Edale via Jacob's Ladder up Kinder Scout: route map, distance and time
636 m · Peak District
Kinder Scout is the highest ground in the Peak District, a gritstone plateau above Edale and Hayfield known for Kinder Downfall and the Mass Trespass.
You follow the Pennine Way along the valley to Upper Booth, climb Jacob's Ladder and walk to Kinder Low.
Edale via Jacob's Ladder at a glance
| Distance | 6.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 419 m |
| Time up | 2h 0m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 15m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Edale village car park |
| Start grid reference | SK 119 857 |
| Summit grid reference | SK 084 875 |
Edale via Jacob's Ladder map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- The Old Nags Head0.4 km
- The Rambler Inn0.5 km
- Newfold Cafe0.3 km
- The Penny Pot0.6 km
- Public toilets0.6 km
- Public toilets0.8 km
- Newfold Farm Campsite0.2 km
- Fieldhead Campsite0.5 km
- Waterside Farm Camp Site0.8 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Edale via Jacob's Ladder takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 40m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 3h 15m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 25m | 4h 0m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:40, sunset 18:05. Start by 13:50 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:41, sunset 18:03. Start by 13:48 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 15m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Kinder Scout summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Sunday 18 October
Light drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 26 mph gusting 32 mph, 94% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:40, sunset 18:05.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Slight rain, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 35 mph gusting 44 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:41, sunset 18:03.
Best day of the next seven for Edale via Jacob's Ladder: Thursday 22 October, with summit gusts around 35 mph and a 42% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 39% (Marginal), best around 08:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Kinder Scout forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Kinder Scout?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Peak District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 94% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 32 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Kinder Scout
Kinder Scout is the highest ground in the Peak District, a gritstone plateau above Edale and Hayfield known for Kinder Downfall and the Mass Trespass. More about Kinder Scout, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Challenges that include Kinder Scout
Other routes up Kinder Scout
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayfield via William Clough | 4.5 km one way | 427 m | 1h 35m | Moderate |
| Edale via Grindsbrook Clough | 7.0 km one way | 402 m | 2h 5m | Scramble |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SK 119 857, the summit at SK 084 875), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Edale via Jacob's Ladder: questions and answers
How far is Edale via Jacob's Ladder?
Edale via Jacob's Ladder is 6.3 km one way to the summit of Kinder Scout, with 419 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.6 km.
How long does Edale via Jacob's Ladder take?
About 2h 0m to the summit of Kinder Scout and 3h 15m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 0m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Edale via Jacob's Ladder?
Edale via Jacob's Ladder starts from Edale village car park. The grid reference is SK 119 857.
Is Edale via Jacob's Ladder suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Edale via Jacob's Ladder today?
By 13:50 at the latest. Sunset on Kinder Scout today is 18:05, Edale via Jacob's Ladder takes about 3h 15m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Edale via Jacob's Ladder?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).