With the weather picking up over the recent bank holiday weekend, me and my girlfriend headed to the quaint village of Edale in the Peak District to check out the Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder walk.
Laying claim to the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres (or 633 metres from Kinder Low), the climb is quite challenging in parts but the rewarding views from the top are undoubtedly worth it.
Along the way you’ll come across moorlands, woodlands, steep inclines, wildlife, scrambles and even boulder climbing – all before heading back down to Edale for some well-earned home made ice cream at the Penny Pot Café.
The Kinder Scout Mass Tresspass
Unknown to many, Kinder Scout is actually notorious for one of the most important events in UK rambling history – the Kinder Scout Mass Tresspass of 1932.
We often take the right to roam for granted these days, with the UK offering a whole host of public footpaths and trails up and down the country for us to explore.
However, just less than 100 years ago this was not always the case.
With big, rich landowners hogging the countryside and closing it off to the public, walking through open country was not so easy.
24th April 1932 marked the spark of change, with over 400 walkers trespassing onto Kinder Scout in direct opposition to the law. After much commotion a total of five people were arrested.
Despite the harsh sentences imposed upon the leaders, the Trespass ignited a wave of public interest and sympathy, and proved to be a catalyst in eventually securing the right to roam that we all enjoy today.
Walk up Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Laddder (linear route)
There are several routes to choose from, but we opted to start from Edale and then climbed up to Kinder Scout via Jacob’s ladder.
From the top, you can check out the Edale rocks before heading to Kinder Low trig point to take in the glorious views from above.
From here there are various routes you can take, the easiest and shortest being the linear walk which takes you back down Jacob’s Ladder and into Edale.
Kinder Scout Walk – Route Info
Route Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 13.93 km (8.71 miles)
Route Elevation: 633m
Route Time: 3-5 hrs
Start and Finish: The Old Nags Head, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 7ZD…
Ordnance Survey Map: Click here
Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder – Step-by-step guide
Starting in Edale at the village hall carpark or train station, follow the road past the Rambler’s Inn, making your way to the Old Nag’s Head pub.
Just before you reach the pub you’ll find a left turning with a sign for the Penine Way to mark the start of the trail.
Follow the sign and head up the slight incline until you reach a fence to your left. Head through the fence and continue along the footpath through the open moorland.
After following the path and Penine Way signs, you’ll eventually come to a small bridge which takes you to the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder.
Take the path to the right and start the steep ascent to Edale Rocks…
A short walk past the Edale Rocks and you’ll arrive at Kinder Low trig point. Take a moment to soak in the sweeping views of Edale valley and Kinder Reservoir.
From here, you can head back down via Jacob’s ladder, or alternatively continue along one of the other various paths available. We decided to have our picnic overlooking the reservoir and explore some more before finally heading back down via Jacob’s Ladder.
For info on the other routes, you can click here.
Is Kinder Scout a difficult walk?
I’d rate Kinder Scout as a medium difficulty ramble.
The steep ascent up Jacob’s ladder will definitely get the blood flowing and leg muscles burning, but the rest of the walk is relatively flat and relaxing. Most reasonably fit walkers shouldn’t have much of a problem making their way up to the top.
How long does it take to climb Jacob’s Ladder and Kinder Scout?
The journey from Edale to Jacob’s Ladder and then up to Edale Rocks takes around 2 hours.
From the top, if you head over to Kinder Low trig point before making your way back down via Jacob’s Ladder, the full linear walk should take around 3-4 hours in total.
The longer routes that continue past the trig point can take upwards of 6 hours however.
Kinder Scout weather
Despite being a relatively hot and sunny day on our venture, it still got pretty windy and nippy at the top. Bringing my fleece was definitely a good idea! Additionally, rain is almost always a possibility in England, so it’s probably worth packing a lightweight waterproof jacket just to be safe.
The footpaths are well maintained and easy to follow for the most part and so Kinder Scout should be hike-able in all seasons, but if you venture off the beaten path and try some of the longer routes it’s best to bring your walking boots since it can get quite boggy in parts!
Kinder Scout weather forecast: Edale – BBC Weather
Kinder Scout parking in Edale
If you’re driving, you can head to Edale and then park on the main carpark at the village hall at S33 7ZP.
The carpark is known to fill up very quickly however, so be sure to set off early. There is an overspill carpark that you’ll be directed to if the main carpark is full – but even this isn’t available for long!
Carpark prices:
Up to 1 hour £1.60
1-2 hours £2.50
2-4 hours £4.00
Over 4 hours (maximum 10 hours) £6.00
24 hours £7.00
Coaches and motorhomes 0-4 hours £5.50
Coaches and motorhomes over 4 hours £10.50
*The overspill carpark was £5 for the whole day when we last went
Alternatively, if you catch the train you can just hop off at Edale Railway Station which is conveniently located next to the village hall carpark.
Start grid reference: SK 12381 85327
Kinder Scout height
The highest point of Kinder Scout is actually 636 metres, but most people instead head to Kinder Low trig point which stands ever so slightly lower at 633 metres. The views here are outstanding, offering the perfect vantage point for photo opportunities of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.
Is Kinder Scout an easy walk?
The easiest option is to take the linear route, whereby you simply return back down to Edale via Jacob’s Ladder. This is the shortest and least demanding walk; although heading up Jacob’s Ladder is still going to be a challenge!
More Resources
Looking for more adventures in the Peak District? Then be sure to head on over to our walk guides for Dovestone’s Trinnacle Trail and the Bleaklow Bomber Snake Pass hike!
Happy walking 🚶🚶