The Grade 1 Scrambler

Scrambling Middle Black Clough in upper Longdendale, near the Woodhead Reservoir.  Summary verdict: three OK sections though the main waterfall is not climbable at Grade 1

Route in: park at Longdendale Trail CP close to old Woodhead Rail Station or (if that is closed or full as it sometimes is) then in nearby lay-bys along A628.  Walk along path south of River Etherow, heading east and then up Black Clough

Start point: enter Middle Black Clough where it splits off from Near Black Clough at OS ref SK 11578 99152

Grading: mostly around the 0.5-0.75 level with the odd bit closer to grade 1 but the main waterfall is up to grade 2.5 – tall, slippery, best attempted with a rope and beyond grade 1 capabilities

Notes: the main waterfall is a local beauty spot and social media favourite – if the weather is half-decent, you will not be alone there

End point: as the gradient reduces and the clough opens out around OS ref SK 11529 98478

Route out: there’s a reasonable path running alongside the brook so you can just retrace your steps

Time: 20 mins from CP to start point; 70-90 mins scrambling the clough; about 40 mins to walk back

Combine with: Near Black Clough or Far Black Clough

Gear: dry bag probably, wetsuit only on colder days, buoyancy vest and helmet not needed

Verdict: there are three OK sections at start, middle, and end but the main waterfall is a photogenic non-starter

Category: Standard Scramble

Score: 6.5/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap