We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. Keep to the lower path and follow the track. It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. A little bit along from Blackden Brook are these adjacent scrambles, both a bit more taxing. Again the scramble section is near the top of the Kinder Plateau on this route. As most of these routes are actually up the beds of small rivers they are particularly suitable for dry periods. A few hundred metres after the waterfall youll need to look for the path on the opposite side of the clough, and cross at this point (SE 04023 04580). Part of the Trinnacle Trail, a few drone shots of the Trinnacle itself and Birchen Clough (the waterfall scramble). Walk: Birchen Clough car park, Snake road SK 10920 91431. Ideal parking spots as described, though note you will need to get lucky at some of the lay-bys: This is an entry-level scramble up a narrowing valley rising to the plateau edge. The best technique for a scramble route is to make sure your hands are free and use both your hands and legs to reach the top. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. Kevin Clough - Los Angeles, California, United States - LinkedIn There are a few options to shorten this route, the first point is to descend the edge at Ashway Rocks, there are a couple of paths down along Dove Stone Moss and instead of walking along to Alphin Pike you can descend from Chew Reservoir on the road to Dovestone Reservoir. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. I recommend the Silva Expedition compass, its more expensive but a valuable piece of kit! Welcome to The Wandering Wildflower, an outdoors lifestyle blog focusing on family walks in the Peak District, a place we love exploring. I use OS Online, its a great App which you can use in Flight mode on your walks. It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Let me know in the comments if youve done any of these Peak District scrambles? We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. This can get busy at weekends so be sure to get there early. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. These are all Peak District scramble routes, youll notice the majority of ones on the list are Grade 1 scrambles in the Peak District, which is where my comfort zone is for scramble routes. Best Kinder Scout Walks | Guides and GPX Files . Let me know in the comments, Walk type: Medium circular walk (challenging route in places), Walk highlights: Views across Dovestone Reservoir, waterfalls + scrambling up Birchen Clough, The Trinnacles, views along the edge, Alphin Pike, Stiles: 4 stone stiles (same 2 at the beginning) option to avoid, Car parking address: Binn Green car park, off Holmfirth Road, Oldham, OL3 7NN. Your email address will not be published. In heavy rain, the route via Birchen Clough may not be passable, during my first visit in February 2020 it was not safe to cross. Fun easy scramble up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle on Saddleworth Moor near Oldham. For this Peak District scramble walk, you start on the Snake Pass side of Kinder Scout, this 6-mile walk takes you up Blackden Brook on a challenging route to the top. All the walks on the website are created using OS Maps Online + you can download them to the OS Maps App. The path winds its way through the trees before reaching a stile where we headed up the hill over Alport Moor in the direction of Oyster Clough.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-medrectangle-4-0');At the head of the clough is the Oyster Clough shooting cabin, touted on YouTube as a secret bothy in the Peak District although judging from the guest books in there its very well visited for somewhere so secret. From Ashway Rocks head on the same level in a southerly direction and youll pick up the path. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. Kathy Clough. . This is a lovely route from Hayfield and one of the longest scramble routes in this list, which also makes it one of my favourites. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. ).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-box-4','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-box-4-0');The cow poo kind of ruins the illusionif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-banner-1','ezslot_10',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-banner-1-0');We followed a very faint path round the head of the Clough and over the moor, heading down the hill on quite indistinct paths. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. Read more here. Baslow Edge + Birchen Edge Walk From Baslow | 9-Mile Route. Although it was all perfectly doable solo the overwhelming sense of natures power had me rather missing a companion. Turn right and cross over Birchen Clough, its easier at the lower point but it will depend on the weather and how much water there is. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! So a last minute decision to meet up and clear our heads tu. Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here. Ive walked the Pennine Way to the top of Bleaklow along Clough Edge often enough without realising there was a hidden gem right below. And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expeditionor the Silva Classic compass. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. This area has a remote feel, yet the skyscrapers of Manchester city centre are clearly visible to the west. And you also have the bonus of the Dark Peak area being more gritstone rocks, which is a grippy rock so perfect for scrambling, providing youre wearing the right footwear! At the woods turn right, follow the path, turn right through a gate and walk downhill. I will leave its Grade 3 neighbour, Wilderness Gully East, to more serious scramblers! Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. The farmer was in his yard with some sheep and kindly let us pass through to reach Snake Road, which meant that we didnt need to follow the footpath to Alport Bridge and walk even further up Snake Road its a horrible road to walk on as the cars fly past! The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. things improve once in the stream-bed itself, but some thought is still required to successfully exit at the top. This is at no extra cost to you. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Cross back over to the left when it evens out and climb up the steep (and sometimes boggy) grass slope on the right to join the path at the top, soon reaching the Trinnacle. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. Grade 3 you might want to take a rope and a friend. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. - See 203 traveller reviews, 308 candid photos, and great deals for Greenfield, UK, at Tripadvisor. If in doubt and its your first time on a route, scramble up not down! As you begin the climb break off the main path and just follow the river. 7 Fun Peak District Scrambles + BEST Routes As Ive been on my own so far Ive stuck religiously to the Grade 1s and yes, generally theyve been perfectly comfortable to tackle solo. It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. This popular route up the south side of Kinder is more a bouldery walk, but does have a couple of interesting scrambling sections near the top, one of which graces the front cover of the book above. The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3-0');At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! She was just 16 years old. Fancy trying some walks in other parts of the Peak District? In places the rock is covered in a pleasant spongy moss; in fact going barefoot could be an option here! There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). I picked my way up various folds in the landscape and headed for the central Tower which involves a minor scramble to sit on the top. This was my first scramble in the Peak District and its still one of my favourite routes to Kinder Scout. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. It feels like a hidden vale and the scenery is charming, so you could take your time with this one. 02 Nov. 9 Edges Walk (Derwent Edge to Birchen Edge) | 23-Mile Route. Keep walking along to Bramleys Cot, a ruined building (theres no roof but it will give you shelter from the wind in bad weather) and from here its about another 2 km to Chew Reservoir. We followed the path of the Roman road down through the fields.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2-0');We reached Heyridge Farm, where the footpath carries on along the farm track to the north-east. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. Did you know the National Trust signs are called Omega signs?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1','ezslot_13',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1-0');There is a gate which leads down the hill (quite steep and very muddy!) We have two routes, from Hollinsclough the route takes you up the scramble section and on the Earl Sterndale walk the route heads down this path. Oyster Clough Cabin Walk Map:Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB)Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him!Walk Time: 5-6 hoursDifficulty:Distance: 8.5 miles (13.8km)Trig PointsBagged: NonePeak District PeaksBagged: NonePeak District EthelsBagged: NoneBlackden Brook Scramble Walk Map:If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try:Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout WalkTorside Clough ScrambleMiddle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow StonesHigher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough ScrambleKinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble. Remember to do it at the end of the walk too. Unfortunately, there are no suitable public transport options for this walk. There are no other facilities on the walk. I dont know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Birchen Clough Sunday, 18 August 2019 Start time: 10:00 Moderate 9 miles / 14.5 km Group Amber Valley Route: Via Fairbrook, Ashop Clough, Seal Edge Starting point Birchen Clough Bridge (see below) Grid reference: SK109914 Nearest postcode: S33 0AB Start time: 10:00 Additional notes This is a circular walk Nat Park - Peak District - Kinder Scout Edale. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. We reached Heyridge Farm, where the footpath carries on along the farm track to the north-east. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. (c) The Wandering Wildflower. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. November 14, 2022 CIRCULAR WALKS, MEDIUM WALKS 4-9 MILES, PEAK DISTRICT WALKS This 8.5 mile Peak District walk starts from Birchen Clough Bridge car park and heads up Alport Moor to find the Oyster Clough shooting cabin before heading across the valley and scrambling up Blackden Brook onto the Kinder Plateau. Ask me in the comments below. Kevin Clough Contact center solution architect Detroit, MI. This is at no extra cost to you. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. This Dovestone Reservoir walk includes walking alongside the reservoir but also exploring the edges high above it, with epic views! Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. I also blog about our UK camping trips, UK day trips, walks around Yorkshire and more. Its amazing how much interest you can find within just an hour or sos drive from home. So, a fair few of the routes in the book done, but still many more to do. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As a rule, if you dont feel confident then dont do it, its not worth a serious injury and a Mountain Rescue callout. Turn right to reach Fairbrook Naze, which looks like a ship's prow from the valley. Read more here. Dove Stone Reservoir: Beautiful walk, Wonderful view if you can climb. Its been a difficult few months for everyone, but we had really been feeling the lockdown lately. Top tips - Read our useful guides onhiking tips here. Black Hill Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, Stanage Edge Guided Walk (+ Webinar) with an Introduction to OS Maps, Mam Tor + Cave Dale Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, Kinder Scout Walk From Edale (via Grindsbrook Clough) | 8-Mile Route, Blackden Brook to Kinder Plateau (Scramble + Waterfall Route), Chrome Hill + Parkhouse Hill Walk (+ Scramble) From Hollinsclough | 5-Mile Route, Parkhouse Hill + Chrome Hill Walk From Earl Sterndale | 5-Mile Route, Crowden Clough Scramble (Via Grindslow Knoll) From Barber Booth | 6-Mile Route, Alport Castles Walk From Ladybower Reservoir (Fairholmes) | 10-Mile Route, Kinder Scout Walk From Hayfield (Via Red Brook Scramble) | 9-Mile Route, Dovestone Reservoir Walk (+ Trinnacles) Saddleworth | 12-Mile Route, Edale Skyline Route | 20-Mile Route (Ultimate Peak District Challenge), Laddow Rocks + Black Hill via Pennine Way From Crowden | 9-Mile Route, Winnats Pass Walk From Castleton (+ Mam Tor) | 5-Mile Route, Win Hill + Crook Hill Walk From Ladybower Reservoir | 9-Mile Route, click here to get them straight to your inbox, Top 10 Highest Peak District Hills + Mountains, Damflask Reservoir Easy Walk From Low Bradfield | 4-Mile Route, Reservoir Walk (Plus Emlin Ridge + Kirk Edge Trigs) | From Low Bradfield | 10-Mile Route, River Derwent Short Walk From Hathersage | 5-Mile Route, 9 Trig Walks For Trig Baggers (Walks with Multiple Trigs). Note on an earlier trip this section was impossible to cross due to heavy rain (see photo below). When we did this walk the rain started as soon as we entered the Brook, stayed for the duration of our climb and as soon as we hit the top the sun came out and it was a beautiful day again! Turn left into Birchen Clough and scramble over large rocks, if conditions allow, or take to the path on the left bank, to reach a large waterfall (this can provide an easy ice pitch after a period of freezing weather). Read more here. View looking SE towards the Raven Stones. Thanks for stopping by! Scrambles in the Dark Peak - Dave Middlemas The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. I tackled the most westerly of them and found it at the more challenging end of Grade 1. There is parking for literally 1 car at Alport Bridge and seeing the lay-by unusually empty was too good an opportunity to miss! Welcome to The Wandering Wildflower, an outdoors lifestyle blog focusing on family walks in the Peak District, a place we love exploring. When we did this walk the rain started as soon as we entered the Brook, stayed for the duration of our climb and as soon as we hit the top the sun came out and it was a beautiful day again! (Details include below in both routes). to a bridge over the River Ashop, which we crossed and then followed the path to Blackden Brook. The sections leading up to the scramble can be boggy/muddy in places, especially after lots of rain! More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. Youll also notice that only a small section of the each route include a scramble, so once youve done that the rest of the walk is on two feet! Kevin Clough Operations Manager at Landed Arvada, CO. Kevin Clough Landscape & Commercial Snow Removal . document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Hello! It can be reached by a quick scramble down. If youre still unsure feel free to get in touch with any questions. Instead of heading across the road down into Snake Woodlands we headed over the stile in the car park and up through the pine and larch plantation. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. Clamber up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle - YouTube We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! If you are looking for a challenging walk with lots to see, including the Oyster Clough shooting cabin (aka the secret bothy in the Peak District of YouTube fame) and Blackden Brook with all its stunning waterfalls, this could be the walk for you! This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. Walk: Birchen Clough car park, Snake road SK 10920 91431. 13 miles Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. Go to GPS File. We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! Start: car park at Dove Stones Reservoir (alternatively Crowden, and approach via Laddow Rocks). Read full privacy policyhere. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); OS Online App one month or yearly option. Also, consider the weather conditions, a wet and windy day is probably not the right time to be scrambling onto a completely exposed rock. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. Los Angeles, California. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. Did you know the National Trust signs are called Omega signs?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1','ezslot_13',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1-0');There is a gate which leads down the hill (quite steep and very muddy!) When we did this walk the rain started as soon as we entered the Brook, stayed for the duration of our climb and as soon as we hit the top the sun came out and it was a beautiful day again! Grindslow Knoll. The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. Im a huge fan of scrambling when I go out hiking and always on the lookout for routes where I can include a scramble section too. When Im not dragging my husband and 10 year old out on Peak District walks or up mountains, I can be found on my phone, planning my next Geocache walk (and seeing where the nearest pub is!). This lovely 8-mile route takes you up the scramble then loops back down the popular Jacobs Ladder path. At the head of the clough is the Oyster Clough shooting cabin, touted on YouTube as a secret bothy in the Peak District although judging from the guest books in there its very well visited for somewhere so secret. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. These can be fun during a dry spell in summer, so recently Ive been exploring some lines new to me in the northern Peak District. Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. Thanks for sharing these. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge.