Grinds Brook Scramble

Scrambling Grinds Brook that runs between Edale and the Kinder Plateau. Summary verdict: an acceptable introductory wet (lower) and dry (upper) scramble but nearby Crowden Brook is better
• Route in: train to Edale/park in Edale CP and follow the road north and then the footpath north along the right side of Grinds Brook
• Start point: initial entry point by some cascades to the south-east of OS-map-marked waterfall, c. SK 11819 87032
• Grading: graded 1 by the “Scrambles in the Dark Peak” book but generally feels a bit less than that - the initial waterfall (SK 11692 87138) needs a little care; there is the odd easy cascade in the middle section; you take the right fork where the brook splits (SK 10715 87242; the left fork is steeper and a bit harder) and scramble over boulders to the top
• Notes: suggest climbing the lower waterfall and then walk alongside the brook until the gradient/profile becomes sufficiently interesting
• End point: where the upper plateau path crosses the brook, c. SK 10620 87607
• Route out: follow the upper plateau path to Grindslow Knoll, then down to briefly join the Pennine Way near Grindsbrook Booth, and thence back to Edale
• Time: about 40 mins from Edale to the first cascade; 15 mins for that and the waterfall; then another 40 mins if you just walk the path to the fork; 30 mins to scramble the main/final section; c.60 mins back to Edale
• Combine with: left fork where the brook splits; steep right gully at SK 11104 87334; Golden Clough
• Gear: wet scramble gear for the lower section (waterfall pool up to neck deep); could probably stay dry for upper section in summer but I’m glad I had wet gear; helmet and buoyancy vest not required
• Verdict: an acceptable introductory wet (lower) and dry (upper) scramble but nearby Crowden Brook is better
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Map image/data from OpenStreetMap