Walking Britain Peak District Walk
Kinder Downfall from Hayfield
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| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL1 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
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| Ordnance Survey Landranger 110 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 110 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
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Walk Route Description
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This Peak District walk starts from the small quarry just outside Hayfield (grid ref SK047868) where the famous Kinder Trespass started (See walk 1174). Leaving the car park head north east up the lane to reach the main gates of the Kinder Reservoir. Then take the footpath that climbs along the northern side of the reservoir with a good view of Kinder Downfall across the water.
Soon you reach William Clough, which starts at the end of the reservoir. Keep to the path that follows the stream in this narrowing valley. After a steady climb you reach the paved "Pennine Way" at Ashop Head. Turning right (south east) climb the plateau edge. The climb is steep but on a pitched path and by the time you reach the plateau the uphill work for the day is complete.
Keep to the main path that follows the plateau edge - the walking is easy and the rocky defile of Kinder Downfall is reached quickly. Don't be disappointed if there is little water cascading off the plateau as it is only on rare occasions when there is a dramatic amount of water present. With plenty of shelter behind rocks, it is a good place to linger even on a cold and windy day.
Turn south to follow the edge keeping to the main path, which avoids most of the bad peat groughs. The trig point of Kinder Low is reached and from here it is better to continue past Edale Rocks to reach the col (spot height 533) where the Pennine Way comes up from Edale. Turn right (west) to pass the ancient Edale Cross and head down Oaken Clough.
There are many possible routes back to the quarry but it is best to leave the rather stony track just beyond Stony Ford to take the path that contours across the hillside. Continue past the foot of Kinderlow End and then turn west to Tunstead Clough Farm. From here it is only a short stroll back to the quarry.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1174 Kinder Low & Mount Famine from Hayfield - moderate - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Walk 2507 South Head & Edale Cross from Hayfield - moderate - 8.0 miles/13 km
Walk 1486 Harry Hut, Mill Hill & Doctor's Gate from near Glossop - moderate - 11.3 miles/18.4 km
Walk 3407 Chinley to Edale without a car - moderate - 9.3 miles/15 km
Walk 2546 Lantern Pike & Cown Edge from Rowarth - easy/mod - 8.0 miles/13 km
Walk 2534 Chinley Churn & South Head - easy/mod - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Walk 1923 Cown Edge & Whiteley Nab from Chunal - easy/mod - 6.5 miles/10.6 km
Walk 2622 The Sett Valley & edge of Kinder without a car - moderate - 10.0 miles/16.3 km
Walk 2523 Black Rocks & Bollinhurst Reservoir from Disley - easy - 5.0 miles/8.1 km
Walk 2567 Lyme Park & Dissop Head from Disley - easy - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
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