Crowden Clough
Arriving at Tipps car park (SK10788 84743) just below Upper Booth at around 12:30 we could hear the wizz of the helicopter above us amongst the trees. Craning our necks we could see the red and yellow wizzer running up and down the fell with bags of stones spinning from below its grab line. There is a considerable amount of conservation work being undertaken on the Kinder plateau at present, so its wise to keep your eyes open.
Kit bags loaded and a quick buddy check to make sure we have all the right kit for the hill before we set off. Its chilly out today with a fantastic blue sky above us all the way to the southern edges, all is looking promising.
Making our way past Upper Booth farm and over the bridge we take the right hand track through the little gate and up into the wood. Great little wander through the tree line, just have to be aware of the sharp drop to your right as you make your way to the clearing and up the steps to a fantastic view of Jacobs ladder.
Big John Beard
Jb making tracks up and past the old barn prior to entering the field system. Just after the barn you take a short trek across the field and enter the glade via a gate which leads down to the river. This is a most picturesque spot with a small weir and a bridge to cross the stream.
Merely walking to this location with a camera and a flask of tea would make anyones day after a long week at work.
So moving on and up into Crowden Clough heading for Crowden tower via the brook and the bad step. We've chosen to go fully armed with axe and crampons as the weather is rather unstable at present and the plan is to gain access to the ridge via the brook which sees plenty of ice in the upper reaches were it would be tricky to retreat without the proper equipment if required. As we meander along the river bank it never ceases to provide amazing camera opportunities and a spot of video. The brook at this time of year has a nice flow to it with small tributaries falling in from the sides like fingers of flowing clouds.
We make our way up, ever tightening as we head into the upper reaches of the Clough. Time for a quick drink and a bit of sustenance before the climb in up the river bed to the bad step.
Rounding the corner it was clear that even thou the brook curves round and up onto the plateau, and is hidden by the steep rocky sides from the sun the ice had all but disappeared. Never the less, the journey had now taken a different twist. This made for an interesting ascent from the bowl below the step up and onto the higher ground on wet slightly iced and snowy rock. The route is very clear and more than acceptable as a diff or high mod in the general rock climbing grading system. John was soon to take the lead, moving across the bowl and onto the rock face. Easy steps leading to a small slab which leans in to a section of turf and slightly broken ground were you can access the upper path leading into the brook for the next step of the adventure.
John as a silhouette moving onto the upper section of the route before heading up into the upper rock and turf sections. This part of the route was snow and ice under foot, good purchase for hand and foot but was not far from requiring crampons and axe for extra purchase and security, thus the reason for taking extra kit.
Gaining access to the top of the Clough we are met with a fantastic vista of the plateau and the two brooks running in off the moor. This location is superb for a further brew stop as it has views to die for across the wide open landscape across to Rushup edge and man Tor with the Great ridge beyond.
Heading out on to the plateau for a fine view of the rolling landscape beyond. We turned north west and headed round onto Edale moor, with a course for Grindslow Knoll at SK11010 86854 Alt 601. We made our way to the summit of Grindslow Knoll and was met with a ferociously high wind almost knocking you off your feet as we rounded the edge path and summited the ridge of the knoll. Standing steady and strong i was able to take a sum what noisy video of the affair, which was well worth the effort.
Video session over and its off down the ridge to head out over to the two tarns and down to Upper Booth farm. SK1028385336.
Passing through the farm yard our thoughts are now focusing on that marvellous brew called beer, in my case 1577 the standard ale at the Nags Head Edale.
https://www.dorbiere.co.uk/the-old-nags-head/
Ale consumed and its off for tea.
