Words & Photos Jamie Smith

December 03 2009

What more could you ask for? A classic ridge, moorland bog crossing, fantastic views and a rough boulder ravine to finish. Leaving Edale in the opposite direction to most, I headed for the Great Ridge, gained via the path leading to Hollins Cross, which is marked with a memorial topograph.

A sharp pull, blowing the cobwebs away, gave way to extensive views, with the vast bulk of Kinder Scout in full sight.

Heading west into a blustery wind and gaining height, I reached the summit of Mam Tor, standing guardian over the Hope Valley. A popular launching point for gliders, it’s a hive of activity. I left the crowds to depart for Rushop Edge.

A well-worn path regains lost height to reach Lord’s Seat, with pasture and 
sheep-filled valleys beneath. Mountain bikers were out in force, using the bridleway running parallel to the footpath. A prominent signpost labelled “Edale via Barber Booth” was the signal to head for Brown Knoll. After a short distance the firm sandy base was left behind, as I stepped onto a soft spongy peat path. Fortunately a period of dry weather made the going relatively easy (previous excursions had been 
knee-deep in energy-sapping bog) but in poor visibility care and good navigation is required for a successful crossing.

The summit of Brown Knoll, marked with a trig point and surrounded by black peat, is wide open to the elements. With nowhere to shelter, I grabbed a few snapshots before continuing to a boundary wall, where I could lounge in the sun, out of the wind, enjoying lunch while gazing at the view.

The next objective was to meet the Pennine Way, which rises via Jacob’s Ladder to the southern edges of Kinder Scout. I chose to follow a high line to Grindsbrook Clough, taking in the delights of the numerous rock formations and tumbling ravines that litter these southern edges. On the left Edale Rocks keeps watch over walkers on their way, passing Noe Stool, Pym Chair and the Wool Packs, all greatly weathered and crafted by nature.

My descent of Grindsbrook proved rough at first, with hands and feet all called into action, working in unison to propel me safely back through a stunning amphitheatre to the security of the valley paths.

Then the cold blustery winds were left behind to be met with soaring temperatures, accompanying me through the lush valley floor, back to the day’s starting point, all along debating whether I had enough time for a pint in the Ramblers Inn.

Distance: 11 miles/17.5 km Ascent: 1730ft/528m Time: 6-8 hours Start/finish: Edale (GR: SK 124853) Map: Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer sheet OL1 (Peak District – Dark Peak Area); BMC 1:40,000 British Mountain Map, Dark Peak; Harvey 1:25,000 Superwalker, Dark Peak Information: Edale, 01433 670207 Travel: Trains to Edale

Technical Spec
E out of car park along road to reach path (GR: SK 129853) and follow S to Hollins Cross. W on ridge over summit of Mam Tor to road, cross, taking path/public bridleway W along Rushop Edge. Upon reaching signpost for Edale, head N for short distance, then left fork (GR: SK 098832), NW for Brown Knoll, passing summit to reach and cross wall via stile. Continue N to crossroads, follow Pennine Way to cairn (GR: SK 079865). Take right fork for Wool Packs, cross Crowden Brook and continue to SK 105872, head E, then SE down Grindsbrook Clough. Follow to Edale, return to start point via road.