The Grade 1 Scrambler

A steep, sustained Grade 2 scramble hidden-in-plain-sight above Torside Reservoir in the Peak District.  This guide describes the approach route, key features, and what to expect on one of the area’s most underrated scrambles.

Route in: park at Torside car park, walk back west along the Trans-Pennine Trail, then follow the Pennine Way past Reaps Farmhouse and shortly after that, branch off left into Torside Clough.  I prefer the shorter but more strenuous route walking south straight across the TPT and then west following the shoulder underneath Long Gutter Edge round to Torside Clough and then across the brook.

Start point: in theory the “brook” that flows down Torside Gully crosses the path at OS map ref SK 06585 97333, but it’s so hidden and overgrown that you can’t follow it, so instead start scrambling shortly before the gully runs between the first two large rocky outcrops around SK 06514 97217

Grading: very definite grade 2 – the entire scramble is steep and there are several grade 2 pitches that require confident placing of hands and feet

Notes: there are a lot of gullies running up from Torside to Clough Edge; make sure you’ve found the right one (though others tend to be easier)

Warning: the gully is seriously steep, there are no easy escape routes, and downclimbing is markedly difficult – so only go in if you are confident of your grade 2 scrambling abilities; avoid after heavy rain

End point: where the gully meets the Pennine Way at SK 06442 97154 after 80 metres of ascent

Route out: you could try downclimbing in between the two sets of outcrops (very steep, rocky, not during bird-nesting season) and return to the car park via the path under Long Gutter Edge; much more straightforward is to walk north on the Pennine Way until it joins the Trans-Pennine Trail and then head east

Map link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/torside-gully-a86dacb

Time: 45 mins from car park to scramble start via Long Gutter Edge route or 55 mins via TPT; 20 mins for the scramble; then about 45 mins to walk back

Combine with: other Torside gullies; Torside Clough

Gear: this is a dry scramble (though your feet will likely get wet); on the cusp of worth wearing a climbing helmet

Verdict: a scramble with “Wow” factor if you’re at grade 2 – really steep, constant, scary, challenging, and a fantastic feeling of achievement to complete it

Category: Top-rated scramble

Score: 8/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap via AllTrails