Route Map & Profile. I started by descending Rimmon Pit Clough and Holme Clough, which are decent enough scrambles in their own right. A faint path (bit of a scramble) leads up the LH side of Birchen Clough to Raven Stones Brow. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Part of the Trinnacle Trail, a few drone shots of the Trinnacle itself and Birchen Clough (the waterfall scramble). Nether Red Brook / Upper Red Brook (Kinder). 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! There are no other facilities on the walk. A straightforward but enjoyable boulder-hop up a stream-bed off the main Chew Valley. Ask me in the comments below. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. A very quiet area, and good to see the world from a different angle. Want new walks in your inbox? Time - 5 hours 20 minutes Grade - moderate. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. We had a quick snack break and Hols signed the book for us (I get her to do most of my admin now ;)!). 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. Its all so engaging that time just passes it doesnt really feel like youre putting effort into climbing a mountain. And dont forget your compass. 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! Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. 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. 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. There's one section which requires full on climbing (shown in the video) but not difficult. Maja from Away with Maja We did your Dovestones/Saddleworth walk yesterday from the Peak District Walks website Great route and the post was super helpful. Required fields are marked *. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. to a bridge over the River Ashop, which we crossed and then followed the path to Blackden Brook.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Blackden Brook is home to a series of waterfalls, with quite a large one being just down from the main path. Not so good as a descent, but theres a fast way down The Wicken just adjacent. Peak District WalkFair Brook & Kinder Northern Edges from Birchen Clough. At the bottom of the road, turn right and walk across the reservoir, at the end youll see a footpath leading off to the left. 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). Kathy Clough. The Peak District has several scramble routes, due to the rocky nature of the terrain many scrambles are in the Dark Peak area, which makes sense. 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! (Details include below in both routes). There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. This route takes you up Birchen Clough, for most of the route its simply navigating the rocks but theres a short scramble about halfway up (see photo above). This is at no extra cost to you. 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. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. From Manchester, its approximately 15 miles/45 minutes taxi drive. We had a quick snack break and Hols signed the book for us (I get her to do most of my admin now ;)! This was a real discovery. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. 2. Im Jo! There is parking for literally 1 car at Alport Bridge and seeing the lay-by unusually empty was too good an opportunity to miss! . So, a fair few of the routes in the book done, but still many more to do. Look out for new walks in your inbox soon! Nevertheless, accept the fact that youre going to get wet feet sooner or later. I hope this blog will give you some ideas of places to visit in the Peak District and inspire you and your family to head into the great outdoors. 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. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Also, consider the weather conditions, a wet and windy day is probably not the right time to be scrambling onto a completely exposed rock. Buchalter, A Professional Corporation. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. For these walks, there are two maps that cover them OL1 Peak District (Dark Peak Area) andOL24 Peak District (White Peak Area), You can buy a paper map at outdoor shops or shop online at Amazon or Ordnance Survey. This Dovestone Reservoir walk includes walking alongside the reservoir but also exploring the edges high above it, with epic views! Birchen Clough (Chew Valley) Start: lay-by on A635 at SE 051 063 I don't know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. Kevin Clough Operations Manager at Landed Arvada, CO. Kevin Clough Landscape & Commercial Snow Removal . Now follow Greenfield Brook all the way to the small footbridge. 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! Ive walked the Pennine Way to the top of Bleaklow along Clough Edge often enough without realising there was a hidden gem right below. 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. 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. 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! A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. 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. 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. Its amazing how much interest you can find within just an hour or sos drive from home. Fun easy scramble up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle on Saddleworth Moor near Oldham. Fancy trying some walks in other parts of the Peak District? There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Others named Kevin Clough. Start: car park at Dove Stones Reservoir (alternatively Crowden, and approach via Laddow Rocks). *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. Here Ive included 7 different scrambles in the Peak District and also included details on the best walks to do these routes. Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3:13pm on Saturday 11 February, and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short while later. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. 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. The sections leading up to the scramble can be boggy/muddy in places, especially after lots of rain! Eventually the dream ends and you hit the Pennine Way which provides a fast descent route back. The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. Refine Your Search Results. As a rule, if you dont feel confident then dont do it, its not worth a serious injury and a Mountain Rescue callout. 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. Beautiful Birchen Clough - the way to scramble up to the Trinnacle. Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here. Grade 2 you might want to take a friend. Go to the end where youll need to cross the water at the top of the reservoir (you can bypass this by taking the upper path at this pointSE 02020 04855). Grade 1 are OK to do on your own. The section up Birchen Clough has a few scramble sections as you make your way up to the top, with one more challenging one (see photo below). Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB). I went in fell shoes and shorts and this worked well, although given the risk of ticks at this time of year leggings could be an option. Associate regional editor for 15 local news websites in Los Angeles County. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. 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! We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. 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! 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! And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expeditionor the Silva Classic compass. Blackden Brook is home to a series of waterfalls, with quite a large one being just down from the main path. 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. At the top its easy to visit the three-pronged rock tower known as The Trinnacle apparently its possible to sit on top but I wasnt getting that close on my own! Also, please consider the weather conditions, climbing in wet or windy weather can be very dangerous and result in accidents. The path up Grindsbrook starts with a path, then begins to somewhat disappear as you pick the best route up. Birchen Clough (Chew Valley) Start: lay-by on A635 at SE 051 063 I don't know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. 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! The scramble initially skirts an attractive waterfall, then takes a smaller cascade more directly, before finally heading towards the summit of Bleaklow along the rocky bed of Dowstone Clough. Situated not far along from Grindsbrook route, this walk and scramble runs also parallel reaching the top of the Kinder Plateau about 1 km further along the path. Start: car-park on B6105 by Woodhead Resevoir. Includes areas such as Kinder Scout, the Wilderness Gullies and Bleaklow, and features both classic (Wilderness Gully East and Wildboar Clough) and lesser known routes. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. to a bridge over the River Ashop, which we crossed and then followed the path to Blackden Brook.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Blackden Brook is home to a series of waterfalls, with quite a large one being just down from the main path. 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. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. Ive been exploring 3 main areas of the Dark Peak Kinder, Bleaklow and the Chew Valley. I also blog about our UK camping trips, UK day trips, walks around Yorkshire and more. Once across follow Birchen Clough uphill, there are a few scramble sections, including one challenging one next to the waterfall. This can get busy at weekends so be sure to get there early. Welcome to The Wandering Wildflower, an outdoors lifestyle blog focusing on family walks in the Peak District, a place we love exploring. Start: top of Snake Pass, or Glossop, or lay-by on B6105 near Reaps Farm. I love the hills but hate the heights, so trig bagging is er- fun! You might like these walks, Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Its another quieter route up to the summit and when you pop out on the top which intersects the Pennine Way trail between Kinder Low and Kinder Downfall you might be surprised when you see all the people! 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. 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. Resides in Los Angeles, CA . 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. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. A brilliant 12-mile walk exploring the north part of the Peak District. All Rights Reserved. I will leave its Grade 3 neighbour, Wilderness Gully East, to more serious scramblers! If youre still unsure feel free to get in touch with any questions. Follow this alongside Dovestone Reservoir, as you reach the Dam at Greenfield Reservoir, youll see a stile over a fence on your right. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. 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. Our walk starts in Birchen Clough Bridge car park. saying that I also found it fun to do as a speed scramble and race its Strava segment. This is the route up to The Trinnacle, which involves scrambling up the rocks littering the Clough to get to the top. This area has a remote feel, yet the skyscrapers of Manchester city centre are clearly visible to the west. If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try: Middle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow Stones, Higher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough Scramble, Kinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble, Your email address will not be published. As most of these routes are actually up the beds of small rivers they are particularly suitable for dry periods. Location: Alport Castles near Ladybower Reservoir. From Ashway Rocks head on the same level in a southerly direction and youll pick up the path. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. Start on the left hand side, shortly cross over to the right at t. This route alongside Kinder Downfall is the best pure scramble Ive done so far, 30 minutes or so on smooth, dry rock. Nat Park - Peak District - Kinder Scout Edale. Start on the left hand side, shortly cross over to the right at the obvious point and continue up, sticking to the rocks at the side, don't be tempted to stray up too much.