Marsden to Edale walk 27th July 2024 – meet report

Three of us met up at Sheffield station for the 7.22 to Marsden, via Leeds and Huddersfield.
20 mins at Huddersfield allowed us to view the statue of Huddersfield’s famous son, Harold Wilson. We set off from Marden at 9.10. Up by the Wessenden reservoirs to Snoopy’s van on the Isle of Skye road for bacon butties and tea. Good paved path to Black Hill then a sneaky trod to take us to the path leading below Crowden quarries. Another stop at Crowden campsite for an ice cream. Along the N side of Torside Reservoir before the climb up Torside clough. Over Bleaklow Head on the Pennine way before cutting down to Upper North Grain cabin on another vague trod and to the A57. Down the road to the old Snake Inn – dodging the traffic. Up to Seal Stones and along the N side of the plateau to the top of Blackden Brook. The 12 min crossing of Kinder to Upper Tor, straight down to Grindsbrook and Edale. Arriving at 7.45. 23 miles, 4000 feet and a welcome pint before the 8.30 train. This is the quickest route, although the A57 section is not ideal. An alternative from Bleaklow is to go over the Snake Pass, Mill Hill, Kinder Low, Kinder Downfall and Grindslow Knoll. Apart from 30 mins of drizzle on Torside weather was perfect. Not too hot, light breeze. Great views from Blackhill and from Kinder in the evening light. Thanks to my stalwart companions.Geoff