Edale marks the start of the Pennine Way, and it’s an excellent introduction to the 268‑mile trail. The Vale of Edale is an impressive amphitheatre of ridge tops, lined with well‑known peaks such as Mam Tor, Hollins Cross and Lose Hill, with numerous day‑walk options packed into a compact area.
The Pennine Way begins with immediate drama, climbing Jacob’s Ladder as the Vale narrows at its western end, before turning north to continue the ascent to Kinder Low (633m). From here, superb ridge walking unfolds, with Kinder Reservoir and Hayfield far below and Manchester visible on the horizon. The ridge arcs towards Kinder Downfall, where the cliffs of the northern edge drop away sharply.
After following the Pennine Way for almost five miles, this circular walk loops east across Edale Moor, eventually emerging above Crowden Brook with commanding views down the valley. Several return options exist from here. Having tried many of them, we chose the scenic scramble down Crowden Brook—a Grade 1 line (exposed walking or easy scrambling with large holds). If you’d prefer to avoid using your hands, an alternative route is included below.
Key Facts
- Start/finish: Edale
- Highest point: Kinder Low (633m)
- Terrain: Paved slabs, rocky paths, moorland, optional Grade 1 scramble
- Distance: Approx. 8 miles depending on descent choice
- Difficulty: Moderate – Hard; navigation required on Edale Moor
- Highlights: Vale of Edale, Jacob’s Ladder, Kinder Low, Kinder Downfall, Crowden Brook
Video: Full Edale to Kinder Downfall Loop
See the route in motion with a clear, step‑by‑step video of the entire Edale to Kinder Downfall circuit.
Route Map: Edale to Kinder Downfall Loop
Route Summary: Edale to Kinder Downfall Circular Walk
Edale → Upper Booth → Jacob’s Ladder → Edale Rocks → Kinder Low → Kinder Downfall → Edale Moor → Crowden Tower → Crowden Brook or Grindsbrook Clough → Upper Booth → Edale
- Start in Edale; follow Pennine Way west to Upper Booth.
- Continue to Jacob’s Ladder; climb to Edale Rocks.
- Head north to Kinder Low (633m), then continue to Kinder Downfall.
- Turn east; cross Edale Moor towards Crowden Tower (navigation required).
- At Crowden Tower, choose:
- Crowden Brook (Grade 1 scramble), or
- Path via Grindsbrook Clough/Golden Clough (non‑scramble).
- Rejoin path to Upper Booth; return to Edale on the Pennine Way.
Edale to Upper Booth
Starting in Edale, the Pennine Way heads west, undulating gently on its way to Upper Booth. There’s a farm here with a campsite and vending machines if you’re ready for a snack after just 1.3 miles.
Follow the crowds along the single‑lane road westwards—well signposted—and the trail begins to climb as the valley narrows like a bottleneck.
Climbing Jacob’s Ladder
A mile later you reach Jacob’s Ladder, a long series of cobbled steps built into the hillside. They lift you out of the western end of the Vale of Edale and onto the ridge behind. It’s a landmark in its own right, beautifully framed by a small arched bridge, trees to the left and cascading streams to the right. The gradient varies but is steep in places.
There is an alternative route to the left just after the footbridge. It’s more gentle but lacks the iconic feel of the main ascent.
Don’t forget to look back as you pause for breath—the views eastwards are just as impressive as those ahead.
Although Jacob’s Ladder itself is only around 0.2 miles long, the ascent continues for almost half a mile to the junction at Edale Cross. We took around 30 minutes from the bridge, stopping for photos and video at a leisurely pace. For Pennine Way backpackers, this section feels considerably tougher with a full load.
If you’re curious what this landscape looks like in the last light of the day, my Top 10 Sunset Photos of the Pennine Way features evening views from Kinder Downfall, Jacob’s Ladder and the surrounding ridges.
Edale Cross to Kinder Low
At the trail junction, keep right as you reach 533m. The gradient eases slightly as the route follows paving slabs towards Edale Rocks, curving northwards and offering high‑level views down the Vale of Edale to your right.
At Edale Rocks, families might wish to pause to let children explore. Continue north, avoiding the right‑hand turn (which loops back to Edale but misses Kinder Downfall). The trail becomes braided in places, but navigation is straightforward—head for the white trig point on Kinder Low (633m).
Just five minutes further north, the trail bends left and the horizon drops away—a sign you’re approaching the ridge leading to Kinder Downfall. Scattered rocks here make ideal photo spots or picnic perches.
The Pennine Way to Kinder Downfall
Continue north as the views keep unfolding: first the northern edge with its cliff‑like walls, then Kinder Reservoir 300m below. The trail skirts small streams and offers fresh perspectives of the valley. It’s not technically difficult, but the rocky terrain slows progress as you pick the best line through.
You’ll hear Kinder Downfall before you see it. It’s another excellent place to pause, snack and enjoy the scenery.
For a wider look at the Pennine Way’s standout moments — including Kinder Downfall — see my Top 10 Highlights of the Pennine Way (Ranked).
The Moorland Shortcut to Crowden Tower
The Pennine Way continues west from here, linking to more great day‑walks. But unless you’re looping anticlockwise on a much longer circuit, turn east at Kinder Downfall, following the eroded trail beside the stream.
If you’d like to see how this terrain fits into the full Pennine Way, my Pennine Way Days 1–3 report covers the long‑distance route from Edale to Hebden Bridge, including Jacob’s Ladder, Kinder Downfall and the climb to Laddow Rocks.
Initially, navigation is easy—almost suspiciously so. But the 1.4‑mile shortcut across Edale Moor requires caution. The further you get from the waterfall, the more barren and monotone the moor becomes. Sheep tracks can easily lure you off course, and the true path is unmarked. Without a compass or GPS, it’s the kind of terrain where you could wander in circles.
Even with GPS, and having walked this route several times, I still lost the actual trail and struggled to distinguish it from the many gullies dissecting the moor. Around half a mile from Crowden Tower, we reached a new line of paving slabs—a wisely constructed route that makes navigation far easier.
In wet weather, this area becomes boggy. The slabs keep your feet dry, but the older tracks test your agility and boots. It took us 45 minutes to cross this 1.4‑mile stretch—slow enough to make me wonder whether retracing our steps along the Pennine Way back towards Edale Rocks might have been quicker (unlikely). It’s a valid option if the moorland shortcut concerns you.
Crowden Tower and Descent Options
The scenery around Crowden Tower is superb. Water tumbles off the plateau into Crowden Brook, while the ridgeline stretches east to west.
Option 1 — Avoiding the Scramble
If you’d prefer to avoid the scramble down Crowden Brook, turn left here and follow the trail past Grindsbrook Clough and Golden Clough. A steep footpath then leads you into Edale from the north. If you want to see what this terrain looks like, check out my alternative Edale loop via Blackden Edge—it also enters Edale along this path.
Option 2 — Scrambling Down Crowden Brook
If you’re happy with a Grade 1 scramble, follow the third trail between the two east–west paths, descending into the valley. My YouTube clip (above) shows this route and the condition of the trail.
The descent is beautiful, closely following the brook and crossing it several times as the 1.4‑mile trail drops 350m back into Upper Booth. Interestingly, this took us the same time as the flat moorland shortcut—putting the difficulty of that navigation into perspective.
For an even wilder take on the Edale skyline, my Blackden Brook & Blackden Edge loop follows a hands‑on scramble, a high ridge above Edale Valley and a steep descent into the village.
Returning to Edale
From Upper Booth, simply choose your preferred route back to Edale. The easiest is to follow the Pennine Way east—and see whether you can resist the pricey vending machine for a second time.
If this loop has given you a taste for the Pennine Way, my Beginner Weekend in the Peaks offers a manageable two‑day route from Edale to Crowden and Marsden, including Jacob’s Ladder and Kinder Downfall.
FAQs
How long does the Edale to Kinder Downfall loop take?
Most walkers complete the full loop in 4–6 hours, depending on pace, weather and descent choice.
Is the route easy to navigate?
Navigation is straightforward on the Pennine Way section, but the moorland crossing east of Kinder Downfall can be challenging. Paths are faint, gullies resemble the main trail and visibility can drop quickly. A map, compass and GPS are strongly recommended.
How long does it take to walk Jacob’s Ladder?
Most people climb Jacob’s Ladder in 10–20 minutes. We reached the gentler alternative path in about 10 minutes, and the trail junction near Edale Cross in roughly 30 minutes, including photo stops and a steady pace.
Is Jacob’s Ladder hard to climb?
Jacob’s Ladder is short but steep. The cobbled steps rise quickly out of the Vale of Edale, and while the ascent isn’t technical, it can feel demanding if you’re new to hillwalking or carrying a heavy pack. A gentler alternative path branches left just after the footbridge.
What is Kinder Downfall?
Kinder Downfall is the largest waterfall on the Kinder Scout plateau and a major landmark on the Pennine Way. The stream drops over a high gritstone edge with wide views towards Kinder Reservoir. In strong winds, the water can blow back upwards, creating the well‑known “reverse waterfall” effect.
Is the Crowden Brook descent difficult?
The descent down Crowden Brook is a Grade 1 scramble. It’s scenic and follows the water closely, but requires the use of hands in places and can be slippery after rain. Confident walkers should enjoy it; others may prefer the non‑scramble alternative.
What is the easier alternative to the Crowden Brook scramble?
The easier option is to turn left at Crowden Tower and follow the path past Grindsbrook Clough and Golden Clough. A steep footpath then leads back into Edale without any scrambling.
What footwear is best for this route?
Sturdy walking boots with good grip are recommended. The rocky paths around Kinder Low, the wet ground on Edale Moor and the optional scramble down Crowden Brook all benefit from supportive, waterproof footwear.
Return to my Pennine Way Hub
Find more routes, planning tips and stage‑by‑stage guides on the Pennine Way hub.