Author: Grade 1 Scrambler
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Blackden Brook
This guide details a scrambling route for Blackden Brook under Kinder Plateau in the High Peak. It features a brilliant Grade 1.5 main waterfall and a decent Grade 1 side fall, but the lower half offers little excitement and the final scramble is mediocre. Recommended gear includes a drybag and wetsuit. Total time is approximately…
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Nether & Upper Red Brooks
The scrambling routes along Nether and Upper Red Brooks near Kinder Plateau provide varied experiences. Nether RB offers a satisfying grade 1 scramble, while Upper RB is less favourable. Both routes require a lengthy approach, and both culminate in scenic paths, with Nether RB rated 7/10 and Upper RB 5/10 for enjoyment.
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Fair Brook
Fair Brook offers an easily accessible, family-friendly scramble, particularly engaging in the lower section with short waterfalls. The recommended route begins at the River Ashop and features a boulder climb near the plateau that’s not so great. Gear includes a wetsuit and buoyancy vest. Overall score: 7/10 for the first part.
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Rimmon Pit Clough
Rimmon Pit Clough in the Peak District offers a simple scramble (grade 0.5) suitable for novices. It features a mix of pools, boulders, and mossy slabs, taking about 25 minutes to reach the start point. Avoid during wet conditions due to slipperiness. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s recommended for beginners.
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Ashway Clough
The Ashway Clough scramble above Dove Stone Reservoir starts off well with two enjoyable falls but quickly becomes tedious due to slippery rocks. It is rated 4/10 and not recommended, lacking significant value in side scrambles. The route takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the start and an hour to ascend.
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Far Black Clough
Scrambling Far Black Clough near Woodhead Reservoir offers a beginner-friendly 0.5 grade scramble in scenic surroundings. Starting from Longdendale Trail CP, the route involves a 15-minute walk to the clough’s entry, followed by 60 minutes of scrambling before a 45-minute return. Ideal for novices, it scores 6.5/10.
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Easedale Gill
Easedale Gill, located west of Grasmere in the Lake District, offers an enjoyable grade 1 scrambling experience amidst scenic remote surroundings. The route begins at Lancrigg Hotel and involves a pleasant ascent through waterfalls, taking roughly 2.5 hours as a round trip. Combining it with Sourmilk Gill enhances the adventure.
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Sourmilk Gill
Sourmilk Gill, located west of Grasmere, is regarded as a classic grade 1 scramble, offering an exciting yet slippery experience. The route begins at Lancrigg Hotel, involves careful footwork, and culminates where the gill flattens. Estimated total time for the outing is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Recommended gear includes a drybag and wetsuit.
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Grasmere Common Gullies
This guide describes scrambling two gullies near Grasmere in the Lake District. The East Gill, rated 6.5/10, and West Gill, rated 8/10, are not recommended as standalone activities but West Gill offers a reasonable enhancement to the Far Easedale Gill scramble. Parking is available at Lancrigg Hotel, with specific route details provided.
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Far Easedale Gill
This guide covers scrambling Far Easedale Gill, located west of Grasmere in the Lake District. It highlights a series of grade 1 and 1.5 waterfalls, culminating in a challenging section before reaching Moor Moss. The scenic route involves a 30-50 minute walk to the water gate and then 100 minutes up the gill.
The Grade 1 Scrambler 