Kinder Scout
Mountain Highest plateau in Peak District, scenic moorland
In England’s Peak District, Kinder Scout is a gritstone plateau and the national park’s highest point, known for peat bogs, the 1932 mass trespass and long, exposed hiking routes.
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Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District of England, a gritstone moorland plateau with an upland summit used for walking and hill-country recreation. Its elevation and open terrain make it one of the district’s most prominent upland features.
The plateau offers extensive, open moorland of peat and gritstone and includes the notable cliff-edge waterfall called Kinder Downfall. Routes from Edale and Hayfield provide the most common approaches and the area is popular with hikers, fell-runners and birdwatchers.
The hill is well known for the 1932 Mass Trespass, an organised protest that played a significant role in the campaign for public access to open countryside. Since then the area has been managed for public recreation and conservation, with marked paths to reduce erosion.
Kinder Scout lies in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District in Derbyshire, England, with trailheads at the villages of Edale and Hayfield and road access from surrounding towns.
- Mass Trespass: The 1932 Mass Trespass was a pivotal public access protest on the hill that helped expand walkers' rights in England.
What to See #
- Kinder plateau: A broad gritstone plateau forming the high moor around the summit, offering open, peat-covered terrain and long views across the Peak District.
- Kinder Downfall: Kinder Downfall waterfall on the western edge of the plateau, where water drops over the gritstone escarpment and can be swept into spray in high wind.
How to Get to Kinder Scout #
The classic start is Edale; take the train to Edale station (Northern Rail) and follow the Pennine Way north up Jacob’s Ladder for about 4-5 km to the plateau. Alternative approaches start from Hayfield (use A624) for a gentler ascent. Park-and-ride or village parking is limited-use public transport if possible and allow 3-5 hours for a round trip depending on route.
Tips for Visiting Kinder Scout #
- Walk from Edale via Jacob's Ladder and the Pennine Way for the classic approach; the descent into Hayfield makes a good loop.
- Visit on April 24 to see quiet commemorations of the 1932 mass trespass; plaques near the trig point mark the event.
- Avoid the thickest peat by sticking to flagged paths across the summit plateau-on wet days the ground can turn to featureless bog very quickly.
Best Time to Visit Kinder Scout #
Best in late spring to early autumn for milder weather and clearer paths; winter rewards experienced walkers with high drama but requires proper gear.
Weather & Climate near Kinder Scout #
Kinder Scout's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1667 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (183 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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