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Popular with walkers and cyclists, Kinder Scout is an expansive wild moorland plateau that provides a truly unique experience to any adventurous visitor. Deep maze-like gullies criss-cross the landscape, it’s edges are speckled with distinctive rocky tor formations and frequent fog haunts the mysterious plateau.
After climbing the summit, you are presented with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. For those looking for the start (or end) of the Pennine way, you can start on this well-known walking route here.
Kinder Scout featured on the BBC’s 2005 programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the Midlands.
In 1896 the scenery of Kinder Scout first inspired working-class ramblers from the industrial cities of Sheffield and Manchester to trespass over its expansive moors. By 1932, large numbers of ramblers, locals and members of the "Right to Ramble' organisation gathered to take part in the now famous 'Mass Trespass'. They forced their way through landowners and groundsmen to gain access to the beautiful open countryside. Twenty years later the Peak District National Park was established, opening Kinder Scout to the public for the first time. It was not until 2000, when the people’s rights to open country was further extended through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).
Discover more about the Peaks past from prehistory to the modern day with our history timeline..
Kinder Scout contains extensive tracts of ‘blanket bog’. As a moorland plateau this habitat boasts common plant species such as cottongrass and – in the drier patches – heather, crowberry, and bilberry. One unusual mammal you may be lucky enough to see is the mountain hare - unmistakeable in the winter months when its coat turns white.
Explore these habitats and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit them by selecting the links below:
Moorland
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WCs | ||
| Bowden Bridge WC * - Has disabled facilities, requires a radar key | |||
| Sett Valley Trail Park WC, Hayfield * - Derbyshire County Council toilets, first aid room and baby changing facilities. | |||
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Car Parks | ||
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Visitor Centres | ||
| Sett Valley - Derbyshire County Council Ranger Service * - Facilities - Gift shop, Toilets, First aid room, baby changing facilities, leaflets and booklets, helpful information, coffee shop, wildlife garden, toddlers and adventure play area. | |||
| Glossop Heritage Centre - High Peak Borough Council * - Gift shop, leaflets, booklets, Art Gallery and history exhibition (Unfortunately, the centre is closed until further notice but please see www.glossopheritage.co.uk for further information in the mean time) | |||
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Info Barns | ||
| South Head Info Barn - Provides information, helpful leaflets and a shelter for walkers | |||
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Dogs | ||
| Dogs are welcome on leads and are to be kept under control in grazing areas and during the breeding season. Please clean up after your dog. | |||
| * Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust | |||
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Walking | |
| Hayfield to Kinder Scout | Download this route | |
| Kinder Scout & Edale Valley | Download this route | |
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Audio Trails | |
| Leaving the Edge | Download this trail |
Kinder Scout is widely recognised as being of international importance for its landscape, recreational value and wildlife plateau. It offers fantastic scenery and wide open space for group visits.
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Coach Parking | ||
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Group Booking | ||
| Please contact us to arrange a group visit. |
From wildlife to archeology there is so much to learn about Kinder Scout. We have activities suitable from school groups to university groups - or just groups with a specialist interest or who fancy a visit with a difference.
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Teachers pack available |
| A teachers pack is available here.
Find out more about our Education group membership. |
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Visitor Centre |
| Open from 9.30am-4.30pm. Our visitor centres can be hired as a class room to host activities for your group or to host talks. |
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Campsites |
| Spray House Farm * - Five pitch caravan site, close to the spectacular Kinder Scout and just a short distance from New Mills. Telephone: 01663 742670 for bookings and enquiries. | |
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YHAs |
| Castleton Youth Hostel * - Built in the 13th Century Castleton Hall stands at the heart of the village square. Walkers staying at YHA Castleton will be spoilt for choice. There are many fine routes around the valley which is overlooked by the spectacular Winnats Pass and Mam Tor. | |
| * Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust | |
We invite you to come and join us throughout the year to enjoy our programme of events. Everyone can get involved in the activities from hands-on conservation sessions to family fun events exploring the wilder side of the National Trust.
| Write to us at: | High Peak Estate |
| Edale End | |
| Edale Road | |
| Hope Valley | |
| Derbyshire | |
| S33 6RF | |
| Email us at: | highpeakestate@nationaltrust.org.uk |
| Call us on: | +44 (0)1433 670 368 |
| Fax us on: | +44 (0) 1433 670 397 |
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This comment has been reported and is under review.
Kinder Scout is a lovely place. It is quite bleak in places and can be hard to climb as some of the ascents are steep. Be very careful as the weather is very changeable and if the mist descends, it can be difficult to navigate off.
Posted by: stu
Date: 16/01/2009 11:08:34