Walking in the Peak District: Day one
Part one of this two-day walk explores the National Trust land around the edges of the moorland of Kinder Scout and the dramatic geological fault line that lies just to the south.
Enjoy views from the Peak District's highest point
The High Peak is the classic introduction to the northern uplands of England. This is where the Pennine Way begins and where a mountain chain that forms the backbone of England makes its way north, gasping its last as it falls over the border into Scotland. We’re assuming you’re comfortable with map reading and grid references, and can use a compass.
Map
Start:
Edale train station, grid ref: SK123853
1
From Edale Station head north towards Grinsbrook Clough and turn left, signposted for the Pennine Way and Upper Booth.
Upper Booth and Lee Farm
The path is often laid with flagstones, sheep graze quietly, and you may spot a kestrel, a curlew, or crows mobbing a buzzard. The route is framed by thickets of birch, rowan, and - down by the streams - alder.
2
Follow signposts for Jacobs Ladder. At Swines Back head north for 435yd (400m) to trig point at Kinder Low. Retrace steps to Swines Back and take clear path east along ridge.
Climbing to Kinder
Jacob Marshall, who farmed Edale Head in the 18th century, carved steps into the steepest part of the route up to Kinder. This has always been an important packhorse route from the west of England to the east over the high Pennine moors. Commodities such as salt from Cheshire and cotton from the mills were moved east, and coal and lead were taken west.
3
After Crowden Tower path drops to ford and continues east. Then take left-hand path round back of Grindslow Knoll (SK104872) to crossroads of paths. Take steep path downhill into Grindsbrook Clough and Edale.
4
Take footpath behind cemetery (SK124857), cross bridge and turn immediately right to follow path under train bridge, across road to Peter Farm and Hollins Cross.
5
Take the path south-east down to Castleton via Hollowford Road.
The Hope Valley
After the bleak, menacing world at the top of Kinder, the grasslands around Castleton seem impossibly picturesque and benign. The fields often have gentle ridges - a legacy of medieval ploughing known as 'breedy butts'. Above everything stands the lofty fourteenth-century Peveril Castle, squeezed into a narrow gulch behind the village.
End:
Castleton, grid ref: SK149829
