Peak District blood moon walk: Mt Famine, Kinder Low, South Head (16 or 7 mi)

📸 Featured Photo

• Lunar Eclipse Rising (Blood Moon) by liquidcrash is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

📍 Meeting Location & Time

• Meeting Location: Chinley train station, Station Rd, Chinley, SK23 6AR (just outside the train station)
• Meeting Time: 12:10 PM
• Start Time: 12:15 PM
• Remember that 12:00 PM is midday (not midnight)

🥾 Walk Overview

• Distance: 16 miles (26 km) – with a shorter 7-mile option available
• Elevation Gain: ~3,200 ft (900 mt)
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Route Type: Circular

🌕 Total Lunar Eclipse
If skies are clear, we’ll witness a total lunar eclipse — also known as a blood moon — after sunset around 19:40 BST.

• 19:39: Moonrise
• 19:46: This is the moment when the eclipse reaches its greatest magnitude while the entire Moon is above the horizon in the Peak District
• 19:52: Full eclipse ends
• 20:56: Partial eclipse ends
• 21:55: Penumbral eclipse ends

See here the expected eclipse phases.
We plan to be at South Head summit when the full eclipse is visible.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow over the Moon. At totality, the Moon may turn a dramatic red or copper color. Unlike solar eclipses, this is completely safe to view with the naked eye.
Like the sun, the moon rises in the east. See more info here

🚶 Pace & Fitness Requirements

• This is a challenging walk suitable for people with good fitness.
• Please be aware the group may not wait for significantly slower walkers.
• Shorter route available: You can opt for a 7-mile loop if you’d prefer a lighter walk — the walk leader will remind people about the option.

⛰️ Route Highlights

• Chinley Park Nature Reserve
• Cracken Edge Quarries
• Chinley Churn (457 mt)
• Mount Famine (473 mt)
• Kinder Reservoir
• William Clough
• Kinder Downfall
• Kinder Low (633 mt)
• Edale Rocks
• Swine's Back (596 mt)
• South Head (494 mt)

📲 Full Route (16 miles) Links

• View Full Route on Komoot
• Download GPX file for Full Route

📲 Shorter Route (7 miles) Links

• View Shorter Route on Komoot
• Download GPX file for Shorter Route

🚆 Public Transport

• direct trains from/to Sheffield
• direct trains from/to Manchester

🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be very changeable, windy, and cold, even in summer. Please wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to adjust to changing conditions: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers are recommended. Don’t forget sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses if it’s sunny.

• Kinder Low @ Met Office
• Kinder Scout @ Mountain Forecast
• Chinley @ BBC Weather

🎒 What to Bring

• Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
• Enough food and water for the whole day
• Waterproof jacket and warm layers
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
• A comfortable backpack
• Optional: hiking poles, hat, torch (or headlamp), camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded

🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.

🦟 Insects
Biting insects can be present on the moors during late summer, especially in warm or still conditions. If you're concerned, we recommend bringing insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers for comfort.

🚨 Government Alert
At 3:00 PM, your phone may make a loud sound due to a UK Government emergency alert test, even if it's on silent. No action is needed. it's just a test.
To avoid disruption, you can switch your phone to airplane mode around that time. You can find more info here.

📢 Notes

• The route is planned via Komoot and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
• This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if the weather is unsafe — updates will be posted in the comments section, so enable email notifications.

💰 Cost
The walk is free and organised informally by volunteers.

⛑️ Disclaimer
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.

📬 Questions?
Feel free to comment below or message the organiser privately.