SK0887 : The Summit of Kinder Scout, 636m

Kinder Scout

636m Elevation
497m Prominence
England Country
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SK0887 : The Summit of Kinder Scout, 636m

Iain Lees Photo source

Explore routes near Kinder Scout

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Kinder Scout from Edale Circular

13 km ~5h Hard

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Mam Tor Circular Walk via Blue John Cavern

4.5 km ~2h Moderate

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Old Glossop and Bleaklow Head Circular with B-29 Crash Site

17.4 km ~5h 30m Hard

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Langsett Northern Shore and Woodland

3.9 km ~1h 20m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Classic Kinder Scout Circuit via Jacob's Ladder

This well-loved route starts from Edale and leads up to Kinder Scout via Jacob's Ladder. The ascent is steady and offers stunning views of the surrounding Peak District. The route continues across Kinder Plateau, passing Kinder Low trig point and the Kinder Downfall before descending back to Edale.

13 km ~5 hours Moderate

Kinder Scout via Grindsbrook Clough

A popular and scenic route that begins in Edale and follows the dramatic Grindsbrook Clough to the Kinder Plateau. The ascent includes some mild scrambling, and the walk across the plateau provides breathtaking views. The return journey loops back to Edale via a gentler path.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Kinder Scout via The Pennine Way

This iconic route starts from Edale and follows the Pennine Way to Kinder Scout. The route takes you past Upper Booth and continues to Jacob's Ladder before reaching Kinder Plateau. It's a straightforward and rewarding route for those looking to experience the Pennine Way's charm.

12 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Kinder Scout from Hayfield via Kinder Reservoir

This scenic route starts in Hayfield and passes Kinder Reservoir before ascending to Kinder Scout. The views of the reservoir and surrounding moorland are spectacular. The route crosses the Kinder Plateau and returns via William Clough for a varied and enjoyable circuit.

14 km ~5.5 hours Moderate to Challenging

Kinder Scout via the Snake Pass and Fairbrook

Starting from the Snake Pass layby, this lesser-trodden route follows the Fairbrook stream up to Kinder Scout. It offers a quieter way to explore the plateau, with a mix of gentle inclines and rugged terrain. The return path follows the same route back.

9 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Ethel Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

636m

2,088 ft

Prominence

497m

Coordinates

53.3848, -1.8739

SK084875

OS Map

110

Explorer: OL1W

At the Summit

The summit features a distinctive trig point and is often marked by a small cairn. On a clear day, you can see for miles!

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops and boggy areas typical of the peat moorlands in the Peak District.

Kinder Scout is primarily composed of gritstone, a durable rock ideal for erosion resistance, which has created dramatic cliffs and plateau formations in the area.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the edges of the High Peak and the distant hills towards Manchester.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Kinder' derives from the Old Norse 'kindr', meaning 'family' or 'kin', while 'Scout' relates to 'hill.'

Historical Significance

Kinder Scout is historically significant as the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass, which played a pivotal role in the right to roam movement in the UK.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Edale Village Car Park (SK124853) offers convenient parking, but spaces fill quickly during weekends.

Public Transport

Regular train services run from Manchester to Edale, making it easy for walkers to reach the area without a car.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés and toilets are available in Edale, and there are also options for refreshments in nearby Hayfield.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Boggy terrain can be deceptively slippery, especially after rain; visibility can also drop rapidly in fog.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Kinder Scout?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Kinder Scout through the maps

Are there other walkers around Kinder Scout?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Kinder Scout search or of course create your own walk for Kinder Scout

Can I organise a walk to Kinder Scout?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Kinder Scout.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Kinder Scout?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Kinder Scout here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SK084875

View on OpenStreetMap

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