the life of our very popular member Mark Wardle who we lost last summer. A brilliant wacky crazy happy friendly fun loving guy with an infectious joviality, always willing to help others and never took himself too seriously. Mark was a regular at our events until his tragic accident in July 2025.

As always, everybody is welcome including those of you who didn’t know Mark.

This event will also be a fundraiser so in place of the usual event fee we ask you to make a donation to Mountain Rescue using this special page we have set up:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sheffield-mountaineering-in-memory-of-mark?newPage=true

Route: Kinder via Red Brook

Meet at: Bowden Bridge Car Park, Kinder Rd, near Hayfield, postcode SK22 2LH. OS map reference SK048869. 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.

Public toilets in car park at start of walk.

Red Brook is definitely one of the finest easy scrambles in the Peak District. It is long and sustained with continuous pleasant moves on good quality rock that stays clean even when wet. It is beginner friendly but also provides plenty entertainment for experienced scramblers.

The full day will include a long scenic hike along the shores of Kinder Reservoir and banks of the River Kinder, a Grade 1 scrambling ascent of Kinder Scout via Red Brook, a hike along the edge of the summit plateau taking in close up views of the spectacular Kinder Downfall before continuing round the Southern edge of the plateau and descending via William Clough on the way back to the car park.

Photos of some of our previous outings to Red Brook and Kinder can be seen here:

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/31895808/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/28763496/#470005101

Difficulty: Grade 1 scrambling (suitable for beginners). For more information on scrambling grades see:

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

Experience Required: Some previous hillwalking/hiking experience would be beneficial along with a reasonable level of fitness, sense of adventure and preparation for any weather. The walk in to Red Brook tends to be rather boggy so waterproof boots are strongly advised!

Duration: Approx. 11 km with height gain (from car park to Kinder summit plateau) of approx. 350 metres. Estimated time 5 to 6 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: Dark Peak Area OL1 Explorer Map 1:25 000 Scale.

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