Description
Crowden Brook
Date to be confirmed
Crowden Brook (and its main waterfall) is a hidden gem in the Dark Peak region of the Peak District, located in the steep valley known as Crowden Clough. It serves as one of the most exciting and scenic “back door” routes onto the Kinder Scout plateau.
Unlike the more famous (and often crowded) Kinder Downfall, the Crowden Brook waterfalls offer a more intimate, hands-on experience, often involving “scrambling”—using your hands to climb up the rocky steps of the stream itself.
This walk will be around 4 hours long.
The Waterfall Experience
The Main Cascade: The primary waterfall is about 10 feet high. While it isn’t a massive drop, its beauty lies in the surrounding gritstone formations and the way the water tumbles over dark, mossy shelves.
The “Crux” Scramble: For many hikers, the waterfall is the “crux” of the Crowden Clough route. In dry weather, you can scramble directly up the face of the waterfall.
Alternative Routes: If the water is too high or you aren’t feeling adventurous, there is a well-worn “bypass path” on the left-hand side of the clough that allows you to walk up the steep slope and avoid the water entirely.
Key Information for Visitors
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Near Edale/Upper Booth, Derbyshire. |
| Starting Point | Most start at the Barber Booth car park or Upper Booth Farm. |
| Difficulty | Moderate walk; Grade 1 scramble if climbing the waterfall directly. |
| Best Time to Visit | After a dry spell if you want to scramble; after rain for the most dramatic photography. |
| Nearby Landmarks | Crowden Tower, Kinder Low, and the Wool Packs (unusual rock formations). |
Tips for the Hike
Footwear is Key: The rocks in the brook are notorious for being “greasy” and slippery even when they look dry. High-grip hiking boots are essential.
The “Secret” Finale: If you continue past the main waterfall and take the left fork of the brook near the top, there is a narrow “chimney” (a tight rock crack) that offers a fun, slightly more technical finish to the climb.
Wildlife & Nature: The valley is much quieter than the nearby Jacob’s Ladder. Keep an eye out for ring ouzels (a mountain blackbird) which nest in the rocky outcrops nearby.
Safety Note: In winter or after heavy storms, the clough can become a torrent. If the water is white and roaring, stick to the higher bypass path on the left to reach the plateau safely.