Walk

Kinder Scout from Edale

Derbyshire

Dog Friendly Rating:8/10The Peak District's highest point delivers stunning moorland drama, though demanding terrain and mandatory leads near livestock make it best suited to experienced dogs.

Kinder Scout is the Peak District's highest point at 636 metres, and this challenging 12.7 km circular from Edale village takes on the mountain via the rocky ravine of Grindsbrook Clough before traversing the dark peat plateau past the Woolpacks and Noe Stool. The descent via Jacob's Ladder returns you to the valley on the Pennine Way. With 535 metres of elevation gain and sections of grade-one scrambling, this is a serious day out that demands fitness, proper equipment and respect for mountain weather. The plateau itself is a vast, wild expanse of peat hag and heather unlike anything in lowland Britain.

This dog friendly walk is deeply absorbing for fit, experienced dogs. The sharp mineral scent of dark peat and wet heather carries across the open plateau, and streams are plentiful throughout for drinking and cooling. The scramble through Grindsbrook Clough is manageable for most agile dogs, though assistance may be needed at the steepest section. Leads are required on the lower farmland near Upper Booth where livestock is present, with more freedom available on the open access plateau. This is genuine mountain walking — rewarding but demanding — and suits dogs who thrive on sustained effort and wild terrain.

At a Glance

Distance: 12.7 km (7.9 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 5 hr 30 min
Walk Type: Peak, Waterfall
Route Type: Circular
Off Lead Potential: Moderate
Livestock Risk: Moderate
Facilities: The Old Nag's Head pub at walk start and finish; toilets in Edale village
Parking: Edale Car Park, S33 7ZQ. Pay and display, cash or PayByPhone; busy at weekends

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kinder Scout from Edale dog friendly?
Kinder Scout from Edale earns a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness, and is a genuinely rewarding route for the right dog. The open peat plateau offers plenty of space to explore, streams are plentiful for drinking and cooling off, and the wild terrain is deeply stimulating for dogs who love sustained effort. That said, it's best suited to fit, experienced dogs rather than first-timers or those who struggle with rough ground.
Can dogs be off lead at Kinder Scout from Edale?
Dogs need to be kept on leads on the lower farmland near Upper Booth, where livestock is present. Once you're up on the open access plateau, there's considerably more freedom for your dog to roam. It's worth keeping an eye on your dog near the steeper sections of Grindsbrook Clough, where the scrambling demands a bit of care.
What should I know before visiting Kinder Scout from Edale with my dog?
This is a serious mountain walk , 12.7 km with 535 metres of elevation gain and some grade-one scrambling through Grindsbrook Clough , so it demands fitness from both you and your dog, along with proper kit and respect for mountain weather. Most agile dogs can manage the scramble, though you may need to give a helping hand at the steepest point. After the walk, The Old Nag's Head pub is right at the start and finish in Edale, making it a handy spot to round off the day. Parking is at Edale Car Park (S33 7ZQ), pay and display, but expect it to be busy at weekends.