Contents
Overview
Kinder Scout lies at the heart of the Peak District, rich in both natural beauty and history. This vast stretch of open moorland was the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass, a landmark event that changed the future of public access to the countryside. Today Kinder Scout remains a symbol of that freedom, wild and windswept in many places, with peat bogs and heather stretching as far as the eye can see. Its remoteness and shifting weather make it both a challenge and a privilege to explore, offering a glimpse into the rugged heart of the Peaks.
This circular route begins in the peaceful village of Edale, surrounded by rolling hills and stone cottages. The trail climbs steadily through Grindsbrook Clough, where streams tumble between steep rocky sides before opening out onto the Kinder Plateau. Up here the land feels otherworldly, a maze of gritstone tors, weathered boulders and dark peat channels shaped over centuries by rain and frost. This trail is worth the effort, with sweeping views over the Edale Valley and across to the Great Ridge. From the plateau the descent via Jacobs Ladder offers a gentler return, with flagstone paths winding to the valley floor.
At 636 metres, the true summit of Kinder Scout is marked by a modest cairn, though most walkers aim for the nearby Kinder Low trig point at 633 metres. Both points capture the essence of the Peak District’s spirit, offering a feeling of vastness and solitude that few other places in England can match. The mix of raw terrain, changing weather and open horizons gives Kinder its lasting appeal, a landscape that challenges, inspires and always calls you back. This walk takes in one of the Peak District's Ethels: Grindslow Knoll. Find all 95 on our Ethels map.
Go prepared, stay safe
and enjoy the hike!
Key Info
Crowds
High
Kinder Scout is one of the most popular walking spots in the country, and Edale is busy even on cold winter weekends. The Edale car park gets very busy on sunny weekends and in the school holidays. Up on the plateau, though, it is a big place and you can often walk for long stretches with few people about.
When it gets busy
- Sunny weekends and school holidays
- Edale car park, which gets very busy at peak times
- The tops of Grindsbrook and Crowden Cloughs, where one writer saw plenty of people
For a quieter walk
- Arrive early or late in the day on sunny weekends and in the school holidays
- Go on a weekday if you can
- Take the train to Edale on the Hope Valley line and skip the car park altogether
- If the main car park is full, there is an overflow car park further along the main road
- Away from the tops of the cloughs, you can often walk for long stretches alone
Our crowd rating is for a typical sunny weekend in spring or summer, in the middle of the day. Timing makes a big difference, so even a busy walk can be quiet early, late or midweek.
The Route
Disclaimer: Route information and GPX files are provided for general guidance only. Conditions can change, so always use your own judgement and navigate responsibly. See our Terms of Use & Disclaimer for more information.
Route Guide
- 1
Up Grindsbrook Clough2.2 mi · 320m upWalk north up the lane through Edale village. Near the Old Nag's Head pub, take the path on the right that crosses Grinds Brook, then follow the brook north-west into Grindsbrook Clough. The top section is steep and rocky and needs hands in places, before the ground levels out on the plateau edge.
- 2
Out to Grindslow Knoll0.7 mi · 30m up · 10m downAt the top, bear left and follow the edge south-east out to the rounded top of Grindslow Knoll for the view down over Edale, then swing back west along the southern edge of the plateau.
- 3
Along the southern edge1.9 mi · 40m up · 40m downFollow the edge path west, crossing Crowden Brook at the head of Crowden Clough. Beyond it you pass Crowden Tower, the wind-carved boulders of the Wool Packs, Pym Chair and Noe Stool, then reach Edale Rocks.
- 4
Kinder Low and back0.8 mi · 50m up · 50m downFrom Edale Rocks take the short detour north to the trig point at Kinder Low, 633m and the high point of the walk. Then retrace your steps south past Edale Rocks.
- 5
Down Jacob's Ladder0.8 mi · 200m downCarry on south to the large cairn at the top of Jacob's Ladder and turn left, heading east down the stepped path into the valley. At the bottom, cross the River Noe by the small bridge.
- 6
To Upper Booth1.0 mi · 80m downFollow the track east down the valley, past Lee Farm, to the hamlet of Upper Booth.
- 7
Pennine Way to Edale1.9 mi · 60m up · 100m downAt Upper Booth the Pennine Way turns left. Follow it as it climbs gently over the lower hillside and then drops back to Edale beside the Old Nag's Head. Turn right down the lane to the car park.
Use the route on OS Maps, AllTrails or Komoot to navigate on the day; this guide is for planning.
Parking
The hike starts at Edale's main pay & display car park next to the village hall (S33 7ZL). It's open 24/7 with 138 spaces and costs from £1.80 for an hour to £6.80 for the day (£7.90 for 24 hours), payable by coins, card or PayByPhone; check the latest prices here. It gets busy, but people are always coming and going and I've never waited more than 5 minutes. For public transport, click "Directions" and choose public transport (the little train icon).
Alternative Parking
Facilities & Hospitality
The public toilets at the main car park are free to use and open from 8AM to 6PM.
Turn right out of the car park main entrance, then take your first right and follow the signs for the station.
Turn right out of the main car park entrance, then take your first right and then your first left.
Located north of the car park, it's on your left just after the railway bridge.
Located at the end of Marys Lane in the centre of the village.
Weather
Hike Videos
Note: Videos are made by other walkers, not The Lost Peak. They may not follow this exact route, and paths, conditions and facilities may have changed since filming.
Photo Gallery
Photos
Photo credits
Photos without a credit are our own. These are used under Creative Commons licences; thank you to the photographers.
Hints & Tips
Grindsbrook Climb
The climb through Grindsbrook Clough is the toughest and most technical part of the hike. The upper section becomes steep and rocky, and you’ll need to use your hands in places. Take extra care when the rocks are wet or icy.
Kinder Scout Summit
Although Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, this hike doesn't visit its true summit. Instead, it heads to Kinder Low, which sits about 3 metres lower at 633 metres. Unlike the true summit, Kinder Low has a trig point, fantastic views and is much more rewarding to visit. Reaching the actual summit involves a detour across rough, boggy ground with no views or obvious landmark, so unless you're trying to tick off every summit, you're not missing much.
Exposed Summit
There is very little shelter once you're on Kinder Scout. Even on warm days in Edale, it can feel much colder and windier on the plateau.
Peat Bogs
Large areas of Kinder Scout remain boggy throughout the year. Waterproof boots are highly recommended, especially after prolonged rainfall.
Crowded Weekends
Kinder Scout is one of the Peak District's most popular hikes. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday or start later in the afternoon, when many walkers are already heading back down.
Interesting Facts
The 1932 mass trespass, also known as the Kinder Trespass, was a significant event in the history of the British rights-of-way movement. On April 24, 1932, a group of over 400 hikers and ramblers marched onto Kinder Scout, a moorland in the Peak District, to protest against the exclusion of the public from much of the country's open countryside. This peaceful demonstration marked a turning point in the struggle for access to Britain's rural landscapes, and paved the way for the creation of national parks and the eventual expansion of the public rights-of-way network.
Although the trespass was met with resistance from gamekeepers and police, no serious violence occurred and five of the protesters were eventually sentenced to prison terms for their actions. Despite this, the Kinder Trespass inspired a nationwide movement for greater access to the countryside, and its legacy can still be seen today in the form of the extensive network of footpaths and open spaces that are accessible to the public. The Kinder Trespass remains an important symbol of the fight for the public's right to roam, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting access to our natural heritage for future generations. Click here if you'd like to learn more.
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