12 Miles / 19.1km with 2,200ft / 670m Total Ascent
From Hayfield, we proceed up Kinder Road and pass the terraced house in which actor Arthur Lowe was born (Captain Mainwaring of “Dad’s Army” fame). Keep an eye out for a blue plaque on the wall which indicates the exact house.
Soon after, we join the “Snake Path” on our left and follow this in the footsteps of the 400 or so ramblers who, on 24 April 1932, took part in the Kinder Mass Trespass.
The ramblers were seeking the right of working class people to roam freely on the open moorlands. At that time, all of the Kinder massif was privately owned by and for the exclusive use of wealthy landowners and their grouse shooting. Some 19 years later the Peak District became the UK’s first national park.
As we reach Middle Moor shooting cabin, instead of following the main tourist (and trespass) route up William Clough, we will today contour slightly left before ascending Leygatehead Moor and summit out at the top of Mill Hill (544m).
From here, heading in a south easterly direction, we descend to the col at the head of William Clough, before joining the now well trodden path that contours the western edge of the Kinder plateau. We follow this, first to Kinder Downfall and then onwards to Kinder Low (633m).
To complete the round, we continue to Brown Knoll (569m), South Head (494m) and then to the curiously named Mount Famine (473m). The hills name originates from the period of the Inclosure Acts (1773-1859) when tenant farmers struggled to make a living from the poor farming land.
From Mount Famine, we follow the descending ridge line towards Elle Bank and then back to Hayfield in time for refreshments.
We’ll aim to complete the walk today, hopefully without having trespassed on anyone’s land, which of course will be “Strictly Prohibited” and also preferably without any of the group being arrested!
10 Miles / 16km with 1,600ft / 488m Total Ascent
From coach park in Hayfield west along River Sett on Penine Bridleway north up Lantern Pike and down towards Blackshaw Farm. Leave the bridleway for a path south to Little Hayfield. West now crossing to a track then a path over Middle Moor and the shooting cabin shortly after cabin take path going towards Kinder Reservoir following it round the end of the reservoir up to Broad Clough. Follow track south leaving west for a path down to Bowden Bridge and road back to Hayfield. Stopping at the pub if time allows as Hayfield was a bit lacking in open cafes and pubs when I was last there.
Great views of Kinder Edge and the Downfall plus Kinder End weather permitting.
