Kinder Scout via Hayfield: The mass trespass route

Hiking Kinder Scout from Hayfield via the Mass Trespass route is both a physical adventure and a walk through history. Starting from the picturesque village of Hayfield, the trail climbs steadily into the open moorland where, in 1932, a group of ramblers staged the famous Mass Trespass in protest against restricted access to the hills. Their actions paved the way for the “right to roam” we enjoy today, making this walk as symbolic as it is scenic.

The route typically covers 8–10 miles (13–16 km) and is classed as moderately challenging, with steep ascents, rocky tracks, and sections of peat bog underfoot. From the ascent of William Clough to the sweeping plateau of Kinder Scout — the highest point in the Peak District at 636m — hikers are rewarded with vast views over the Dark Peak and dramatic gritstone formations. Good boots, a map, and a head for changeable weather are essential, but the sense of achievement at standing on this historic ground makes every step worthwhile.

Useful information for hiking Kinder Scout Mass Trespass route

• 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) .
• The What3Words for the Bowden Bridge car park are: reading.owned.providing
• 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.
• Total ascent is 1,990ft
• You will encounter various types of difficult terrain on this route. There are rocky, rough sections with loose stones underfoot. You may also have to cross water at several points which can be tricky especially following rainfall. There may also be boggy sections and poor visibility is fairly common so ensure you have the correct footwear as well as a map and compass and know how to use them.
• Depending on what time of year you hike Kinder Scout you may also have to deal with ice and snow, especially between mid-November and mid-March. If there is ice and snow this significantly increases risk of fall and injuries.
• There are public toilet facilities opposite Bowden Bridge car park

Kinder Scout: Mass Trespass route description

Stage 1 – Kinder road to William Clough

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 (be careful up here as it can get very slippery in bad weather conditions). Kinder Reservoir will soon come into view on your right. Continue along the path until you reach a bridge cross the river. To your left there is a sign for William Clough — follow this path. A number of the ramblers involved in the Mass Trespass actually left the path to get involved in ‘scuffles’ with gamekeepers.

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 to assist your ascent. As you reach Ashops Head and the Pennine Way joins the path take a right. Carry on along the ridge to Sandy Heys. We stopped off for a quick sandwich and a drink along here. 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 – Kinder Low to Bowden Bridge

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.

The hills have pies

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

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.

Pics in the peaks: more from Kinder Scout Mass Trespass route