Kinder Scout Mass Trespass From Hayfield: 9 Mile Circular Route (Winter)

Walking the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass route is more than just a hike — it’s a step into the history of British outdoor access. The route traces the path of the trespassers who fought for the right to roam these wild uplands in 1932. Though several of the trespassers were arrested, their defiance helped spark a national movement that eventually led to the Right to Roam laws we benefit from today.

Starting from Hayfield, the trail climbs steadily into the gritstone heart of the Peak District, The route leads through open moorland, peat groughs, and sweeping plateaus, with views that stretch across Kinder Reservoir and deep into the Dark Peak. It’s a walk that combines stunning scenery with a real sense of purpose — a reminder that every right-of-way and open path we enjoy today was hard won. The Mass Trespass route is a walk that reminds you why these hills matter.

There is limited free on-road parking but with the popularity of this walk the spaces get taken up very quickly. Please remember this is a residential area so be respectful when parking. Bowden Bridge car park is a pay and display car park with 27 spaces. Prices range from £1.50 for 1hr to a maximum of £4.75 for the day. You can pay with cash or on your phone. RingGo users can pay by calling SMS 81025 (Location ID 51705) .

Kinder Scout from Hayfield route description

Stage 1 – Kinder Reservoir

Starting out from Bowden Bridge, head north along Kinder Road for just under a mile – you will reach a gate to go through. Next, head up the cobbled path (on this day the path was sheet ice and extremely slippery, so be careful if you are in similar conditions). As you follow the path, very soon Kinder Reservoir comes into view on your right. As you continue along the path skirting the reservoir, you will reach a bridge and a sign for William Clough. Do not cross the bridge. Instead, follow the path for William Clough.

Stage 2 – William Clough to Kinder Downfall

This path winds around and you will cross the stream numerous times, so be prepared to have your feet in water at some point. Don’t be too concerned with picking the exact path, as it does often split into different ones, but they all come back together anyway. This section is probably the trickiest in terms of steep ascent and the winding path, but is also a really enjoyable part of the walk. There are steps towards the top (on this day these were not visible as they were covered in deep snow). As the path splits, take the right-hand path, and head up Kinder Plateau which leads you onto the Pennine Way.

Stay on the path as it winds round for approximately half a mile, enjoying the views as you go. We stopped off for a quick sandwich and a drink along here, whilst enjoying watching some ice climbers having some fun. You will reach a point where the path turns to the right at Kinder Downfall – this bit can be relatively simple or tricky depending on recent rainfall, so always take care when crossing.

Stage 3 – Swine’s Back

Continue along this path for approximately 1 mile where it splits. Here take keep left and follow the path which will take you to Kinder Low trig point. Follow the path and you will shortly end up at Edale Rocks (if the weather is particularly bad this is a great spot to grab some shelter and some refreshments). As the path splits bear right and at the fence take a right again over the stile at Swine’s Back. This is the last bit of ascent you will do and it is a straight forward up and over with a gate to pass through.

You will see Edale Cross at the junction – this is a boundary marker. From here continue down the path which is clearly designated with fencing on either side. Shortly you will come out on the road, keep following it round to the left and go through the gate next to the cattle grid. This path will lead you all the way back to the campsite at Bowden Bridge car park where your walk started.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Kinder Scout: Mass Trespass

There are a couple of good places for food and drink following this walk – right on the doorstep after completing the walk is The Sportsman Inn. Serving homemade food, traditional cask ale and a variety of whiskey this is a great place to unwind after a day in the hills.

A little further down the road in the heart of the village you will find The Pack Horse Hayfield – and if you don’t already know about this place, you soon will do. It’s Hayfield’s first ever entry into the Michelin Guide and voted number 18 in the Estrella Damm UK Top 50 Gastropubs 2025.

Dog-friendly and with a selection of bar snacks and bar seating it is perfect for a quick drink following your walk. It also perfect for some really great food — we would always suggest booking in so you don’t miss out. We visit whenever we are hiking up in this area and are never disappointed – you can read our review from a visit back in 2022 here.

⚠️ A Note of Caution – Kinder Scout
Kinder Scout is wild, boggy, and easy to get lost on — especially when the weather turns. In winter, snow, ice, and low visibility make navigation tough and conditions dangerous. Many hikers have found themselves in real trouble up here.

Go well-prepared with proper kit, good navigation skills, and be ready to turn back if things get rough.

Pics from the peaks: more of Kinder Scout