Kinder Scout from the Grouse Inn

Eric Davies

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Lying equidistant between the major conurbations of Manchester and Sheffield, the dark gritstone massif of Kinder Scout rises sharply from the flat low ground of the Cheshire Plain to the west. Kinder is recognised as being of international importance for its landscape, recreational value and wildlife. The plateau forms a significant part of the Dark Peak Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The rock formations which characterise the edges of the Kinder plateau are formed from a type of sandstone called millstone grit. This was laid down in river deltas around 300 million years ago. The way these rocks have been eroded by water, ice and wind has given rise to several distinctive features.

On the north-western edge is Kinder Downfall, a spectacular waterfall and a well-known hot spot for visitors who want to experience the place in its many guises. Visible for many miles, the natural amphitheatre in which the downfall lies is often shrouded in mist, the prevailing wind creating a blow-back of the tumbling water. On sunny days the mist may be surmounted by a series of rainbows arching over the surrounding crags. The cold months of winter often give rise to almost architectural ice formations as the wind and the temperature combine to act on the cascading water.

On the western horizon the hills of Clwyd can be seen on a clear day, whilst to the east lies an often mist-shrouded, almost featureless plateau of short vegetation broken by black peat groughs.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Benny Rothman, who helped to organise the mass trespass on 24 April 1932. The event involved violent confrontation between gamekeepers and trespassers and resulted in the imprisonment of four of its leaders. It is widely regarded as the most important single action in securing public access rights to open spaces and is a model of effective civil disobedience.

During the 70th anniversary celebrations at Kinder Quarry, Hayward (the starting point for the trespass), Michael Meacher MP, the then environment minister, gave a public address on behalf of the government. He praised the actions of those involved in securing 'far-reaching changes to unjust and oppressive law'. The commemorative plaque of the trespass is situated at Bowden Bridge car park about a kilometre south of Waymark 12. This walk crosses the way of the trespass at Waymark 6.

During the walk, look out for grouse and hares. The route uses good paths and is mainly easy to follow. At the end, the Grouse Inn offers good food and drink with a cheery welcome.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Mountains, National Trust, Pub, River, Wildlife

12/6/2021 - Eric Davies

Thank you, E Tickle

11/24/2021 - E Tickle

I often walk in this area, which is near where I live. The Grouse Inn closed a few years ago and is now a private residence. For a post-hike pint or food, try nearby Glossop or Hayfield. The Royal in Hayfield is my own favourite. (NB I’ve no connection with it except as an occasional customer!) Some comments below concern the occasional dryness on the plateau. That’s not so unusual. It can also be the opposite. I once walked this route with friends on a very rainy day, after many of the same. On reaching the Downfall, we found the stream more a raging river. We had to walk quite a distance upstream on the plateau for a safe place to cross. I love the author’s description and recommend Kinder to anyone who hasn’t tried it. As always, be properly equipped.

4/22/2014 - Norman Brannick

Completed this walk Tuesday 22nd April 2014. The day started out wet (typical, Easter Monday was a sunny day. There was a heavy mist shrouding Kinder, made worse by the rain. I didn't hang around too long up there. The walk was quite exhilarating and strenuous. It is one of those walks you either love or hate. I loved it. The rain only served to bring everything alive so if you don't mind walking in the rain give it a try you won't be disappointed.

2/4/2012 - daron linney

Did this walk on 3/02/2012, with my springer Max. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. Clear blue sky, Kinder covered in snow, down fall was frozen. Clear instructions. The path leaving the Pennine Way to descend is easy to miss, and some of the way points are slightly off (according to my sat map). Timings were good. A very enjoyable day with terrific views.

4/5/2011 - Alun Windle

We did this walk in early April. No water in waterfall even though it was raining and snowing. The wind.... well we nearly took flight at a couple of points on the walk, but this added to the fun. The walk was not that clear from points 8-9 of the map but we had a great time and would do the walk again. The dog loved this walk, he smiled all the way even though the wife was moody because of the heights and the weather. (I found this very amusing; that's why I have given it 3 stars....)

5/21/2010 - Alison Light

We did this walk during the May bank holiday weekend and the weather was surprisingly clement. There were lots of walkers on Kinder Plateau,where we stopped for our picnic lunch but the route descending was much quieter. We found the timings very accurate.

6/18/2006 - Stephen Harris

At grid ref 058907 we spotted the wreckage of Liberator bomber USSAF This aircraft was on a routine ferry flight delivering, and was a brand new B-24J Serial number 42-52003 being taken to Hardwick from Burtonwood. The crew, Sgt Jerome Najvar & 2/Lt Creighton Haopt (Polish) USAAF flying with 310 Ferry Sq flew into thick fog over the moors on 11th October 1944 and crashed at Mill Hill, both were badly injured but survived this accident. Their B-24 was later set on fire by a salvage unit, who took what they needed and destroyed the rest. (Liberator information kindly supplied by David W.Earl. - Aviation Historian/Author: Hell On High Ground)

6/18/2006 - Stephen Harris

Did this walk on the 13th June 2006. Great walk BUT Kinder Downfall was DRY, completely BONE dry, global warming? We could not find our way down the hill to waypoint 9 as the path down was not obvious, so we continued along the path for some distance until it descended to a gate. At this point don't go through the gate but turn right and follow the wall and soon it will descend steeply to bring you down to the edge of the woods. In any case this was an easier and safer way to go!. Great walk, excellent features, over 10 miles according to our GPS (with the diversion) but superb. Just a shame about the lack of water!. 9/10.

5/22/2006 - Eric Davies

I’ll bow to superior knowledge; I think I got the info from one of the Peak District web sites, ce’st la vie! Cheers Eric

5/17/2006 - Steve Sharratt

Hi Chris Sorry but.......!!! I differ with the authors information that Crowden Head is the highest point in the peak district @ 631Mt, the trig point on Kinder Scout (SK079870) is at 633MT but the highest point is to the NE(SK086876) at 636 MT, sorry to be a bore! Kind regards, Steve Sharratt