This is more of a steep rocky path but if youre not used to steep ascents/descents it will feel like a scramble as youll want to use your hands on the way up (or down). A relatively easy walk for the majority of this route (until you reach the scramble) from Hollinsclough. Its amazing how much interest you can find within just an hour or sos drive from home. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. Oyster Clough Cabin Walk Map:Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB)Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him!Walk Time: 5-6 hoursDifficulty:Distance: 8.5 miles (13.8km)Trig PointsBagged: NonePeak District PeaksBagged: NonePeak District EthelsBagged: NoneBlackden Brook Scramble Walk Map:If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try:Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout WalkTorside Clough ScrambleMiddle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow StonesHigher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough ScrambleKinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. From Manchester, its approximately 15 miles/45 minutes taxi drive. It feels like a hidden vale and the scenery is charming, so you could take your time with this one. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Visit ourhiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit). Practice Areas . The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3-0');At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! A faint path (bit of a scramble) leads up the LH side of Birchen Clough to Raven Stones Brow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Time - 5 hours 20 minutes Grade - moderate. From which you see how the surrounding shale cliff has collapsed in some previous era. We followed the path of the Roman road down through the fields.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2-0');We reached Heyridge Farm, where the footpath carries on along the farm track to the north-east. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Im Jo! Good if you want to feel very, very insignificant in the overall scheme of the universe. Beautiful Birchen Clough - the - The Wandering Wildflower | Facebook Since scrambling is the next level before climbing, a scramble routes would naturally follows the way someone would climb up. Birchen Clough (Chew Valley) Start: lay-by on A635 at SE 051 063 I don't know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. I was just glad to have it to ourselves. My visit was made all the more memorable by coinciding with the England v Germany match which meant I had the hills to myself all rather magical. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The farmer was in his yard with some sheep and kindly let us pass through to reach Snake Road, which meant that we didnt need to follow the footpath to Alport Bridge and walk even further up Snake Road its a horrible road to walk on as the cars fly past! The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Let me know in the comments. Start on the left hand side, shortly cross over to the right at t. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. Look out for new walks in your inbox soon! . The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. Resides in Los Angeles, CA. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. But the climb up Birchen Clough was even better, essentially a long gradual scramble alongside a waterfall. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. We headed for the sheepfold, where there is a stile leading to the footpath running adjacent to Cowms Moor and the former quarry or landslide which has made some peculiar looking spoil heaps there. For online maps, I recommend OS Online App (I have been using it for many years and it is worth getting if you want to start walking more). Oyster Clough Cabin Walk Map:Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB)Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him!Walk Time: 5-6 hoursDifficulty:Distance: 8.5 miles (13.8km)Trig PointsBagged: NonePeak District PeaksBagged: NonePeak District EthelsBagged: NoneBlackden Brook Scramble Walk Map:If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try:Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout WalkTorside Clough ScrambleMiddle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow StonesHigher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough ScrambleKinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "birchenclough" Flickr tag. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. Location: Alport Castles near Ladybower Reservoir. Go over here, through a gate then another gate and alongside Greenfield Reservoir, on your left. Note you can descend via Chew Road at this point to shorten the walk by about 2.5 miles/4 km. If in doubt and its your first time on a route, scramble up not down! The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3-0');At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! There's one section which requires full on climbing (shown in the video) but not difficult. Eventually the dream ends and you hit the Pennine Way which provides a fast descent route back. This waterfall is the crux of the scramble. Includes Address(1) Email(1) See Results. Fun easy scramble up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle on Saddleworth Moor near Oldham. Birchen photos on Flickr | Flickr The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. Peak District WalkFair Brook & Kinder Northern Edges from Birchen Clough. As you begin the climb break off the main path and just follow the river. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. Want new walks in your inbox? *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. Go to GPS File. As Ive been on my own so far Ive stuck religiously to the Grade 1s and yes, generally theyve been perfectly comfortable to tackle solo. The farmer was in his yard with some sheep and kindly let us pass through to reach Snake Road, which meant that we didnt need to follow the footpath to Alport Bridge and walk even further up Snake Road its a horrible road to walk on as the cars fly past! At the woods turn right, follow the path, turn right through a gate and walk downhill. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Im Jo! Did you know the National Trust signs are called Omega signs?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1','ezslot_13',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1-0');There is a gate which leads down the hill (quite steep and very muddy!) Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. Required fields are marked *. 7 Fun Peak District Scrambles + BEST Routes The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. Let me know in the comments if youve done any of these Peak District scrambles? This was my first scramble in the Peak District and its still one of my favourite routes to Kinder Scout. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. You might like these Peak District walks. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. There are no other facilities on the walk. Author - Lou Johnson. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. I did a nice run east along the plateau edge from here, visiting some crazy rock formations on Fairbrook Naze before descending down Fairbrook itself, another fast descent. All the walks on the website are created using OS Maps Online + you can download them to the OS Maps App. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. to a bridge over the River Ashop, which we crossed and then followed the path to Blackden Brook.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Blackden Brook is home to a series of waterfalls, with quite a large one being just down from the main path. Many of the Peak District scrambling routes are in the Dark Peak area and these are the more challenging scrambles due to the nature of the terrain. We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! Follow this alongside Dovestone Reservoir, as you reach the Dam at Greenfield Reservoir, youll see a stile over a fence on your right. Near the top your scramble up through rocks to reach the edge path. Ive walked the Pennine Way to the top of Bleaklow along Clough Edge often enough without realising there was a hidden gem right below. We headed for the sheepfold, where there is a stile leading to the footpath running adjacent to Cowms Moor and the former quarry or landslide which has made some peculiar looking spoil heaps there. Id been on a photography course in Snake Woodlands the day before though and they were so magical with the Autumn colours I knew we had to go back. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. The Peak District has several scramble routes, due to the rocky nature of the terrain many scrambles are in the Dark Peak area, which makes sense. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). Also, consider the weather conditions, a wet and windy day is probably not the right time to be scrambling onto a completely exposed rock. Read more here. saying that I also found it fun to do as a speed scramble and race its Strava segment. Crowden Clough Scramble (Via Grindslow Knoll) From Barber Booth | 6-Mile Route. I tackled the most westerly of them and found it at the more challenging end of Grade 1. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. UKH Hills - Scrambles in the Dark Peak (summer) - UKHillwalking Walk: Birchen Clough car park, Snake road SK 10920 91431. English: Waterfall, Birchen Clough. As a rule, if you dont feel confident then dont do it, its not worth a serious injury and a Mountain Rescue callout. Birchen Clough (Chew Valley) Start: lay-by on A635 at SE 051 063 I don't know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. A little bit along from Blackden Brook are these adjacent scrambles, both a bit more taxing. Obviously, scrambling has a few potential risks, so the routes in this book are helpfully graded 1, 2 and 3. We headed for the sheepfold, where there is a stile leading to the footpath running adjacent to Cowms Moor and the former quarry or landslide which has made some peculiar looking spoil heaps there. Around this spot (SE 03311 04800) theres a path that goes over the moor but keep to the edge to walk past Ashway Rocks. Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him! I picked my way up various folds in the landscape and headed for the central Tower which involves a minor scramble to sit on the top. Turn right and cross over Birchen Clough, its easier at the lower point but it will depend on the weather and how much water there is. After a bit of a scramble along Fair Brook you reach . Grindslow Knoll. Interest increases with height and there is a step at the top that requires a bit of thought but is in fact perfectly doable. All Filters. What other Peak District scramble routes have you done? Your email address will not be published. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "Birchen" Flickr tag. Walk almost to the end, near some huge boulders and before the gate turn right onto the path winding down, then take any path on the right so youre walking alongside the stream (Chew Brook). There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. This final rocky scramble to the top is one of my favourites, but if you feel its too challenging, theres an Option B route so you can take your pick. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Hello! Required fields are marked *. July 2021 - Dave Middlemas A few hundred metres after the waterfall youll need to look for the path on the opposite side of the clough, and cross at this point (SE 04023 04580). The best technique for a scramble route is to make sure your hands are free and use both your hands and legs to reach the top. For more details, review our Privacy Policy. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. Situated not far along from Grindsbrook route, this walk and scramble runs also parallel reaching the top of the Kinder Plateau about 1 km further along the path. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Thanks for the inspiration!. She was just 16 years old. We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up. Aug 2010 - Jan 20143 years 6 months. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. Birchen Clough Wintertime Wander Sunday, 31 January 2016 Start time: 10:00 Strenuous 13.5 miles / 21.7 km Group Sheffield 40s Park at Birchen Clough car park, we then take the Roman Road through the trees to Blackden View Farm, cross at Alport Bridge and then a climb up to Blackden Edge. Check prices here for theone month or yearly option with OS Online App. For wildlife lovers keep an eye out for animals and birds on your walk, I saw plenty of grouse, but also a weasel and two young Short-eared owls and their mum (or dad) on this walk near the reservoir. Check prices here for theone month or yearly option with OS Online App. Ask me in the comments. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. Scramble routes in the UK are graded on a scale between 1 to 3, based on the difficulty rating. The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. As you climb higher the last section of the route turns into a rocky steep section, which is where you can scramble to final part to the top of Grindsbrook. Associate regional editor for 15 local news websites in Los Angeles County. I love the hills but hate the heights, so trig bagging is er- fun! Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! The farmer was in his yard with some sheep and kindly let us pass through to reach Snake Road, which meant that we didnt need to follow the footpath to Alport Bridge and walk even further up Snake Road its a horrible road to walk on as the cars fly past! There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Hello! It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Start: top of Snake Pass, or Glossop, or lay-by on B6105 near Reaps Farm. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Im a huge fan of scrambling when I go out hiking and always on the lookout for routes where I can include a scramble section too. Please consider the safest option on your hike may be turning back and returning another day. The walk continues along the edge, past Ashway Rocks, Great Dove Stone Rocks and all the way to Chew Reservoir. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. - See 203 traveller reviews, 308 candid photos, and great deals for Greenfield, UK, at Tripadvisor. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Start: lay-by between Barber Booth and Upper Booth. The Trinnacle Trail (Trinnacle and Birchen Clough) at Sunset This is a lovely route from Hayfield and one of the longest scramble routes in this list, which also makes it one of my favourites. Again, a place to sit and feel immersed in nature. Instead of heading across the road down into Snake Woodlands we headed over the stile in the car park and up through the pine and larch plantation. Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. This route is slightly quieter than the Grindsbrook scramble, but it does have a trickier section as you near the top. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Do you have any questions about this walk including the scramble section? The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. Walk along the path at the top of Chew Reservoir and at the end cross over the road and pick up a track heading right along the next edge. And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expeditionor the Silva Classic compass. Nether Red Brook / Upper Red Brook (Kinder). Upper Red Brook is just a few minutes further along, with a slightly more serious feel than its neighbour, and another interesting finish that requires a bit of thought. Ascend, mostly on the right, into the upper stream channel. Recognized since 2013.