Kinder Scout

I just can't get enough of Kinder Scout. It's my favourite of the Peak District's unholy trinity (Kinder, Bleaklow and Black Hill). There's an excellent variety of routes to choose from. I've always been up from Edale, as it's easiest for me on public transport. I've been up there in sunshine and in 3 foot snow drifts. Gorgeous every time. Crookstone Out Moor at the eastern end of the plateau offers stunning views over several valleys and one end of Ladybower Reservoir.

(Written by: violetpsyche)

Warm summer run from Edale up the stream to the top, loosing my spike shoe in the thick peat, getting very mucky trying to retrive it and having the best time.

(Written by: thetrautbec)

I remember traversing the plateau for my DofE award wearing cheap walking boots and and old webbing rucksack which cut into my shoulders. It didn't put me off though. Try my favourite route, which is a quick circuit from Hayfield to the Downfall and back again - in late April when the spring sun is shining and the cuckoos have just arrived. Perfect!

(Written by: GraceQuirrel)

Kinder was my first proper peak in November 2009 and can't wait to return. We ascended via Jacob's Ladder and detoured straight to the plateau for shelter by the rocks when the weather turned nasty (sudden onset of heavy rain, hail and thick fog). We avoided the downfall due to the weather and followed the southern edge of the plateau to Crowden Tower. We then descended via Grindslow Knoll back into Edale. Views back into the vale of Edale were stunning, especially as it was the only direction in which we could see! Going back to scale Mam Tor this weekend...

(Written by: scorpiogaz83)

Great place, the Downfall is spectacular on a wet and windy day. Careful if you go off the track though as you can get bogged down. Do not under estimate it, the Fog can drop within a few minutes and you can loose the track easily. I'm sure i'll be going back for more time and time again

(Written by: Solace)

I love it up on the plateau, especially during the winter months. I find the landscape almost lunar like upon the top of the plateau. Kinder downfall is an impressive sight after a substantial rainstorm. I would recommend it to anyone, there are many different routes up and down the area to explore......

(Written by: lifeisgood76)

Easy to get to for a short trip out in the morning before work with a number of variations to keep it interesting. Try it from the north side from Ashop Clough once you've topped William Clough for an interesting scramble. Be sure to look out for the aircraft crash sites. This is a great training ground for those shorter days where the Lakes and Snowdonia can't be reached. Been there countless times and every time it's different with plates of ice crashing down Kinder River of the mist on top of the plateau. On a clear day it's the perfect antedote to living in the city, seeing it sprawled out beneath you. Tremendous.

(Written by: damian8315)

Kinder is a fantastic mountain for those of us unable get to the more popular walking areas. Loads of routes up that give a rare sense of wilderness in the Peaks. My favourite is Crowden Clough. ..and every walk should finish with a pint at the Old Nag!

(Written by: Ford)

Maybe I'm biased, as Kinder is the first place I was ever taken hill-walking, but I think Kinder is in a class of its own. No, it's not partcularly high, or difficult of access, but what a place! The plateau's peat groughs are like something out of Mordor, and there are so many possible routes, I can never get tired of it.

(Written by: pjroyle)

Compared to the Lakes, Snowdonia and the like, Kinder is just a baby mountain, but for those who live nearby it's not a bad day/evening out. While most people start from Hayfield or Edale, my 2 favourite approaches are the path across Brown Knoll from Rushop Edge, and the route from Jaggers Clough. This way you get to do the whole of one of the edges. Crowden tower and the other rock formations along that edge are great spots for sheltering from the wind, or sunbathing, or just stopping for a rest. Just be careful if you wander away from the paths....the peat is there to get you!

(Written by: Flying_Duck)

This is where the whole family fell in love with hills and mountains. Ascend via Grindsbrook Clough. It's a real steep scramble to the top but the sense of achievement when you get there is immense. At the top, it's like stepping into an alien landscape as you come up at the head of a massive peat gulley. After this, we became mountain junkies.

(Written by: RunForTheHills)

Fantastic views! Interesting features! ****

(Written by: skelly23)

For those of us who live lcoal to The Peak District, Kinder is the biggest, baddest hill that we`ve got. So we go to it and its addictive. Up to your thighs in peat during thick mist whilst "off path" is one of Kinder`s most endearing features. Best time to visit is, 365 X 24 X 7. Best location, view, lunch spot, (need you ask) is Kinder Downfall, especially on a rainy, windy day. It is Spectacular !

(Written by: pisswetthru)

The views are amazing and the walking is not to difficult and amazing walk for first timers. It’s a must on every walker’s list, best possible time is in the winter in the snow, it makes it more of a challenge and the views are even better.

(Written by: A.hal1987)

This is not one for really wet weather. If it does become bad stick to the main paths. Some great cliff edges to test your nerve. So many different routes up and down, however once up it can become a bit samey!

(Written by: barryw)

Best route - ascend Red Brook and then follow the edge to the downfall. Then follow the River Kinder as it bends around to the highest point 636m. If time is on your side continue onto South Head and Mount Famine before descending to Hayfield. On a winter day or when the clags down Kinder really feels like a true mountain. Also try: Balckden Brook Colborne Clough (Brown Knoll) The Cloughs (leading to Noe Stool)

(Written by: colclough9@talktalk.net)

I agree with the site's synopsis of Kinder. I Landscape is one to behold but can become boring. I gave the route variey a 5 as, quite frankly, you can go where you want. Be careful though, as in fog and heavy mist, this is not a place to be testing your navigation skills. The views are great with some interesting wind-shapen outcrops but the best landscapes are best to be found at the plateau perimiter.

(Written by: RichieRambler)

As in most walks, get off the defined paths and its wonderful finding new rarely visited spots. There are some wonderful valleys to explore, with lots of mini waterfalls. Do it....

(Written by: PeaksPhil)

As in most walks, get off the defined paths and its wonderful finding new rarely visited spots. There are some wonderful valleys to explore, with lots of mini waterfalls. Do it....

(Written by: PeaksPhil)