This walk in the Peak District combines dramatic scenery and rich history on the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass route from Hayfield. Starting at Bowden Bridge car park, this 14km circular walk follows the path of the famous 1932 Kinder Trespass, climbing alongside Kinder Reservoir and William Clough before reaching the windswept plateau of Kinder Scout. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, the impressive Kinder Downfall waterfall and the Kinder Low trig point - one of the best viewpoints in the Dark Peak. Whether you are searching for one of the best hikes in the Peak District, a historic walking route or a fantastic Kinder Scout circular walk, this route delivers an unforgettable day in the hills. 

At a Glance

Difficulty: Moderate - steep climb up William Clough with rough and boggy terrain on Kinder Scout. Exposed conditions on the plateau during bad weather.

Distance: 14.2km/9 miles

Total Ascent: 650m

Est Time: 5-6 hours with stops

Starting location: Bowden Bridge car park, SK22 2LJ

Facilities: public toilets at the car park, nothing on route and a pub at the end.

Dog friendly: Yes but be aware of livestock.

A bit about the 1932 Kinder Trespass

The Kinder Mass Trespass of 24th April 1932, was a landmark protest that helped shape Britain’s modern “Right to Roam”. Led by activist Benny Rothman and local rambling groups, hundreds of walkers gathered at Bowden Bridge near Hayfield before climbing onto Kinder Scout in defiance of wealthy landowners who had long restricted public access to the moorland. The ramblers hiked via William Clough towards the Kinder plateau, where clashes broke out with gamekeepers attempting to block their route, before continuing across the moors. Today, this walk retraces much of that historic route, taking you from Bowden Bridge and Kinder Reservoir up onto Kinder Scout, where you can experience the same dramatic landscapes that became a symbol of freedom, access and the fight for public rights in the British countryside.

The Peak District Kinder Trespass Route

Bowden Bridge to Kinder Reservoir 

The walk begins at Bowden Bridge car park near Hayfield, the same location where hundreds of ramblers gathered in 1932 before beginning the Kinder Mass Trespass. Today, a commemorative plaque marks the historic event. The car park is paid parking but there are also options for free parking on the roadside nearby. 

From the car park, turn left and follow the wide track heading north alongside the river. This first section is relatively gentle and offers a good warm-up before the climb ahead. The route then follows a narrow path uphill before arriving at Kinder Reservoir and some stunning views. Kinder Reservoir was built in the early 1900s to supply water to Manchester’s growing population.

When you reach the reservoir, the landscape suddenly begins to feel wilder and more remote. The path follows alongside the reservoir before veering off to the left to reach a small footbridge which marks the start of William Clough. Looking ahead, the dark gritstone slopes of Kinder Scout rise dramatically above the valley, giving a glimpse of the tougher terrain still to come. 

Climbing William Clough onto Kinder Scout

William Clough is one of the most scenic and historic ascents onto Kinder Scout. This rocky valley was part of the route taken by many of the original trespassers in 1932 as they climbed towards the plateau before confronting gamekeepers attempting to block their way.

The path gradually steepens as it follows the stream uphill through increasingly rugged terrain. There are several rocky steps and stream crossings along the way which can become slippery after wet weather so good footwear is essential. The higher you climb, the more impressive the surrounding views become with the valley opening behind you towards Hayfield and the wider Peak District. William Clough feels noticeably different from many Peak District walks. The steep gritstone edges, dark peat moorland and exposed landscape create an almost mountain-like atmosphere despite Kinder Scout standing at just over 600 metres.

Eventually, after turning right towards the top of William Clough, the path reaches the Kinder plateau where the landscape changes dramatically. The sheltered valley gives way to open moorland and those traditional rock formations we all know and love in the Peak District. In poor visibility, this area can feel surprisingly remote and navigation becomes much more challenging. This section of the route on the plateau is highly exposed and even on a clear sunny day, the wind can really pick up in strength and speed so be sure to have a warm layer you can throw on just in case! Something like the Borg zip through fleece is perfect up here.

Did you know? Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District but the actual summit is hidden deep within the peat bogs of the plateau rather than at the trig point most walkers visit. You’ll need some good nav skills to find the true summit! 

Enjoying the view from the rocks at Sandy Heys in the My Urban Trail Plum dot Print shorts and the black sports vest.

Along the Edge to Sandy Heys and Kinder Downfall

After reaching the plateau, follow the edge path towards Sandy Heys and Kinder Downfall. This section is one of the highlights of the entire walk, with huge views stretching across the Dark Peak, Edale Valley and on clear days you’ll clearly be able to see Manchester and the high rise buildings in the city.

The path along the edge undulates across rough gritstone and peat, passing fascinating rock formations carved by years of harsh weather. The terrain here can be boggy in places, particularly during winter and after rainfall, but the dramatic scenery more than makes up for it.

Soon, the route reaches Kinder Downfall;  the tallest waterfall in the Peak District. The waterfall plunges around 30 metres from the plateau edge into the valley below and becomes especially dramatic after heavy rain. On windy days, the water is sometimes blown back upwards by strong gusts creating one of the Peak District’s most famous natural spectacles.

Kinder Downfall is a fantastic place to stop for photos or lunch with panoramic views across the surrounding hills. The waterfall also marks part of the Pennine Way, Britain’s oldest and most famous National Trail which crosses the Kinder plateau.

Returning via Kinder Low Trig Point

From Kinder Downfall, continue across the plateau towards Kinder Low trig point. Standing at 633 metres, the trig point sits close to the edge of the plateau and offers spectacular views.

This is one of the best spots on the route to appreciate the scale of Kinder Scout and the landscape that became central to the fight for public access rights in Britain. It is remarkable to think that less than 100 years ago, ordinary walkers could have been prosecuted simply for standing here.

Take note of the direction you come from here because it is quite easy to get disorientated here and then go the wrong way. There are no signposts so be sure to check your map/route here to make sure you go the right way. From the trig point, the route begins descending back towards Hayfield on another clear and gradual path down towards Jacob’s Ladder.

As you reach the top of Jacob’s Ladder, there is a large track heading through a gate off to your right. Following this will take you back towards Kinder Reservoir and eventually joins a quiet road leading you back to the car park. 

On a nice day you might find an ice cream van hanging out here which is always a well-earned post-hike treat!

Things to know about Kinder Scout

Kinder Scout may not be the highest mountain in the UK but its terrain can feel surprisingly wild and challenging, particularly in poor weather. The plateau is made up of deep peat bogs, rocky gritstone edges, uneven ground and winding paths that can quickly become disorientating in mist or low cloud. While the main paths on this route are generally clear in good conditions, visibility on Kinder can change rapidly and sections of the plateau can feel remote and exposed. A map, compass or GPS is strongly recommended, especially during winter or bad weather and hikers should come prepared with waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Respecting the terrain and planning ahead will help ensure this iconic Peak District walk remains both safe and enjoyable. 

If you are in any doubt, you can find links to downloadable routes below on theOS app, Komoot and AllTrails. 

Kinder Scout Trespass Route - downloadable routes

Ordnance Survey Route

Click here to download the route from the Ordnance Survey App

AllTrails Route - Kinder Scout Trespass Route

Click here to download the route from AllTrails 

Komoot Route

Click here to download the route from Komoot 

Top tips for hiking the Peak District Kinder Scout Trespass Route

• Start early to avoid crowds
  Kinder Scout is one of the Peak District’s most popular hikes especially on weekends and sunny days. Starting early gives you quieter trails and easier parking at Bowden Bridge.

• Wear proper hiking boots or trail shoes
  The terrain on Kinder Scout can be muddy, boggy and slippery year-round, particularly on the plateau and through William Clough.

• Check the weather before setting off
  Conditions on Kinder Scout can change very quickly with strong winds, rain and mist appearing even when Hayfield looks clear. Visibility on the plateau can become poor very quickly so always carry an extra warm and waterproof layer.

• Carry a map or GPS for navigation
  Although this route follows popular paths, the Kinder plateau can still feel confusing in fog or low cloud due to the peat bogs and multiple intersecting trails. Having offline navigation or a paper map is highly recommended.

• Take time to enjoy the history as well as the views
  This is more than just a scenic Peak District walk -  it retraces the route of the 1932 Kinder Mass Trespass, one of the most important events in Britain’s outdoor history. Look out for the memorial plaque near Bowden Bridge and imagine the original protesters climbing these same slopes nearly a century ago.

For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.

Happy adventuring! 

Izzy