Scrambling and Hiking, Blackden Brook

Route: Blackden Brook and Fair Brook

Meet at: Birchin Clough Bridge car park on the A57 just 1 km North of the former Snake Pass Inn (now a private house), approx postcode: S33 0AB, OS map reference: SK109914. As an environmentally conscious group, we actively encourage car sharing. Further details of car sharing arrangements from Sheffield, Manchester and elsewhere will appear in the comments section nearer the time.

This outing includes a bit of everything, history, picturesque scenery, a classic Peak District hike, two scrambles and some stunning views.

The full day will include a long scenic hike along the course of the old Roman road, passing above the famous Snake Pass Inn and heading towards Alport Dale. A short section of road work, the classic hike up the banks of Blackden Brook, passing high above a spectacular waterfall before moving into the brook to make a Grade 1 scrambling ascent with an exciting finish up the left branch. A hike along the Northern flank of the Kinder plateau overlooking the Snake Pass and passing several outcrops with plenty of climbing and scrambling moves to play about on. A Grade 1 scrambling descent of Fair Brook and a stroll along the banks of the river Ashop and through some woods before returning to the car park.

Photos of some of our previous outings to Blackden Brook and Fair Brook can be seen here:

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/30681429/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/29926870/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/29320752/

Difficulty: Grade 1 scrambling (suitable for beginners). For more information on scrambling grades, see:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/understanding-scrambling-grades

Experience Required: Some previous hillwalking/hiking experience would be beneficial along with a reasonable level of fitness, sense of adventure and preparation for any weather.

Duration: Approx. 11 km, with height gain (from car park to Kinder summit plateau) of approx. 350 metres. Estimated time, 5 to 6 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: Dark Peak Area OL1 Explorer Map 1:25 000 scale.

Guidebook: Scrambles in the Dark Peak, published by Cicerone Press.

As always, if everybody wants to contribute £2.00 towards our Meet Up site fees and other operating costs that will be great, thanks.