Kinder Scout: Circular from Hayfield in the snow

Kinder Scout: Circular from Hayfield in the snow

Difficult

6-7 hours

9 miles

Kinder Scout in winter is an absolute treat of a walk – the wintery conditions are what turns this walk from moderate difficulty to a harder difficulty level. As with any big hill, the conditions on Kinder Scout can change dramatically in only a few minutes – but add to that snow and ice, and you need to be fully prepared.

We tackled the circular from Hayfield, mostly following the Mass Trespass route on a superb snowy January day. All morning we had beautiful clear blue sky but a lot of ice underfoot, and as we approached the plateau, a dense fog began to set in.

  • This is a circular walk from Hayfield
  • Total ascent is 1,990ft
  • There are public toilet facilities opposite Bowden Bridge car park
  • There is a pay & 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) .
  • Free on-road parking is available but gets taken up quickly, so best be early to avoid disappointment. Also this is a small village with residential housing, so please be considerate when parking here.

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 – 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.

View of the winding path up William Clough on Kinder Scout with snow
The path up William Clough crosses the stream several times

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.

Frozen rocks with people practicing ice climbing
Enjoying our refreshments whilst watching some Ice Climbers

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).

Kinder Low trig point covered in snow and ice
Kinder Low Trig Point

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.

Looking out to snow covered Hills towards Hayfield

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.

There are a couple of good places for food & drink following this walk – right on the doorstep 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.

The entrance to the Pack Horse Hayfield pub and restaurant
The Pack Horse Hayfield has been voted No.18 in the Top 50 Gastro Pubs in the UK in 2025

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.

Author

  • Mike Richardson

    Mike is a Mancunian who is usually found hiking the Mountains in the Lake District. He has a passion for the outdoors and loves a pint after a day in the Mountains.

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