Map & Elevation
About this Route
Grindsbrook Clough is the most direct and arguably most dramatic way up Kinder Scout from Edale, trading the gentler gradient of Jacob's Ladder for a boulder-filled scramble through the heart of a narrow ravine. This out-and-back route follows the clough from its modest start in the valley all the way to the plateau edge, where the landscape abruptly transforms from confined gritstone walls to the wild expanse of Kinder's peat moorland. The return is the same way down, which has the advantage of being straightforward navigationally but demands respect — wet rock, awkward steps and the odd slither are all part of the experience.
The plateau itself is a lesson in bleakness and beauty, a place where weather systems arrive with little warning and paths dissolve into peat hags and groughs. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Dark Peak and south towards the White Peak plateau; in mist, it becomes a featureless maze where good compass work is the difference between confidence and confusion. This is classic Dark Peak walking — not technical, but unforgiving of poor preparation or casual decision-making.
Kinder Scout is not a mountain in the Alpine sense, but it commands respect all the same — a place where weather and navigation matter more than vertical gain.
Alfred Wainwright
Route Waypoints
Start from the car park near the station. Follow the well-signed path west through fields before turning north towards Grindsbrook. Clear tracks, gentle gradients, and the valley opens ahead.
The path narrows as you enter the clough proper. The gradient steepens and the terrain shifts to boulders and bedrock. Expect hands-on scrambling in places, especially after rain. Keep to the main watercourse; side paths peter out.
The clough relents as you reach the plateau. The world opens up suddenly — exposed moorland, peat channels and distant trig points. Turn east along the southern edge for views down to Edale before heading towards Kinder Low.
The highest ground is unmarked and indistinct — a broad plateau rather than a defined peak. Navigate carefully using map and compass; paths are vague and peat groughs are disorienting in poor visibility. Turnaround point for the return via Grindsbrook.
Descending the clough requires care. Wet rock is slippery, and boulder steps are awkward in reverse. Take your time on loose sections and watch foot placement. The gradient eases as you drop back into the valley.
Final stretch through fields back to the start. The path is straightforward and well-trodden. Good pub options in the village if you need resuscitation.
Essential Tips
The clough involves genuine hands-on scrambling over wet boulders and awkward steps. It's significantly more physical than Jacob's Ladder and becomes unpleasant in heavy rain. Gloves are worth carrying, and boots with decent ankle support make a difference.
The plateau is featureless, paths are vague or non-existent, and peat groughs disorient easily. Take a map, compass and the ability to use them. In poor visibility, turning back early is the sensible choice — people get lost up here regularly.
Kinder sits exposed to weather systems coming off the Pennines. What starts as clear can turn to wind, rain and mist within an hour. Carry windproof layers and extra insulation — the plateau is several degrees colder than Edale, and wind chill is significant.
Streams in the clough and on the plateau are plentiful but often peat-stained. Carry enough drinking water from the start, or use a filter if taking from becks. The peat gives the water a distinctive brown tinge but doesn't make it unsafe if treated.