There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. If youve never tried scrambling before or not sure what it involves please read the section below which explain more about what a scramble route involves. Includes Address(1) Email(1) See Results. Change). As you climb higher the last section of the route turns into a rocky steep section, which is where you can scramble to final part to the top of Grindsbrook. Our walk starts in Birchen Clough Bridge car park. Important note regarding The Trinnacles You might see pictures of people climbing these, its a sheer drop on the other side so please be careful. We headed for the sheepfold, where there is a stile leading to the footpath running adjacent to Cowms Moor and the former quarry or landslide which has made some peculiar looking spoil heaps there. Chapter 22: 1 Rimmon Pit Clough/Trinnacle/Holme Clough - Scrambles in We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. Welcome to The Wandering Wildflower, an outdoors lifestyle blog focusing on family walks in the Peak District, a place we love exploring. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. Want new walks in your inbox? It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Instead of heading across the road down into Snake Woodlands we headed over the stile in the car park and up through the pine and larch plantation. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As well as running I quite like a rocky scramble, ie a route where you have to use your hands to progress. Start: lay-by between Barber Booth and Upper Booth. The path winds its way through the trees before reaching a stile where we headed up the hill over Alport Moor in the direction of Oyster Clough. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Starting at Birchen Clough car park near the Snake Inn, the walk involves a short woodland stroll before a gentle ascent along good paths. This part of the walk takes you along the edge past more rock formations on the way before finally turning left at the end to reach Alphin Pike, youll see it first with a stone cairn but the trig point is around the other side. Think before you climb Oldham Mountain Rescue. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. 13 miles 28th September 2018 Ellie Howarth View Calendar 10/10/2018 10:00 - 16:00 Ashop Clough, Upper Red Brook, Trig Point 624, Mermaid's Pool, Red Brook, Crowden Edge, Seal Edge, Jubilee Hut, Alport Bridge, Roman Road. Alport Castles is, in fact, not a castle but a giant landslip which has created rock formations that at a glance look like a castle! We followed the path of the Roman road down through the fields.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-leaderboard-2-0');We reached Heyridge Farm, where the footpath carries on along the farm track to the north-east. 7 Fun Peak District Scrambles + BEST Routes Beautiful walk, Wonderful view if you can climb. - Tripadvisor Cross back over to the left when it evens out and climb up the steep (and sometimes boggy) grass slope on the right to join the path at the top, soon reaching the Trinnacle. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. This route is slightly quieter than the Grindsbrook scramble, but it does have a trickier section as you near the top. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! Ask me in the comments. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. At the head of the clough is the Oyster Clough shooting cabin, touted on YouTube as a secret bothy in the Peak District although judging from the guest books in there its very well visited for somewhere so secret. From Manchester, its approximately 15 miles/45 minutes taxi drive. Let me know in the comments. The entry to the gully is across tricky terrain with many hidden holes. Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him! Its another quieter route up to the summit and when you pop out on the top which intersects the Pennine Way trail between Kinder Low and Kinder Downfall you might be surprised when you see all the people! Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Best Kinder Scout Walks | Guides and GPX Files . Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3-0');At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep! Birchen Clough (Chew Valley) Start: lay-by on A635 at SE 051 063 I don't know the area around Saddleworth at all well, but this first excursion will have me back soon enough. Baslow Edge + Birchen Edge Walk From Baslow | 9-Mile Route. Oyster Clough Cabin and Blackden Brook Waterfalls Scramble Once across follow Birchen Clough uphill, there are a few scramble sections, including one challenging one next to the waterfall. Keep walking until you reach the rock formation The Trinnacles, its easy to spot! You might like these Peak District walks. We followed the path of the Roman road down through the fields. Once across follow Birchen Clough uphill, there are a few scramble sections, including one challenging one next to the waterfall. We followed a very faint path round the head of the Clough and over the moor, heading down the hill on quite indistinct paths. Go to GPS File. Length - 8.5 miles / 13.8 km Ascent - 1065 feet / 323 metres. We had a quick snack break and Hols signed the book for us (I get her to do most of my admin now ;)! For online maps, I recommend OS Online App (I have been using it for many years and it is worth getting if you want to start walking more). Others named Kevin Clough. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. From which you see how the surrounding shale cliff has collapsed in some previous era. There is parking for literally 1 car at Alport Bridge and seeing the lay-by unusually empty was too good an opportunity to miss! We headed for the sheepfold, where there is a stile leading to the footpath running adjacent to Cowms Moor and the former quarry or landslide which has made some peculiar looking spoil heaps there. things improve once in the stream-bed itself, but some thought is still required to successfully exit at the top. Fun easy scramble up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle on Saddleworth Moor near Oldham. Turn left into Birchen Clough and scramble over large rocks, if conditions allow, or take to the path on the left bank, to reach a large waterfall (this can provide an easy ice pitch after a period of freezing weather). A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. Location:Parkhouse Hill near Chrome Hill. Also, please consider the weather conditions, climbing in wet or windy weather can be very dangerous and result in accidents. This area has a remote feel, yet the skyscrapers of Manchester city centre are clearly visible to the west. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :). If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try: Middle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow Stones, Higher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough Scramble, Kinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble, Your email address will not be published. When we did this walk the rain started as soon as we entered the Brook, stayed for the duration of our climb and as soon as we hit the top the sun came out and it was a beautiful day again! Its amazing how much interest you can find within just an hour or sos drive from home. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. As Ive been on my own so far Ive stuck religiously to the Grade 1s and yes, generally theyve been perfectly comfortable to tackle solo. ).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-box-4','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-box-4-0');The cow poo kind of ruins the illusionif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-banner-1','ezslot_10',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-banner-1-0');We followed a very faint path round the head of the Clough and over the moor, heading down the hill on quite indistinct paths. Read more here. Details .tba Related upcoming events If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. Beautiful Birchen Clough - the way to scramble up to the Trinnacle. The walk continues along the edge, past Ashway Rocks, Great Dove Stone Rocks and all the way to Chew Reservoir. In both instances you have an Option B if you dont feel comfortable, or if its wet! Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. Clamber up Birchen Clough to reach The Trinnacle - YouTube So a last minute decision to meet up and clear our heads tu. And dont forget your compass. Are you enjoying the walks? JC John C. Clough. There are rocks to climb over and in Autumn these can be wet and slippery from rain, so take care. My visit was made all the more memorable by coinciding with the England v Germany match which meant I had the hills to myself all rather magical. As you begin the climb break off the main path and just follow the river. It can be reached by a quick scramble down.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2','ezslot_16',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The path runs alongside Blackden Brook and climbs steadily, getting rockier as you head up. Once youve admired the views from The Trinnacles, continue walking along the edge, the path runs all the way around to Ashway Rocks but its easy to miss the path along the edge. There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. This waterfall is the crux of the scramble. Obviously, scrambling has a few potential risks, so the routes in this book are helpfully graded 1, 2 and 3. Ive seen Alport Castles described as the biggest landslip in the country and as you approach from the bottom (ie Alport Farm) you get a sense of the massive geological forces at work. When Im not dragging my husband and 10 year old out on Peak District walks or up mountains, I can be found on my phone, planning my next Geocache walk (and seeing where the nearest pub is!). Nether Red Brook / Upper Red Brook (Kinder). Start: top of Snake Pass, or Glossop, or lay-by on B6105 near Reaps Farm. Numerous pools provide ample opportunities for a paddle or even a swim. I went in fell shoes and shorts and this worked well, although given the risk of ticks at this time of year leggings could be an option. Ashway Moss and The Trinnacle Circular Walk - The Wandering Wildflower If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. This is more of a steep rocky path but if youre not used to steep ascents/descents it will feel like a scramble as youll want to use your hands on the way up (or down). At the top its easy to visit the three-pronged rock tower known as The Trinnacle apparently its possible to sit on top but I wasnt getting that close on my own! Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. Hello! There is a collapsing path of-sorts most of the way until you join the riverbed nearer the top. Plus we love a scramble, and the Blackden Brook scramble was one we hadnt ticked off yet. Blackden Brook is home to a series of waterfalls, with quite a large one being just down from the main path. Part of the Trinnacle Trail, a few drone shots of the Trinnacle itself and Birchen Clough (the waterfall scramble). The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. Sometimes a lack of planning can have a happy outcome. Walk detail - Ramblers Oyster Clough Cabin Walk Map:Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB)Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him!Walk Time: 5-6 hoursDifficulty:Distance: 8.5 miles (13.8km)Trig PointsBagged: NonePeak District PeaksBagged: NonePeak District EthelsBagged: NoneBlackden Brook Scramble Walk Map:If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try:Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout WalkTorside Clough ScrambleMiddle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow StonesHigher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough ScrambleKinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble. The path runs along Lady Clough through the woodlands, then opens out into a clearing with a woodpile and a skip. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. If you are looking for a challenging walk with lots to see, including the Oyster Clough shooting cabin (aka the secret bothy in the Peak District of YouTube fame) and Blackden Brook with all its stunning waterfalls, this could be the walk for you! There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. There is a path if you prefer to detour the scramble with this walk. This is at no extra cost to you. The sections leading up to the scramble can be boggy/muddy in places, especially after lots of rain! Did you know the National Trust signs are called Omega signs?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1','ezslot_13',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-1-0');There is a gate which leads down the hill (quite steep and very muddy!) This is the route up to The Trinnacle, which involves scrambling up the rocks littering the Clough to get to the top. Youll also notice that only a small section of the each route include a scramble, so once youve done that the rest of the walk is on two feet! A few hundred metres after the waterfall you'll need to look for the path on the opposite side of the clough, and cross at this point (SE 04023 04580). If youre new to scrambling or even been doing it a while, I would always recommend you scramble up instead of down. Not so good as a descent, but theres a fast way down The Wicken just adjacent. We quickly plotted this route on the OS map and then set off to walk it! Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :). Check prices here for the one-month or annual option with OS Online App. Los Angeles. Oyster Clough Cabin Walk Map:Parking:Birchen Clough Bridge car park, Snake Road, near Glossop (nearest postcode S33 0AB)Facilities: None there is sometimes the Wildman Cafe in the car park but Ive never seen him!Walk Time: 5-6 hoursDifficulty:Distance: 8.5 miles (13.8km)Trig PointsBagged: NonePeak District PeaksBagged: NonePeak District EthelsBagged: NoneBlackden Brook Scramble Walk Map:If you want to try some other Peak District scrambles, why not try:Crowden Clough to Kinder Scout WalkTorside Clough ScrambleMiddle Black Clough Waterfall and Bleaklow StonesHigher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough ScrambleKinder Downfall Walk via Nether Red Brook Scramble. A few hundred metres after the waterfall youll need to look for the path on the opposite side of the clough, and cross at this point (SE 04023 04580). 29 Apr. Top tips - Read our useful guides onhiking tips here. Managed a team of a dozen editors after serving as editor of . Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "Birchen" Flickr tag. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. This is at no extra cost to you. Before climbing the stile into the old plantation however, we took a faint path along the riverbank which lead to Snake Woodlands. This blog may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. When we did this walk the rain started as soon as we entered the Brook, stayed for the duration of our climb and as soon as we hit the top the sun came out and it was a beautiful day again! Note you can descend via Chew Road at this point to shorten the walk by about 2.5 miles/4 km. saying that I also found it fun to do as a speed scramble and race its Strava segment. This was a bit of an unplanned walk as we had meant to head over to Teggs Nose and White Nancy. 2. The path leads back to the River Ashop, where we crossed the bridge. If the farmer isnt there youll have to follow the footpath a short distance down to Alport Bridge and then join Snake Road. Need more help planning your Peak District trip? Practice Areas . Fairbrook Naze & Ashop Head from Birchen Clough - Peak District Walk Thanks for stopping by! There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. I recommend the Silva Expedition compass, its more expensive but a valuable piece of kit! There is a small fence to negotiate before you enter the wood, and then the path followed the beautiful Lady Clough to the bridge. Love adventurous and challenging walks in the Peak District? And you also have the bonus of the Dark Peak area being more gritstone rocks, which is a grippy rock so perfect for scrambling, providing youre wearing the right footwear! I will leave its Grade 3 neighbour, Wilderness Gully East, to more serious scramblers! Craig Clough - Los Angeles Courts Reporter - Law360 | LinkedIn We have two routes, from Hollinsclough the route takes you up the scramble section and on the Earl Sterndale walk the route heads down this path. You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). Many of the Peak District scrambling routes are in the Dark Peak area and these are the more challenging scrambles due to the nature of the terrain. We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak Districtand find the best walks direct from your accommodation. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. From the lower car park, take the path down the steps through the woods, go through a narrow stone stile then a gate and turn left onto the road with Dove Stone Reservoir on your right. There is a small wooden bridge which leads to a path heading up the hill out of the woods, then we crossed the road back to the car park. Please consider the safest option on your hike may be turning back and returning another day. Grade 2 you might want to take a friend. Read full privacy policyhere. Gorgeous hike/scramble in the Peak Distri. Your email address will not be published. November 14, 2022 CIRCULAR WALKS, MEDIUM WALKS 4-9 MILES, PEAK DISTRICT WALKS This 8.5 mile Peak District walk starts from Birchen Clough Bridge car park and heads up Alport Moor to find the Oyster Clough shooting cabin before heading across the valley and scrambling up Blackden Brook onto the Kinder Plateau. Amazing Peak District Waterfall Walks | The Wandering Wildflower It can be reached by a quick scramble down. Aug 2010 - Jan 20143 years 6 months. Grindslow Knoll. We nipped over the bridge to get a photo of the Peak and Northern Footpaths green sign and then headed back over the bridge and over the stile into the woods. Dovestones & The Trinnacle - A Yodel up Birchen Clough If youre looking for a scramble route to start with the Grindsbrook Clough is a pretty good one to do. Walk until you reach the dam (where you turned off at the start), turn left to walk across then go left at the end and up the road (that you started on) and look for the footpath on the right, through the narrow gap in the wall and head back up the steps through the woods to the car park. The walk includes a fun scramble up the side of Birchen Clough + waterfall, stopping for views of Saddleworth Moor from the iconic rocks known as the Trinnacles, three large rocks jutting out as part of the Raven Stones, that make for a great photo. Note on an earlier trip this section was impossible to cross due to heavy rain (see photo below). A bit of bracken-bashing to get to it but good stuff once youre in the dried-out stream bed. Follow the path keeping to the edge, youll head slightly towards the moors to cross the stream but then it doubles back on the other side back to the edge, past Great Dove Stone rocks and Cairn on Fox Stone. UKH Hills - Scrambles in the Dark Peak (summer) - UKHillwalking Kathy Clough in Los Angeles, California | Phone Number, Email, Address We walked up Snake Road for half a mile until we reached a lay-by with National Trust Blackden View Farm signs. The Brook itself looks to fork into two scrambles but we took the right hand fork up.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-3-0');At the top of the climb we had a snack break then followed the top path round Blackden Edge to the Seal Stones.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewanderingwildflower_co_uk-leader-4-0');We then took a steep descent down the hill next to Gate Side Clough this is very steep!