Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a strenuous 19.1 km out-and-back from Edale to Kinder Scout's unmarked 636 m high point, with 727 m of ascent. From the village, follow the signed Grindsbrook path into the rocky clough and pick the safest line beside or across the stream to the plateau edge. At the large cairn turn left, west, along the southern edge, passing gritstone landmarks including Crowden Tower, the Wool Packs and Noe Stool. The GPX then leaves the edge to cross complex peat groughs to the indistinct summit area before reversing the entire route. It is not the Jacob's Ladder circular. The pathless plateau and a descent of Grindsbrook make navigation, weather and footing serious concerns.
Grindsbrook is not a built staircase. The upper clough involves boulder hopping and short hands-on moves, and water levels can make the normal line awkward or unsafe. Once on Kinder's plateau, paths come and go among peat hags, rocks and drainage channels; the highest point itself is an unmarked patch of moor rather than a summit cairn. Save a bearing for the return to the clough and avoid descending an unfamiliar gully in mist.
The route ascends via the rocky ravine of Grindsbrook Clough and then follows the edge of the plateau.
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Route Waypoints
Start at the pay-and-display village car park, grid reference SK 123 853. Walk into Edale and follow the footpath signed for Grindsbrook, crossing the stream and continuing through fields and woodland.
Follow the obvious moorland path into the ravine. As the track breaks up, stay with the stream and choose the safest line on either bank; expect repeated crossings, boulders and hands-on movement.
At the top of the rocky clough the ground levels beside a large cairn. Turn left onto the paved path heading west along the southern edge; do not turn east towards Grindslow Knoll.
Follow the western edge path past major gritstone formations. Keep checking the GPX: after Noe Stool the line eventually leaves the obvious edge for much less distinct peat terrain.
Navigate north through peat groughs to the unmarked 636 m high point. There is no summit cairn or trig pillar to confirm arrival, so use map, compass and the GPX, then turn around.
Identify the same clough used on the ascent before leaving the plateau edge. Do not descend an adjacent gully merely because it looks more direct.
Follow the bouldery stream path back towards Edale. Water and polished rock can make the lower clough slow late in the day.
Retrace the plateau crossing east to the southern edge, then return to the cairn and descend Grindsbrook Clough. Wet boulders and stream levels can make the reverse scramble slow; finish at Edale car park.
Essential Tips
Kinder Scout's highest point lies away from the edge on a flat peat plateau. In cloud it is easy to become disoriented among groughs; carry OL1, a compass and offline GPX, and know how to relocate.
Heavy rain, high stream levels, ice or wet boulders can make the clough unsafe, especially on the return descent. Turn back or choose a separately planned alternative if conditions exceed your ability.
Five hours 2 minutes is based only on distance and ascent. Rough clough terrain, pathless peat, navigation, weather and the return scramble can add considerable time; start early and carry a headtorch.
Stay on durable paths where practical, keep dogs on a short lead around livestock and wildlife, take all litter home and never use barbecues or open fires on the peat moors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the GPX statistics for this Kinder Scout route?
The supplied out-and-back GPX is 19.1 km with 727 m of ascent. TrailTrack's calculated pace estimate is 5 hours 2 minutes, but rough clough and pathless plateau terrain can add substantial time.
Does this route reach Kinder Scout's true summit?
Yes. After following the southern edge west, the GPX crosses peat groughs to the unmarked 636 m high point. It is not Kinder Low trig point, and precise navigation is required.
Is Grindsbrook Clough a scramble?
The upper clough involves boulders, stream crossings and hands-on movement. It is not a graded technical climb, but rain, high water, ice or a descent on wet rock can make it serious.