Far Black Clough Scramble

Scrambling Far Black Clough in upper Longdendale, near the Woodhead Reservoir. Summary verdict: fine beginners’ 0.5 grade scramble in attractive scenery
• Route in: park at Longdendale Trail CP close to old Woodhead Rail Station or (if that’s closed or full as it sometimes is) then in nearby lay-bys along A628. Walk along path south of River Etherow, heading east and then up Black Clough
• Start point: enter Far Black Clough where it splits off from the main clough at OS ref SK 11673 99296
• Grading: no more than 0.5 in terms of difficulty but a consistent gradient and a nice mix of pools and of mossy and slippery rocks beneath rugged cliffs
• End point: around OS ref SK 11957 98876 where it becomes feasible to scramble up the left side to the footpath above
• Route out: walk north/back down the path that runs just above the clough
• Time: 15 mins from CP to start point; c.60 mins scrambling the clough; about 45 mins to walk back
• Combine with: Near Black Clough or Middle Black Clough
• Gear: dry bag probably, wetsuit only on colder days, buoyancy vest and helmet not needed
• Verdict: not one to return to for the dedicated grade 1 scrambler but a fine introduction for a clough scrambling beginner that’s quiet and in attractive scenery
• Category: Introductory
• Score: 6.5/10
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Map image/data from OpenStreetMap