Peak District walk: Crowden Clough, Red Brook & Kinder Northern Edges (17 miles)
Details
A challenging and rewarding full-day hike through the northern edges of Kinder Scout, starting and finishing in Edale. This circular route takes in some of the Peak District’s most striking terrain, including the rugged ascents of both Crowden Clough and Red Brook, expansive moorland views, and the dramatic gritstone edges of the Kinder plateau.
Along the way, we’ll visit key landmarks such as Kinder Low, Kinder Downfall, and Fairbrook Naze, with a mix of steady climbs, open sections, and a few hands-on scrambling points. Expect varied terrain throughout — from rocky paths and stream crossings to peat moorland — making this a physically demanding but highly rewarding adventure.
📍 Meeting Location & Time
- Meeting Time: 9:55 AM
- Start Time: 10:05 AM
- Meeting Location: The Rambler Inn, Marys Lane, Edale, S33 7ZA
- Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vvQQXPqLoENRf7xr5
- Link to What3words: https://what3words.com/willing.popular.branching
🥾 Walk Overview
- Distance: ~17 miles (27 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 ft (900 mt)
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Circular
- Walk Leader: Beth
🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements
This is a challenging walk intended for those in good physical condition. Please note that the group may not be able to wait for significantly slower walkers, so it is important to be prepared.
While you are welcome to walk at your own pace, be aware that the route may take longer than expected if walking slower than average. If you find the walk too difficult, there are several shortcuts available to help you complete the route. However, if you choose to take a shortcut, you will need to navigate independently, as the group leader will continue with the planned full route.
⛰️ Route Highlights
- Edale
- Crowden Clough (scrambling ascent)
- Crowden Tower
- Kinder Low Trig Point
- Kinderlow End
- Kinder Reservoir
- Red Brook (scrambling ascent)
- Kinder Downfall
- Fairbrook Naze
📲 Route Links
🚆 Public Transport
- direct trains from/to Manchester
- direct trains from/to Sheffield
🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be highly variable, windy, and cold — even during the summer months.
Please wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof outer layers
If it's sunny, don’t forget sun protection such as suncream and sunglasses.
Useful links for weather forecasts:
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
- Sufficient food and water for the entire day
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Sun protection (suncream, sunglasses)
- A comfortable backpack
- Optional: hiking poles, gloves, hat, camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded
🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are very welcome!
To ensure everyone stays safe, please follow these guidelines:
- Livestock Safety: Always keep dogs on a lead around livestock, especially sheep and cows. Please remember that farmers are legally entitled to take measures (including shooting out-of-control dogs) to protect their animals.
- Nesting Birds (The Law): Between 1st March and 31st July, you must keep your dog on a lead (no longer than 2 metres) on all Open Access land to protect ground-nesting birds.
- Cleanliness: Please bag and bin your dog waste or take it home with you. Unlike wild animal waste, dog poop introduces harmful nutrients and bacteria into the soil that can damage rare plants and pose a severe health risk to grazing livestock. Please never leave bags on fences or trees — if you bag it, take it!
📢 Notes
- The route is planned via Komoot and has not been pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
- There are two Grade 1 scrambling ascents — nothing technical, but confidence and sure-footedness are required. You will need to use your hands to navigate over rocks.
- During the ascents, we will need to cross streams, so you should be comfortable doing so. Footwear with good grip is essential.
- This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if the weather is unsafe. Updates will be posted in the comments section, so please enable email notifications.
📌 Bookings
- Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
- If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.
⛑️ 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.