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▶Middle Black Clough Waterfall Walk
A short, scrambly out-and-back through Birchen Bank Woods to a dramatic 10 m waterfall hidden in the Dark Peak moorland.
Out-and-back
About
A 10 m waterfall hidden deep in Dark Peak moorland, reached via river crossings and a boulder scramble that keeps crowds minimal.
Middle Black Clough is the middle of three cloughs, Near, Middle and Far, that tumble off Bleaklow’s southern flank into the River Etherow. The waterfall itself drops roughly 10 m into a rocky plunge pool that draws wild swimmers and landscape photographers in equal measure, yet because the approach requires two river crossings and a hands-on scramble over boulders, the crowds thin out quickly once you leave the reservoir path.
The walk begins from the free lay-bys on the A628 Woodhead Road, drops steeply to the River Etherow, then follows it upstream through the broadleaved Birchen Bank Woods. After about 500 m you reach the ford where the three cloughs converge; cross here using stepping stones (wellies or waterproof boots strongly advised), then scramble alongside the clough for a short section before the waterfall comes into view. The whole return trip is only around 2.4 km, making it manageable as a half-day outing, though the terrain is genuinely rough and the crossings can be impassable after heavy rain.
For those wanting more mileage, the route extends naturally south and upward onto the Bleaklow plateau, passing two WWII aircraft wreck sites before reaching Bleaklow Stones at around 600 m. There are no facilities whatsoever at the trailhead, no toilets, no cafe, no litter bins, so come fully prepared and take everything home with you.
Why go
- The payoff is a 10 m waterfall hidden inside a narrow rocky clough that most people driving the A628 never know exists.
- Birchen Bank Woods give the approach a lush, enclosed feel before the terrain opens out into raw Dark Peak moorland above.
- Two river crossings and a boulder scramble mean this short walk genuinely earns its waterfall, go after moderate rain for maximum flow but avoid it in spate.
- The adjacent Near Black Clough offers triple cascades, giving adventurous walkers two waterfalls for the price of one short detour.
- Strong walkers can push on to Bleaklow Stones and two WWII plane wreck sites, turning a 2-mile taster into a full moorland day out.
Before you go
- Wellies or waterproof boots essential; two river crossings required. Do not attempt in spate.
- River crossings can be impassable after heavy or prolonged rain; paths are slippery and icy in winter.
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The route
Full route
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5A beautiful area with plenty of shade and cool water to splash around in, making it perfect for hot days. It's fun to hike and scramble to the top. I wore regular trainers, and they were perfectly fine for the climb. Parking is only available along the busy road, where traffic tends to drive quite fast, so be careful.
A fantastic and exciting place to visit, especially for those who love exploring Manchester and the surrounding areas. Definitely one of the best spots for a day out. Just one humble request: please help keep the place clean and tidy. Sadly, I noticed a few people had eaten Pakistani mangoes and left the stones, peels, and packaging lying around instead of disposing of them properly. We often complain about the stereotypes people have about us, but let’s not give anyone a reason to believe them. A little responsibility and respect for public spaces go a long way and reflect positively on all of us. That’s all — enjoy the place and leave it as beautiful as you found it.
Tips
0Is this walk suitable for children or families?+
The walk can work for families with older, confident children, but the rough terrain, boulder scrambling, and two river crossings make it unsuitable for toddlers or very young kids. Wellies or waterproof boots are a must, and children should be comfortable on uneven, slippery ground.
When is the best time to visit, and how busy does it get?+
Late spring and summer offer the best weather and the lushest scenery, and the waterfall is most impressive after a rainy spell. The scramble and river crossings thin out the crowds quickly beyond the reservoir path, so it rarely feels packed even on weekends.
What should I wear or bring?+
Waterproof hiking boots or wellies are strongly recommended due to boggy moorland, slippery rocks, and two river crossings that can soak ordinary footwear. Bring water, snacks, and a waterproof layer, as there are absolutely no facilities at the trailhead, no café, no toilets, and no litter bins.
Featured in
1 guide
Wellies or waterproof boots essential; two river crossings required. Do not attempt in spate.
- 1. Park in the free lay-bys on the north side of the A628 (SK13 1JE). Cross the road carefully, heavy lorry traffic.
- 2. Follow the track downhill eastward and cross the stile, descending steeply to the River Etherow.
- 3. Turn right and follow the riverside path upstream through Birchen Bank Woods, keeping the river on your left and passing a small weir.
- 4. After approximately 500 m, reach the ford where Near, Middle and Far Black Cloughs converge. Cross here using stepping stones, this is the main river crossing.
- 5. Once across, ignore the ford and continue on the rocky path southward, entering denser woodland alongside the clough.
- 6. After a further 400 m, make the second, wider crossing of the clough (wellies advisable; an alternative higher crossing exists via a steep exposed path if water is high).
- 7. Scramble up the rocky path alongside Middle Black Clough, a short hands-on section, until the 10 m waterfall comes into view.
- 8. Return by retracing the same route back to the A628 lay-bys.
Trail details
- Route typeOut-and-back
- Terrainwoodland, riverside, moorland, rocky scramble
- Best seasonSpring, Summer
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
River crossings can be impassable after heavy or prolonged rain; paths are slippery and icy in winter.
Getting there
- ParkingFree lay-bys on A628 Woodhead Road (Trans Pennine Trail car park)
- Parking costFree
- PostcodeSK13 1JE
Features
Getting there
- ParkingFree lay-bys on A628 Woodhead Road (Trans Pennine Trail car park)
- Parking costFree
- PostcodeSK13 1JE
Reviews
5 on GoogleA beautiful area with plenty of shade and cool water to splash around in, making it perfect for hot days. It's fun to hike and scramble to the top. I wore regular trainers, and they were perfectly fine for the climb. Parking is only available along the busy road, where traffic tends to drive quite fast, so be careful.
A fantastic and exciting place to visit, especially for those who love exploring Manchester and the surrounding areas. Definitely one of the best spots for a day out. Just one humble request: please help keep the place clean and tidy. Sadly, I noticed a few people had eaten Pakistani mangoes and left the stones, peels, and packaging lying around instead of disposing of them properly. We often complain about the stereotypes people have about us, but let’s not give anyone a reason to believe them. A little responsibility and respect for public spaces go a long way and reflect positively on all of us. That’s all — enjoy the place and leave it as beautiful as you found it.
Such a beautiful spot if your experienced in climbing it's not for the average person who's scared of a bit of water and a few hills its an easy trail overall a good for warming up for bigger challenges .... as pointed in other reviews parking can be a challenge since the hill gate has been closed off
It is a beautiful waterfall, go early morning and it is so peaceful. Ma Sha Allah Take your family there, safe area. Nice people around.
Really nice walk and a nice little waterfall, there is a little path next to the waterfall so aswell so you can get on top in a little pool of water which Is perfect to chill and have a sandwich.
Tips
0Questions
7Is this walk suitable for children or families?+
The walk can work for families with older, confident children, but the rough terrain, boulder scrambling, and two river crossings make it unsuitable for toddlers or very young kids. Wellies or waterproof boots are a must, and children should be comfortable on uneven, slippery ground.
When is the best time to visit, and how busy does it get?+
Late spring and summer offer the best weather and the lushest scenery, and the waterfall is most impressive after a rainy spell. The scramble and river crossings thin out the crowds quickly beyond the reservoir path, so it rarely feels packed even on weekends.
What should I wear or bring?+
Waterproof hiking boots or wellies are strongly recommended due to boggy moorland, slippery rocks, and two river crossings that can soak ordinary footwear. Bring water, snacks, and a waterproof layer, as there are absolutely no facilities at the trailhead, no café, no toilets, and no litter bins.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up?+
No booking is required, the walk is on open access land and is completely free to visit.
Is there parking, and how do I get there by public transport?+
Free roadside parking is available in small lay-bys on the A628 Woodhead Road (postcode SK13 1JE), but spaces are limited, so arriving early is advisable. Unfortunately, there are no public transport options serving this specific trailhead, so you'll need your own vehicle.
Is the trail accessible for people with limited mobility or pushchairs?+
No, the route involves a steep descent, two river crossings, stepping stones, and a hands-on boulder scramble, making it unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, or anyone with significant mobility limitations.
Is it safe to attempt after heavy rain, and can I swim in the pool?+
After heavy rainfall the river crossings can become deep and dangerous, and the rocks underfoot are hidden and slippery, it's best to avoid the walk in those conditions and check the weather beforehand. The plunge pool at the base of the waterfall is a popular wild swimming spot in calmer, drier periods, though the water will always be cold.