Kinder

Trails

Kinder Scout mass trespass walk from Hayfield

Follow in the footsteps of the 1932 walkers who trespassed en masse to secure access rights in the Peak District for everyone.




About

In 1932 walkers trespassed en masse and walked from Hayfield to Kinder Scout to secure access rights to open country for all to enjoy forever. Today you can walk in their footsteps and enjoy the barren Dark Peak moorland landscape that others fought so hard for.

This 8 mile circular walk starts at Bowden Bridge, the rallying point for the trespassers. There's a commemorative plaque here on the quarry wall. In 1932 many of the trespassers arrived camped in Rowarth, north-west of Hayfield, and cycled to Bowden Bridge to avoid the police who intended to intercept them. 100s of others arrived by train from Manchester with around 500 walkers creating the mass trespass.

Find out more peakdistrict.gov.uk

Trail directions


Step 1

From Bowden Bridge car park head towards Kinder Bank on the Kinder Road. Continue past the remains of Kinder village in nearby fields and walk towards Booth Bridge.

Pass Booth Bridge and sheep wash. They were constructed after the valley was flooded to create Kinder Reservoir. The 1932 trespassers would have walked on the road, but walkers can now use paths either side of the river.


Step 2

Follow a bridleway up the hill at White Brow alongside the reservoir until you reach the Snake Path at the foot of William Clough. Follow the path skirting along the reservoir enclosure wall to the bridge where there's an information panel until you reach the Snake Path

From here, follow the path up William Clough. During the mass trespass the ramblers left the path which was originally higher up the slope and became embroiled in scuffles with gamekeepers and bailiffs.


Step 3

Continue upwards to Ashop Head, where the Pennine Way joins the path, and turn right. Carry on along the ridge to Sandy Heys. You can enjoy views over Yorkshire to the north, Cheshire to the west, Wales beyond. In July and August this is a great spot to admire the colourful flowering heather.

Don’t miss a photo opportunity at the rock buttresses and cascading water of the Kinder Downfall.


Step 4

Continue along the Pennine Way to Kinder Low trig point, rising to over 630 metres. Below and to your right are Cluther Rocks, where roadside millstones were once quarried.


Step 5

Continue to the flag path, following the route to the left, to Edale Road. Turn right through the gate. Edale Road is an old packhorse route and Edale Cross marks the summit of the road. Continue downhill towards Hayfield.


Step 6

Leave the moorland and walk on a path through fields to the tarmac road at Coldwell Clough. Carry on, keeping the stream on your left.

Rejoin the metalled road at Ashes Farm and continue to Bowden Bridge car park.


Sign up to our newsletter

Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.

18074061679080232