Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder
Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder is one of the most iconic walks in the Peak District, taking you to the highest point in the national park at 636 metres. Starting from the pretty village of Edale, the circular route follows the Pennine Way along the River Noe before climbing the famous stone steps of Jacob’s Ladder, rebuilt by the National Trust in the 1980s, up to the Kinder plateau. At the top you will find the Kinder Low trig point, Edale Rocks, and sweeping views across Derbyshire and beyond.
The terrain is varied and rewarding: green valley paths along the river, the steep stone staircase of Jacob’s Ladder itself, exposed moorland on the plateau, and peat bog sections that demand good navigation skills and proper boots. On clear days you can see as far as Manchester and even the mountains of North Wales. The route passes a 17th century Grade II listed packhorse bridge and the medieval Edale Cross boundary marker.
This is not a walk for poor weather or low visibility. The plateau is notoriously boggy and featureless, so carry a map and compass as well as your phone. Best tackled between April and October when daylight is long. Afterwards, reward yourself at one of Edale’s cafes or pubs, including the Old Nag’s Head right at the trailhead.
Reviews
Amazing hike and views, car park does get full quite quickly on sunny days, so I’d recommend coming bright and early!
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FAQ
Is this hike suitable for children or beginners?
This is a moderately challenging route covering around 8-13 km with 653 m of ascent, steep rocky sections, and boggy moorland plateau, not suitable for young children unless they are experienced hikers. Beginners should be comfortable with sustained climbs and uneven terrain before attempting it.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to go?
Kinder Scout via Jacob's Ladder is very popular, especially on weekends and bank holidays, with the car park filling up quickly, arriving before 9 AM is strongly advised. Weekdays offer a quieter experience, and the trail is generally best visited between January and October.
What should I wear or bring?
Sturdy waterproof walking boots are essential, along with warm and waterproof layers, as the summit can be cold, boggy, and windy even in summer. Carry a map and compass, the OS Explorer OL1 (The Peak District) is the recommended map, as the plateau can be very hard to navigate in low cloud or fog.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just turn up?
No booking is required, Kinder Scout and Jacob's Ladder are free to access as a public footpath within the Peak District National Park, with no entrance fees or permits needed for general hiking. Simply turn up and start from the Edale Village Hall Car Park.
Is the route accessible for people with mobility issues?
The route is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties, the paths are steep, rocky, and uneven, with boggy sections on the plateau that make it very challenging for those with limited mobility. There are no accessible alternatives on this particular trail.
Where do I park, and how much does it cost?
The main starting point is the pay-and-display Edale Village Hall Car Park, which has space for around 140 cars plus an overflow area on busy days. A full day's parking costs approximately £6.30-£6.80, and the car park is cash only, card or phone payment is not currently accepted.
Can I get there by public transport, and are there any facilities on the route?
Yes, Edale has its own train station on the Hope Valley line, with hourly services connecting Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly, making it a very convenient option. Once on the trail there are no facilities at all, but Edale village has two pubs and a café near the start, and public toilets are available at the car park.
Trail details
Plateau is very boggy after rain; avoid in low cloud or fog as navigation becomes treacherous
Getting there
Facilities nearby
Business Info
- https://www.peakdistrict.org/kinder-scout-walk/
- Edale Village Hall Car Park, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 7ZL
Features
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Reviews 5.0 · 5 reviews
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Posted on Google
Amazing hike and views, car park does get full quite quickly on sunny days, so I’d recommend coming bright and early!
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Posted on Google
Absolutely stunning walk, amazing veiws, tough climb up, but in good weather, just take your time & enjoy.
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Posted on Google
What an amazing walk we had. 6 hours of blistering heat and steep climbs, totally worth it for the views. The village of Edale at the foot of the climb is perfect for a drink, meal or shop too.
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Posted on Google
Not easy but we done it. Stunning views and good hike. We done 16km in total on yelow worning windy day…
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Posted on Google
Breath taking views from the beginning. I think the views most definitely compete with mam tor. Directions are easy to follow id recommend Jacobs ladder route which is a steep climb but rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hike suitable for children or beginners?
This is a moderately challenging route covering around 8-13 km with 653 m of ascent, steep rocky sections, and boggy moorland plateau, not suitable for young children unless they are experienced hikers. Beginners should be comfortable with sustained climbs and uneven terrain before attempting it.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to go?
Kinder Scout via Jacob's Ladder is very popular, especially on weekends and bank holidays, with the car park filling up quickly, arriving before 9 AM is strongly advised. Weekdays offer a quieter experience, and the trail is generally best visited between January and October.
What should I wear or bring?
Sturdy waterproof walking boots are essential, along with warm and waterproof layers, as the summit can be cold, boggy, and windy even in summer. Carry a map and compass, the OS Explorer OL1 (The Peak District) is the recommended map, as the plateau can be very hard to navigate in low cloud or fog.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just turn up?
No booking is required, Kinder Scout and Jacob's Ladder are free to access as a public footpath within the Peak District National Park, with no entrance fees or permits needed for general hiking. Simply turn up and start from the Edale Village Hall Car Park.
Is the route accessible for people with mobility issues?
The route is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties, the paths are steep, rocky, and uneven, with boggy sections on the plateau that make it very challenging for those with limited mobility. There are no accessible alternatives on this particular trail.
Where do I park, and how much does it cost?
The main starting point is the pay-and-display Edale Village Hall Car Park, which has space for around 140 cars plus an overflow area on busy days. A full day's parking costs approximately £6.30-£6.80, and the car park is cash only, card or phone payment is not currently accepted.
Can I get there by public transport, and are there any facilities on the route?
Yes, Edale has its own train station on the Hope Valley line, with hourly services connecting Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly, making it a very convenient option. Once on the trail there are no facilities at all, but Edale village has two pubs and a café near the start, and public toilets are available at the car park.