Tucked away in one of the Peak District’s quieter corners, Blackden Brook is a waterfall and wild swimming haven that feels quite different from other Peak District locations. Located not far from the busy Snake’s Pass, you’ll wander down into the valley and follow the brook upstream to a series of waterfalls and some deep pools. In the height of summer, these become perfect spots for wild swimming although on a warm, weekend day you’re unlikely to have the place to yourself. So if you’re looking for a new  wild swimming location in the Peak District or just want to enjoy a short waterfall walk, Blackden Brook might just be the place to add to your list for this summer.

At a Glance

Difficulty: Moderate - although not far from the road, the pass is narrow in places, muddy and slippy in wet weather and in some sections the path has collapsed or requires a few small river crossings. 

Distance: 3.6km linear route

Total Ascent: 176m

Est Time: 2 hrs (not including time to stop or swim)

Starting location: large lay-by parking on Snake Pass. Be aware of the kerb here - it’s very high!

Facilities: None. Closest pubs are a few miles away at Ladybower Reservoir and Bamford. 

Dog friendly: Yes!

How to find Blackden Brook Waterfalls

Reaching the waterfalls of Blackden Brook is pretty straightforward and there is plenty of free parking at the start of the walk. The most common approach begins from the large lay-by on Snake Pass (A57), a few miles north of Ladybower Reservoir. where you can park for free. Just be aware that the kerb at this lay-by is ridiculously high, so don’t take it too fast! From here, there is an obvious gate to head through and the path takes you steeply downhill to a footbridge across the River Alport..

After crossing the river, head up towards the wall and go through the gate where there is a sign for Blackden Brook. Continue heading uphill, keeping the wall on your right hand side. After about five minutes, the path then branches off and heads downhill into the valley where you can see the water from Blackden Brook emerging.  

At the start of Blackden Brook, the path becomes much less defined with uneven ground, collapsed sections of path, slippy muddy sections and will require careful footing.

Once you reach the bottom of the brook, the waterfalls reveal themselves in stages as you follow the water upstream.

The Blackden Brook Waterfalls and wild swim spots

Blackden Brook isn’t home to one single dramatic waterfall but rather a series of waterfalls of different sizes with pools of different depths. Some are only big enough to sit in but one is deep and wide enough for a swim. The water may look dark but don’t worry, it’s just from the peat that it runs through up on the moorland. 

After rainfall, the whole area comes alive with multiple channels of water weaving through the rocks. In drier spells and in summer, the flow softens making it easier to explore (and nicer for swimming).

The first waterfall is perfect for wild swimming and you’ll reach this one pretty early on in your walk. The water tumbles over the rocky ledge above making it look quite dramatic and the pool is relatively large for such a small brook. It is definitely worth swimming in this one if you’re a wild swimmer, but you’ll need to cross the brook to reach it. You can either hop over the rocks below the waterfall pool or take a big leap over the brook at the top of it. In drier conditions this is much easier! At this waterfall there is a large grassy area, perfect for getting changed. 

As you head further upstream, at times following the water closely and at other times meandering away from it, the waterfalls and pools vary in size and several of them are deep enough for a nice wild swim or dip. If wild swimming isn’t your thing then the waterfalls are also perfect places to just sit and relax. Many of the waterfalls are sheltered from the wind and the brook is set quite deep into the valley so there is no noise from the nearby Snake Road where you parked, making them secluded spots for a cuppa or a picnic or just for dipping your toes into.

Towards the end of the walk and the top of the brook is the star of the show; Blackden Brook Waterfall. As the path veers off to the right, you’ll see it ahead of you. By heading down the bank and crossing the brook you can get right to the base of this waterfall. It tumbles roughly 7 down onto the rocks below. There is no pool here but if it is in a good flow you’ll still get wet if you get close to it! 

From here you have two options; continue upstream to scramble up the rocky section onto Edale Moor or turn around and head back downstream if you just want a simple waterfall walk. There aren’t really any more waterfalls above this one and on a summer's day this is a great place to have lunch and then retrace your steps back down. 

If you want to continue your walk, you’ll need to be prepared for a Grade 1 scramble - there are plenty of walks and routes available online if you want to do this including one from AllTrails below. 

What is the terrain like for the Blackden Brook Waterfalls?

The setting around Blackden Brook is classic Dark Peak - wild and quietly dramatic. The terrain is varied and at times can be challenging depending on the weather and on your confidence. 

The approach is relatively straightforward but descending to the brook involves sometimes steep, rough and uneven ground. Along the water itself, you’ll be navigating rocks, boulders and narrow paths that hug the stream. When the weather is dry this becomes much easier. When it is wet or after rain, the ground can become very muddy, boggy and slippery. 

Good footwear - and a sense of adventure - is therefore essential for this walk. 

Despite this, the effort is well rewarded. The further you explore, the quieter it becomes with only the sound of water and the occasional bird breaking the silence. It’s a place that feels untouched and more remote than other areas if you time your visit right. 

On a sunny summer day though, prepare for lots of people because this is a popular little spot.

My Urban Trail outfit of choice: Trailblazer chocolate leggings, Happiest Outdoors t-shirt, black Rambler fleece and khaki hiking socks. 

Blackden Brook Waterfalls - downloadable routes

Ordnance Survey Route

Click here to download the route from the Ordnance Survey App

AllTrails Route - Blackden Brook Circular

Click here to download the route from AllTrails - this route also includes the scramble at the end and a circular route back to the start.

Komoot Route

Click here to download the route from Komoot 

Top tips for visiting Blackden Brook

• Wear strong, sturdy and grippy footwear

• Always Leave No Trace - this has become a popular spot over recent years and beer cans and rubbish can often be found here - take your rubbish home with you

• In some sections, the path has collapsed or worn away so will involve some river crossings - this is much easier in drier weather

• The path is uneven, rough and rocky - be confident with your balance if walking this route

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