Route Summary:
A Dark Peak walk that begins with an ascent of Kinder Scout via Crowden Clough before moving on to Kinder Low, Mount Famine, and South Head. The route returns to Edale via the Jacob’s Ladder path and the Pennine Way.
Route Information
Other POI: Edale Station, Grindsbrook Booth, Pennine Way, Broadlee-Bank Tor, Crowden Clough, Crowden Towen, Wool Packs, Pym Chair, Noe Stool, Kinder Low, Kinderlow End, Coldwell Clough, Mount Famine, South Head, Jacob’s Ladder, Upper Booth
Route Description:
Edale to Crowden Clough
The walk began in Edale, as most walks in this area tend to. I initially headed along the Pennine Way before eventually veering off to the right beneath Broadlee Bank Tor and following the smaller path as it contoured around towards Crowden Clough.
Crowden Clough
Crowden Clough was in full flow today and the couple of crossing I did were a little tricky. It seems that I might not be quite as agile as I was 10 years ago. I accidentally plunged my foot into the brook on a couple of occasions however my trusty Hanwag boots were up to the challenge and didn’t let a drop of water in. I slowly worked my way up towards Crowden Head. Normally I’d follow the brook all the way to the top and do some of the more adventurous scrambles. On this day I was feeling a little lazy and so, possibly for the first time ever, I exited Crowden Clough a bit lower down and followed the steep path on the left that headed towards Crowden Tower.
Kinder Scout
The edges were reasonably quiet, just how I like them. I navigated past the usual landmarks on Kinder Scouts south edge. A large section of traditional Dark Peak bog led to the weird and wonderful gritstone formations of the Wool Packs – named so presumably because they resemble wool bales. After that, the large gritstone outcrop known as the Pagoda which can be a tricky downclimb depending on which route you choose. The trig point of Kinder Low was the next and final landmark that I visited before making my way to the south-west corner of Kinder Scout and descending Kinderlow End.
Kinder Low to Mount Famine
Once down the very steep descent of Kinderlow End, I veered left (south) until I reached the main track. From here I followed west, descending the whole way. Eventually the track runs alongside Coldwell Clough, which itself runs into the River Sett once it hits the bottom. I turn right and followed the path alongside the river. The path soon forks. I initially went wrong here and took the right fork. I soon realised my mistake when I noticed I had the river between me and my next destination. I backtracked and took the left fork which crosses over the river. After a brief walk up this track, I took a sharp left. This path crosses hill sheep pasture and would take me all the way up to Mount Famine’s summit.
Mount Famine
The views from the top of Mount Famine are fantastic looking back across the valley at Kinder Scout. Gritstone outcrops give the summit the traditional Dark Peak look. The ominous sounding name stems from the period of the inclosure acts (from the late 18th century) when some tenant farmers were forced to lease land that was unsuitable for any type of farming.
South Head
From Mount Famine I carried on along the ridge and headed towards South Head. It doesn’t take long to ascend South Head which was fortunate here as my legs were tired. It’s more of a bump on the ridge. On the top is a cairn and a memorial to experienced rambler Frank Head, laid by the Ramblers Association.
Jacob’s Ladder & Back to Edale
From South Head, it was a long trudge back to Jacob’s Ladder, following the ridge path alongside the farm wall. Several points of the path were underwater and very boggy so took a bit of navigating. My legs were very weary at this point, and when the legs are weary, paths seem to be so much longer! Eventually I arrived at the end of the Jacob’s Ladder track and began the steppy descent, my knees complaining every step of the way. Once at the bottom, I made my way along the Pennine Way path back to Edale where the walk was at an end.
