"Hunting, bull and bear baiting, were the favourite sports of the ancient inhabitants of Hayfield, but on the introduction of commerce they earned high wages, and, indulging in luxury, became effeminate, and their rude sports began to decline". So says a guide to Kinder Scout published in 1880. No such accusation can however be levelled at anyone completing today's walk, for Kinder Low by any route requires effort, but the goal is worth it - one of the finest trig points in the Peak District. And this ascent takes in one of Kinder's lesser known approaches, a stairway to heaven, a neatly fashioned flight of gritstone steps taking you straight as an arrow up to the moorland heights.
LOCATION: Four miles east of New Mills
START: Bowden Bridge pay & display car park, one mile east of Hayfield on Kinder Road, toilets
Grid ref: SK048870 Postcode: SK222LH
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
GRADE: Moderate, but with a long ascent
TIME: 3 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - Dark Peak Landranger 110
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Swine's Back, Edale Cross, Kinder Reservoir, Harry Moor, Broad Clough, Kinder Mass Trespass
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News