SK090880
Introduction
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.
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Landscape
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.
At the southern end of the natural horse shoe which forms the rising ground on the western flanks lies Kinderlow, the highest point in the Peak District at 636m. Though barely higher than the ground in the immediate vicinity spectacularly opposing views are visible. 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. The southern edge of Kinder Scout overlooking the Vale of Edale bears further testimony to the harshness of the weather and altitude, being dotted with distinctive rocky tor formations with colourful names such as the Woolpacks and the Pagoda, an interpretation of their shapes. Others such as Pym Chair and Noe Stool have their origins in local history and folklore.
The blanket of peat which covers much of the Kinder plateau was formed as a result of extensive waterlogging which began as a result in a change in the climate and tree clearance by early settlers about 6,000 years ago. Peat growth probably continued until around 300 years ago. The appearance of early man at this time probably also had a considerable impact on the landscape as a whole as early settlers removed tree cover to increase the grazing available for the animals they hunted.
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Recreation
Kinder Scout has its own unique place in the history of access to the open moorland of the Peak District and beyond. In 1896 one of the first footpaths was opened between the village of Hayfield and the Snake Pass. Later in 1932 Hayfield became the meeting place for members of a movement lobbying for 'the right to roam' over open moorland. The gathering culminated in the now famous Mass Trespass where ramblers fought with gamekeepers and water bailiffs as they attempted to gain access up William Clough to the north west corner of the plateau. Though a number of arrests were made following the 'Battle for Kinder Scout' it took another 20 years before the creation of the Peak District National Park (the first in the UK) that opened up the possibility of access by voluntary agreement. Kinder became officially 'open' to the public in 1953 but the campaign for wider rights of access to moorland only came to fruition in 2,000 with the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
The open country is also criss-crossed by a number of footpaths and bridleways which can be enjoyed by walkers cyclists and horse riders alike. Notable amongst these is the Pennine Way long distance footpath which passes along the western edge of Kinder.
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Nature conservation
When te National Trust acquired Kinder in 1982, the semi-natural flora was severely degraded as a result of many years of over grazing, the consequences of atmospheric pollution and wild fires. A long restoration project has gradually enabled the vegetation and wildlife to return but much remains to be done.
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How to get there
Situated mid way between Manchester and Sheffield GR SK 078871 (Kinder Low).
From Hayfield, train stations at Glossop, New Mills (Manchester to Sheffield line or Manchester to Buxton line) and Chinley (Manchester to Sheffield line) Seasonal and regular bus services from Stockport via Marple and New Mills, Glossop and Chapel-en-le-Frith.
From Edale train station Manchester to Sheffield line.Seasonal bus services with rail link.
Car parks in Glossop, Hayfield and Edale.
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