Cicerone Scrambles In The Dark Peak

Cicerone - Scrambling in the Dark Peak

The Peak District has been an important area for walkers and climbers for over 100 years with many well-established footpaths. Less well-known are the opportunities for hands-on ascents, up gullies, brooks and cloughs, where scramblers can keep fit and hone their skills year-round.

This guidebook to scrambles in the Dark Peak and Roaches describes over 40 winter and summer routes, with plenty of links and extensions to make up longer, more challenging days on the moors. It is aimed at the more adventurous walker who might wish to add a little more ‘spice’ to their outings, and also those with some rock-climbing experience who may be looking for something away from the mainstream crags while retaining some element of ‘hands-on’ contact with the rock.

Routes are graded for difficulty and range from scrambly walks to more difficult rock climbs. Easy routes are suitable for walkers with good fitness and navigation skills, while harder routes are for experienced rock climbers.

• illustrated with large-scale OS map extracts
• includes routes in Chew Valley, near Crowden, on Bleaklow and Kinder Scout and in the Roaches
• with advice on equipment, conditions, grades and access and conservation restrictions

• Seasons
  3 winter-only routes; all others possible at any time of year but heavy rain and higher than usual water levels will affect some scrambles
• Centres
  Most scrambles in this guidebook are within easy reach of Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester. Local centres could be Edale, Crowden, Hayfield, Greenfield.
• Difficulty
  Routes are graded 1-3 in order of increasing difficulty (from ‘scrambly’ walks to moderate/difficult rock climbs). Easy scrambles are suitable for adventurous walkers with good fitness and navigation skills, harder routes require some rock climbing experience. In winter conditions, Scottish winter grades 1-2/3 apply and crampons and ice axes will be needed.
• Must See
  Kinder Downfall and the ravine; Ashop Clough and its gullies; Bleaklow via Ashton Clough; Torside Gully; Wildboar Clough; the Wilderness Gullies – all are good scrambles at any time of year. Mam Tor and Back Tor gully, with the Castleton Skyline walk, are winter classics.