Edale – 24/07/2026 – Leader Judy

14 made the effort to get up for an early start to this spectacular walk, on a lovely summer’s day, although it was quite cool at 8.30am and much windier than the forecast or any of us expected. (Look at Helen’s hair on the Mam Tor photo)

We began by ascending the iconic Mam Tor, the first of our trig points at 517 metres, also known as the Mother Hill and Shivering Mountain because of its propensity for landslips. It sits between the gritstone dark peak, where we were walking today, and the limestone white peak gleaming at us in the distance. Soon we were along the famous ridge to reach the coffin trail, from when there was no church in Edale and the coffins were carried across to Hope church. We enjoyed magnificent views as we reached Hollins Cross, and then descended to Edale, to visit the toilets at an elastic 100 yards off route!

We followed Grinds Brook, taking our coffee break, before the tough ascent up Golden Clough, which didn’t feel too golden at the time! We battled steeply uphill through bracken in full growth and taller than some of us. There was a bit of scrambling and a lot of puffing and panting, plus the occasional shriek as a slip resulted in a wet bottom! We eventually reached Nether Tor, a rocky gritstone outcrop on the edge of the Kinder Scout plateau.

Then we were along the amazing ridge above Grindsbrook Clough, dodging gritstone rocks and treading gently undulating paths. We navigated the upper part of Grinds Brook with it’s interesting rock formation, which fortunately had no running water today, so an good photo opportunity. We had lunch in a relatively sheltered spot before a short climb to Crowden Tower, not a tower but a collection of gritstone rocks, and more great views.

We continued along to Edale Head via the incredible Wool Packs, continuing to admire fantastic scenery.  Some climbed to Kinder Low, our second and highest trig point at 633 metres, with a bit of a scramble to it on a rocky mound, due to the receding peat. Here we joined the Pennine Way briefly, with its historic start from Edale, including up Jacob’s ladder, but that was not us today. Soon we were heading to Brown Knoll, our third trig point at 569 metres, and were able to admire work done to protect the exposed peat bog, including the welcome paved path. It was then across high moorland to Rushup Edge, including Lord’s Seat at 550 metres where we could see most of the route we’d walked. It was then gently downhill back to the car park.

Many thanks to Stephen D for once again volunteering to take photos, when he has excelled himself and made a great attempt to do full justice to this wonderful setting. Thanks to everyone who came and made this day special.

Pics – Stephen D      Write up – Judy

Distance –   12.85 miles  ( a bit less for those not doing the toilet run and/or the second trig)            Ascent – 2914 feet (including Kinder Low)              M/h – 2.1

‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here‘

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture