Rimmon Pit Clough

Scrambling Rimmon Pit Clough under Saddleworth Moor in the north-west Peak District. Summary verdict: a reasonable short and simple 0.5-grade scramble for a clough-scrambling novice

Route in: park on A635 Saddleworth Moor small car park and walk/clamber down Rimmon Pit Clough (or for a longer but easier walk in, park at Binn Green on the A635 and walk up past Yeoman Hey and Greenfield Reservoirs and then Greenfield Brook)

Start point: the clough starts at OS ref SE 04124 05241

Grading: a reasonable mix of pools, boulders, mossy slabs and cascades; nothing more than grade 0.5

Warning: during the season (roughly autumn and winter), there might be shooting from the grouse butts that run to the east of the route from the A635 into the clough

End point: where the clough opens up a little around OS ref SE 04195 05439

Route out: retrace the path in, back to the Saddleworth Moor car park

Time: about 25 mins from CP to start point; then 30 mins up Rimmon Pit Clough; then about 20 mins to walk back (add another 40 mins each way if parked at Binn Green)

Combine with: Birchen Clough or Holme Clough

Gear: pools are up to waist-deep so wetsuit on a cold day; other gear not needed

Verdict: one to avoid when conditions are wet as rocks get slippery but in dry weather it’s short, moderately steep, and a decent grade 0.5 for a beginner. Arguably better than Holme Clough for a beginner

Category: Introductory

Score: 6.5/10

Video guide: