Torside Clough Scramble

October 5, 2022 CIRCULAR WALKS, MEDIUM WALKS 4-9 MILES, PEAK DISTRICT WALKS

This is one of my all time favourite Peak District scrambles! Torside Clough is just beautiful in summer, and you can scramble up onto Bleaklow this way.

This scramble up Torside Clough is just under 6 miles long and involves clambering up and over boulders. It’s not very accessible, but that’s part of the attraction for me. The Clough itself is home to lots of waterfalls and pools big enough for a dip. The best time to explore Torside Clough has to be in late summer when the heather is in full bloom but it is a great day out any time of the year.

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Earlier in the year I bought the brilliant book Scrambles in the Dark Peak by Tom Corker and Terry Sleaford which is full of amazing scrambles to do in the north of the Peak District. We originally scrambled down Torside Clough when we explored Wildboar Clough but I wanted to scramble up it, so off we went!

Our walk started in Torside car park and we followed the path of the Longdendale Trail for about a mile before heading south-east up the Pennine Way for a short distance. The start of the Clough is quite open and grassy, with the river flowing through the valley making it a lovely spot for a picnic.

There isn’t a path up the Clough, so it’s just a case of picking the best way up over the various rocks and boulders. This is a Grade 1 scramble, meaning it should be doable for most active hillwalkers. There are a few sections where we had to hold onto the heather and there is a gate to traverse, but it makes for a fun adventure as long as you stay dry! You’ll need to climb using your hands in places.

As you near the top of the Clough it begins to get less steep and rocky (but also a bit more boggy underfoot if it’s been raining).

We then picked up the Pennine Way and followed this in a north-east direction, with the Clough on our right hand side, back down the hill and to the car park.

Although this is less than 6 miles long, scrambling generally takes a lot longer than walking so allow plenty of time for this walk if you decide to have an explore. Also, it goes without saying, but please wear proper footwear and be prepared for all weathers – the weather can change quickly on Bleaklow.

For more scrambles onto Bleaklow, why not try Wildboar Clough Scramble or Higher Shelf Stones via Ashton Clough Scramble.

Parking: Torside Car Park SK13 1JB (pay and display)

Facilities: There are loos in the car park

Walk Time: 4-5 hours depending on speed and fitness

Difficulty: ▲▲▲

Distance: 5.14 miles (8.27km)

Trig Points Bagged: None

Peak District Peaks Bagged: None

Peak District Ethels Bagged: None