Jacob's Ladder Kinder
Iconic Peak District hike featuring a steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder to the vast, wild Kinder Scout plateau.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Jacob's Ladder Kinder
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Peak District hike featuring a steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder to the vast, wild Kinder Scout plateau.
"The views were absolutely amazing—definitely worth the effort. It’s a good workout."
🚗 Parking in Edale
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for parking. Edale car park postcode: S33 7ZQ.
🗺️ Free Maps at Edale Cafe
Grab a free map from the cafe near Edale station; it's super helpful for navigation!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacob's Ladder Ascent
Edale
A challenging but rewarding climb offering stunning panoramic views of the Peak District.
Kinder Scout Plateau
Kinder Scout
Vast, wild moorland with a unique, almost otherworldly landscape. Perfect for exploration.
Grindsbrook Clough
Kinder Scout
A more challenging ascent route, involving scrambling over rocks and boulders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Essential Gear for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking in Edale
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for parking. Edale car park postcode: S33 7ZQ. +1
🗺️ Free Maps at Edale Cafe
Grab a free map from the cafe near Edale station; it's super helpful for navigation!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain, including boggy sections and rocky climbs.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a good workout! Stay hydrated, especially on longer routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking in Edale
Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for parking. Edale car park postcode: S33 7ZQ. +1
🗺️ Free Maps at Edale Cafe
Grab a free map from the cafe near Edale station; it's super helpful for navigation!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain, including boggy sections and rocky climbs.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a good workout! Stay hydrated, especially on longer routes.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Most routes are dog-friendly, but keep them on a lead where necessary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the breathtaking views and challenging, rewarding nature of the Jacob's Ladder and Kinder Scout trek. The varied terrain offers a dynamic experience, though some find the downhill sections tough. It's a highly recommended adventure for those seeking stunning Peak District scenery and a good workout.
"This was the best part of our walk today Kinder Scout, Jacobs ladder circular definitely out of breath when I reached the top after a couple of stops but amazing views. Well worth walk up Jacobs Ladder."
Andrew Warne
"Nice walk, downhill route along the river is very challenging."
C C
"Really enjoyed the hike! The views were absolutely amazing—definitely worth the effort. It’s a good workout.. be sure to bring plenty of water!!!"
Manu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale station, which takes about 45 minutes. From Edale, it's a straightforward walk to the start of the Jacob's Ladder trail. +1
Yes, there is parking available in Edale village. The postcode for Edale Carpark is S33 7ZQ. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can get busy. +1
The most convenient public transport option is to take a train to Edale station. From there, you can begin your hike.
The most popular starting point is Edale village, offering access to routes like the Jacob's Ladder circular. Other access points include Hayfield and Castleton. +1
Edale village has small shops and cafes. For more options, Castleton is a short drive away and offers a wider selection. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kinder Scout and Jacob's Ladder are part of the Peak District National Park and are free to access. There are no entrance fees.
As it's an outdoor natural area, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can hike at any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety.
There is no entry fee for Jacob's Ladder; it's a public footpath within the Peak District National Park.
No permits are required for general hiking on Kinder Scout or Jacob's Ladder. However, if you plan on any organised events or specific activities, check with the Peak District National Park Authority.
While there are no official park-run tours, many local outdoor activity providers offer guided hikes. You can also find independent guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Jacob's Ladder ascent is considered moderate to challenging due to its steepness. The Kinder Scout plateau can be boggy and uneven, requiring good stamina.
The circular route from Edale typically takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace, stops, and the specific path taken.
The Kinder Scout plateau can be boggy and feature uneven terrain with rocks and peat hags. Good footwear and navigation skills are essential.
The views from Kinder Scout are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Peak District countryside and valleys.
The route can be challenging for very young children due to the steep ascent and uneven terrain. However, families with older children and good fitness levels can enjoy it.
📸 📸 Photography
The winding path of Jacob's Ladder itself, with the expansive landscape behind, makes for dramatic shots. The views from the top are also excellent. +1
Absolutely! The vast, open plateau of Kinder Scout offers unique photographic opportunities, especially with dramatic weather conditions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. However, the dramatic, often misty, conditions on Kinder Scout can be photogenic at any time.
Drone usage is generally discouraged in national parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or capturing waterfalls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting from Edale and taking a less strenuous route, or focusing on a shorter section. Bringing plenty of snacks, water, and ensuring everyone has appropriate footwear is crucial. The free maps from the Edale cafe are a great resource for families planning their route.
🚶 Solo Hikers
+1Safety is paramount for solo hikers. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, a map, and a compass. While the main paths are generally well-trodden, visibility can drop quickly on the plateau, making navigation essential.
The Edale cafe's free maps are a lifesaver for solo adventurers. 🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead when necessary, especially around livestock or if you encounter other hikers. Ensure your dog is comfortable with the terrain, as it can be rocky and boggy. Always carry water for your dog and be mindful of their energy levels on longer hikes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kinder Scout and Jacob's Ladder
It's highly recommended to use a map and compass, or a reliable GPS device. Many visitors find the Ordnance Survey maps invaluable for this area.
Key Takeaways for Navigation:
* Always carry a map and compass (and know how to use them).
* Consider using a GPS device or hiking app as a backup.
* Be prepared for boggy conditions and potentially poor visibility.
* Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
The Grindsbrook Clough Ascent
The terrain within the clough is rugged, with significant sections requiring the use of hands and legs to climb. This makes it a thrilling option for experienced hikers looking for a bit more of a challenge. The views that open up as you ascend through the clough are also spectacular, offering a different perspective of the Peak District landscape.
Consider Grindsbrook Clough if:
* You enjoy scrambling and a physical challenge.
* You have good upper body strength and agility.
* You are comfortable with navigating rocky terrain.
* You are starting your hike from Edale.
Accessibility and Dog-Friendliness
When it comes to accessibility for those with mobility issues, the steep and uneven nature of Jacob's Ladder and the boggy plateau of Kinder Scout make it challenging for wheelchairs or pushchairs. While some flatter sections near Edale might be manageable, the main hiking routes are not considered easily accessible. Visitors with limited mobility may find shorter, flatter walks around Edale village more suitable.
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