This is a fantastic and sustained grade 1 scramble, up Crowden Clough and descending via Grindsbrook Clough (with the option for more scrambling in the upper regions of Grindsbrook).
There is one section that makes up the crux of the route, which offers 3 lines of varying difficulty.
Grade: 1 / 2
Start: Upper Booth Car Park (map link)
Route Map
This route takes the road past upper booth farm, taking a right turn just after the farm on a bridge, and follows Crowden Clough all the way to Kinder Scout (taking in the extra top part of Crowden Clough), moving over to take in the views of Crowden Tower, then skirting the edge of Kinder Scout and descending via Grindsbrook Clough (with optional extra scrambling in Grindsbrook), and taking the path back too upper booth.
Approach
From Upper Booth Car Park, you follow the road for 5 minutes, until you reach a farm on your right, and a bridge. On the far side of the bridge, you will see a small gate, which leads you to the start of the route. Follow this path which sticks to Crowden Clough all the way up until the real scrambling begins (which is just as the path starts to move away from Crowden Clough up the hillside below Crowden Tower).
Those in the party who don’t want to scramble can take this path to avoid the obstacles.
How To Scramble Crowden Clough
At this point you can really get your hands on the rock, and treat it like an adventure, choosing any line through the boulder field that inspires you.
There are countless different lines to take, and the weather may determine which line you prefer to take (if it’s really warm you won’t mind getting wet!).
Eventually you will reach a large pool (or small pool in a dry summer) which marks the start of the crux of the route.
There are 3 different lines here at the crux, which can be ascended and descended to allow you to do all 3 in one outing!
They are the chimney, the arete, and the waterfall direct.
Extra Crowden Clough Scrambling Section
This is not very well documented but makes a great extra scrambling section to the route.
After the previous crux section, you continue on easy scrambling above to reach the path that crosses Crowden Clough, however this isn’t the end.
Crowden Clough splits into two forks, and by taking the left hand fork here you can have some more fun. Follow the water until you reach a large rock formation. Climb underneath this and look right, to reveal a narrow chimney which offers an interesting finale.
From here you can make your way towards Crowden Tower to take in the views, before deciding on your descent route.
Descent
via Crowden Clough
The quickest way back to the car is to descent the way you came (or the easier path descent next to Crowden Clough), however to make it into a full day see below.
via Grindsbrook Clough
Turning this route into a looping walk is commonly done via a descent of Grindsbrook Clough (grade 1), a classic scramble that is normally ascended from Edale.
However the alternative extensions are well worth adding in at the top of Grindsbrook Clough, as they offer some exciting scrambling before you make your way off Kinder Scout.
Extra Scrambling On Grindsbrook Descent
As you descent into Grindsbrook clough, you will reach a point where it has forked (you are descending the lefthand fork). Go up the right hand fork, until the cliffs start to become more imposing around you.
There are two routes here, one (the most difficult, probably Grade 2) is on the left, and starts on steps up a waterfall. The other is on the right, and takes a narrow gully up to the top.
I recommend doing the easiest first, then descending back into the clough and completing the more difficult.
Recommended Guidebook & Map
The best guidebook for this route is found in the Scrambles in the Dark Peak book, which is available via Paperback or Kindle Book here.
The best map for this route is the Ordnance Survey OL1, The Peak District, Dark Peak Area, available on Amazon here.
Recommended Scrambling Guide: (coming soon)
Recommended Accommodation: Upper Booth Campsite
Parking at the Upper Booth farm campsite is your cheapest and easiest option, you can find the website for that here.
You can find related accommodation in the valley, such as in Edale, on Booking.com here.
Route Info
| Distance | 11.47 km |
| Elevation | 591m +/- |
| Duration | 3 - 4 hours |
| Grade | 1 / 2 |
| Transport | Car - Park at Upper Booth |
Navigation
| Guidebook | Best Book |
| Maps | Best Map |
| Guided Tours | Guides |
| Accommodation | Where To Stay? |
| Contributor | Who Contributed? |
Route Contributed by: Matt Jackson
This route was created by Matt Jackson and donated to the UK Scrambles website through our contributor program.
This generosity enables us to publish a whole range of scrambling routes to help you enjoy the outdoors.
If you have a route you could contribute, submit it to us today.
You can view other routes Matt has contributed here.
I’ve never had to remove my sack on the chimney finish of Crowden Clough.
A really excellent guide to Crowden gully prepares you and gives confidence that it is not to difficult and allows to plan the route in safety.
Excellent route, perfect summer scramble with the Heather flowering and plenty of small waterfalls. Quiet and scenic (until you reach the top) , can be as hard or easy as you make it. Started the route in Edale train station car park as my sat nav didnt take me to the parking, which was full when I walked past it anyway.
Thanks
Hi I know this is an old comment but we went today and got completely confused as to where to start this walk . We parked at edale car park and just could not find the route up pls could u help on that at all
If you check the embedded route map, you can see in Edale where the route can be followed next to The Old Nags Head pub.