With the weather finally turning up over the bank holiday weekend, me and حسناء set off to the peaceful village of Edale in the Peak District, buzzing to take on the legendary Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder walk.
Standing tall as the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres, or 633 metres from Kinder Low, this climb tests your legs in sections, but the views from the summit hit different and make every step worth it.
On the way up, you pass open moorlands, peaceful woodlands, sharp climbs, local wildlife, rocky scrambles, and even boulder sections that fire up your adventure spirit before cruising back down to Edale for a well-earned homemade ice cream at Penny Pot Café 🍦
The Kinder Scout Mass Tresspass
Not many people realise that Kinder Scout sits at the heart of one of the biggest turning points in UK walking history, the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932.
These days we move freely across public footpaths all over the UK, and most of us never stop to think how hard that freedom was earned.
Less than 100 years ago, powerful landowners shut off huge areas of countryside, and stepping onto open land could land you in serious trouble.
On 24 April 1932, more than 400 determined walkers climbed onto Kinder Scout in open defiance of the law, and after the dust settled five people were arrested.
Even though the leaders faced harsh punishment, that bold stand sparked national attention, built public support, and helped drive the movement that secured the right to roam we proudly enjoy today 🌄
Walk up Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder
There are a few routes you can take, but we kicked things off from Edale and powered our way up to Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder.
From the summit, you can wander across the iconic Edale Rocks before making your way to the Kinder Low trig point and soaking in those unreal panoramic views from the top 🌄
From here you have a few route options, but the easiest and shortest choice is the linear trail that guides you back down Jacob’s Ladder and straight into Edale for a smooth finish to the adventure 🚶♂️
Kinder Scout Walk – Route Info
Route Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 13.93 km (8.71 miles)
Route Elevation: 633m
Route Time: 3-5 hrs
Start and Finish: The Old Nags Head, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 7ZD…
Ordnance Survey Map: Click here
Step-by-step guide
Kick off your walk in Edale at either the village hall carpark or the train station, then follow the road past the Rambler’s Inn and head towards the Old Nag’s Head.
Right before you hit the pub, take the left turn marked by the sign for the Pennine Way—that’s where your trail adventure begins 🌿
Follow the sign up the gentle slope until you spot a fence on your left, then go through it and keep walking along the footpath across the open moorland 🌾
Keep following the path and Pennine Way signs until you reach a small bridge that leads straight to the base of Jacob’s Ladder.
Turn right onto the path and begin the steep climb up to Edale Rocks 🧗♀️
A quick stroll past Edale Rocks brings you to the Kinder Low trig point, where you can pause and drink in the sweeping views of Edale Valley and Kinder Reservoir 🌄
From this point, you can either return down Jacob’s Ladder or explore one of the many other trails. We chose to enjoy our picnic overlooking Kinder Reservoir and wander a bit more before finally heading back down via Jacob’s Ladder 🥪
For details on the other routes, you can click here.
Is Kinder Scout a difficult walk?
I’d call Kinder Scout a medium-difficulty hike.
The climb up Jacob’s Ladder will get your blood pumping and legs working, but the rest of the trail stays fairly flat and easy-going. Most walkers with decent fitness can reach the summit without much trouble 💪
How long to hike Jacob’s Ladder and Kinder Scout?
The trek from Edale to Jacob’s Ladder and up to Edale Rocks takes about 2 hours ⏱️
From the summit, heading to Kinder Low trig point and then back down via Jacob’s Ladder, the full linear walk takes roughly 3–4 hours.
Longer trails beyond the trig point can stretch the hike to over 6 hours 🕒
Kinder Scout weather
Even on a sunny, warm day, it got pretty windy and chilly at the top, so bringing a fleece was a smart move! 🌬️ Also, rain can pop up anytime in England, so a lightweight waterproof jacket is a must.
The footpaths are mostly well-kept and easy to follow, making Kinder Scout hike-able all year. For the longer or off-path routes, sturdy walking boots are recommended since some areas can get boggy.
Check the BBC Weather forecast for Edale before you head out.
Kinder Scout parking in Edale
If you’re driving, head to Edale and park at the main carpark by the village hall, postcode S33 7ZP 🚗
The carpark fills up fast, so start early. If it’s full, you’ll be guided to the overflow lot, but that fills up quickly too!
Carpark prices:
Parking rates at Edale village hall carpark:
Up to 1 hour: £1.60
1–2 hours: £2.50
2–4 hours: £4.00
Over 4 hours (max 10 hours): £6.00
24 hours: £7.00
Coaches & motorhomes 0–4 hours: £5.50
Coaches & motorhomes over 4 hours: £10.50
Overspill carpark was £5 for the full day last time we visited.
Alternatively, catch the train to Edale Railway Station, right next to the village hall carpark.
Start grid reference: SK 12381 85327 🗺️
Kinder Scout height
The peak of Kinder Scout reaches 636 metres, but most hikers aim for Kinder Low trig point at 633 metres. The views from here are epic, perfect for snapping shots of Kinder Reservoir and the surrounding countryside 📸
Is Kinder Scout an easy walk?
The simplest choice is the linear route, heading back down to Edale via Jacob’s Ladder. It’s the shortest and easiest walk, though climbing Jacob’s Ladder still gives your legs a proper workout 💪
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