Kinder Scout Plane Crash Walk – Ringing Roger Circular from Edale | 6.5 Miles
If you’re looking for a classic Kinder Scout walk from Edale, this 6.5 mile circular route packs in some of the most dramatic scenery in the Dark Peak. The walk climbs steeply onto the Kinder plateau via Ringing Roger before exploring the remote moorland around the Edale Moor trig point.
One of the highlights of the walk is visiting the Handley Page Halifax plane wreck site, a fascinating and atmospheric spot on the Kinder plateau. The route also includes the summit of Grindslow Knoll, offering fantastic views back down to Edale and across the Hope Valley.
With optional rocky scrambling, open moorland and historic landmarks along the way, this is a brilliant shorter adventure on Kinder Scout.
Kinder Scout Plane Crash Walk Overview
Distance – 6.5 miles
Difficulty – Moderate to challenging
Route type – Circular
Start point – Edale village
Terrain – Rocky paths, steep climbs, moorland plateau
Facilities – Cafes, pubs and toilets in Edale
Highlights of the Walk
- Climbing onto Kinder Scout via the dramatic Ringing Roger route
- Visiting the Handley Page Halifax plane wreck site, which crashed in 1943 following a bombing raid in Frankfurt. The plane crashed into the moorland, killing 5 out of the 7 crew.
- Reaching the Edale Moor trig point
- Panoramic views from Grindslow Knoll
- A classic Dark Peak adventure starting and finishing in Edale where there are some great pubs for post-walk refreshment.
Walk Details
Our walk started from the car park in Edale and we walked up to the village centre, passing the Old Nags Head. Turning right and crossing the wooden bridge, the stone steps lead into a field. The path splits here – we took the right hand path up the hill, leading to a wooden gate. The path starts to climb steeply, following the wall of the trees.
The path begins to level slightly at the base of the rocky outcrop known as Ringing Roger. There are numerous paths here – we took the right one as shown on the photo below and headed up through the rocks. You can scramble over the rocks a little.
At the top of Ringing Roger we followed the path right, heading north-east. There’s a small domed stone marking the path to take up the side of the grough – we followed this and it took us straight to the first debris pool for the Handley Page Halifax plane wreck. A short distance to the north-west is a further small debris pool.
From here we set off north to pick up the path leading to the Edale Moor trig point. This path gets very muddy and boggy.
After the trig point we set off east-south-east towards a fenced off area, and followed a faint path back to the main edge path running around Kinder Scout. This path is very boggy in places and is easy to lose.
We turned right to continue around the edge path, visiting Nether Tor, Upper Tor and crossing the waterfall at the top of Grindsbrook Clough.
The route then follows the path around the edge and begins to climb up to the summit of Grindslow Knoll. From here there are stunning views over the valley of Edale, including Mam Tor and The Great Ridge.
We took the rocky path down, which then turns a path across the fields, and joins the Pennine Way back into Edale. We had a lovely lunch at the Old Nags Head Inn.
Tips for This Walk
- The climb up Ringing Roger is steep and rocky in places.
- Navigation on Kinder Scout can be difficult in poor visibility.
- The plane wreck site can be difficult to find in poor weather.
- Ground conditions on the plateau can be wet or boggy.
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproofs, layers and snacks.
FAQs
How long does the Ringing Roger Kinder Scout walk take?
Most walkers complete this 6.5 mile circular route in around 3 to 4 hours.
Where is the Kinder Scout plane crash site?
The wreckage of a Handley Page Halifax bomber can be found on the Kinder plateau near Edale Moor. The grid reference is SK13082 87632 (main debris pool) and SK13039 87745 (smaller debris pool).
Is the Ringing Roger route difficult?
The climb is steep and rocky but manageable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Can beginners walk up Kinder Scout from Edale?
Yes, but the terrain can be challenging and good footwear is essential. Be sure you know where you’re going, are able to navigate and are prepared for hiking on a mountain with changeable weather.
Kinder Scout Plane Crash Site Walk – Ringing Roger Circular from Edale Walk Details
Walk Map (Opens in OS Maps):ย Kinder Scout Plane Wreck Walk Map
Parking:ย Edale Car Park, Water Meadows, Hope Rd, Edale, Hope Valley S33 7ZQย W3W:///loudly.consoled.copper. Pay and display โ cards and cash. There is an overflow car park which sometimes operates near the railway station, and Edale station itself has 20 parking spaces.
Dogs:ย From 1 March to 31 July (annually) it is the law under the Countryside Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000, toย keep your dog on a lead of no more than 2 metres on Open Access land and at all times around livestock.
Facilities:ย There are toilets in the car park, as well as the Penny Pot Cafe and two pubs.
Walk Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty:ย โฒโฒโฒ
Distance:ย 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Trig Pointsย Bagged:ย Edale Moor
Peak District Peaksย Bagged:ย Grindslow Knoll
Peak District Ethelsย Bagged:ย Grindslow Knoll
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