The northern edge of Kinder Scout
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Peak District starting and finishing in Derbyshire, England, about 12.90km (8.02 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 4:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
403m (1322ft)
Descent
348m (1141ft)
Max. Elevation
630m (2066ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
751m (2463ft)
Start
Hayfield bus station
End
Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, England
Distance
12.90km
(8.02mi)
(8.02mi)
Duration
~4:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
This walk takes you across one of England's most famous moors, Kinder Scout. Kinder merits several visits, as it has a changing mood and appearance in different seasons. Tackling the northern end also allows for a bit of climbing on the spectacular boulders, which have been cut into many curious shapes by the wind. Finish the walk by heading to Edale.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Lantern Pike from Hayfield
A leisurely, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Derbyshire, England, about 7.50km (4.66 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.The Grouse to Edale
A moderate, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Derbyshire, England, about 12.90km (8.02 mi) long, duration: ~4:30h.Beneath Kinder Scout
A moderate, circular walk (countryside) starting in Derbyshire, England, about 12.50km (7.77 mi) long, duration: ~5:00h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SK035867
Start the walk in the village of Hayfield. Head east out of the village towards Kinder Reservoir.
OS Grid SK058886
The path goes along the north edge of the reservoir. From here, head up William Clough.
About 2.86 km (~1.78 miles) from 
OS Grid SK067899
The path from William Clough crosses the Pennine Way. At this point, head southeast onto the moor. On the plateau, though, stick to the northern edge of Kinder Scout. The whole plateau is now managed by the National Trust.
About 1.62 km (~1.01 miles) from 
OS Grid SK095897
Follow the northern edge of the moor, enjoying a nice cup of tea on one of the many boulders on route.
About 2.84 km (~1.76 miles) from 
OS Grid SK093890
This is the business end of the walk. Crossing Kinder Scout in good weather is a UK walking highlight - nowhere quite like it. In anything less, it's a real challenge. Pathless and disorientating in cloud or bad weather, you will need to have heeded that warning on all walking guides - bring a compass and know how to use it. If it's really looking rough, stick to the edge of the moor until you reach Blackden Moor, where it is a much shorter distance to cross. And be reassured that at least there are no beasts on the moor (unlike Bodmin or Dartmoor).
About 0.74 km (~0.46 miles) from 
OS Grid SK105872
However you cross, head to the top of the Grindsbook Clough path. At the top of Grindsbrook Clough, follow the well-worn path down to Edale.
About 2.14 km (~1.33 miles) from 
Edale villageOS Grid SK123856
There are good transport links from Edale, as there is a train station as well as buses. It also makes a great place to camp, with a good pub and a choice of nearby campsites, so why not make a weekend of it and explore the southern side of Kinder Scout the next day?
About 2.35 km (~1.46 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
violetpsyche
That looks like a fantastic route, Tim. I've been along the northern edges of Kinder Scout a few times, but have yet to walk up there from Hayfield. I prefer the north side, as you can go miles and hardly see a soul.