Author: Grade 1 Scrambler
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Torside Clough
Torside Clough in Longdendale offers an excellent grade 1 scramble with a variety of rocks, pools, and waterfalls. The route begins at Torside car park, and the round trip takes around 4 hours, making it suitable for beginners seeking a less challenging experience than Birchen Clough.
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Fair Brook Gully
Fair Brook Gully offers a quick, grade 1 scramble with multiple ascent routes and easy escape options. Starting from Birchin Clough lay-by, the route involves a series of fords and paths. The total time for the scramble and return is around 165 minutes. It pairs well with other nearby scrambles.
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Butterly & Carr Cloughs
The recommended route begins at Butterly Brook, offering a swim and a short scramble with appealing cascades and a Grade 1 waterfall with a grade 2 waterfall up Butterly Clough. Carr Clough is not really worth the effort. Total round trip time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Diggle Brook
The Diggle Brook scramble in Greater Manchester features five grade 1 waterfalls and one grade 2.5 waterfall, positioned far apart. Caution is necessary due to the nearby rifle range, and the brook has inconsistent naming across maps. The trek takes about 2-2.5 hours, with less than 10 minutes to the start.
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Marsden & Dean Cloughs
The route involves a lengthy scramble through Marsden and Dean Cloughs above Digley and Bilberry Reservoirs, featuring three grade 1 waterfalls. Starting from Digley Reservoir, the scramble encompasses waterfalls and cascades. The total route takes approximately 3-4 hours, returning via the Pennine Way, offering an enjoyable challenge, especially in wet conditions.
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Issue Clough
The route up Issue Clough near Digley Reservoir features an easy scramble, except for a challenging grade 2.5 waterfall which is impassable for Grade 1 scramblers. The journey takes about 75 minutes to start, followed by a 30-minute ascent, and 90 minutes back via the Pennine Way.
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Chew Brook
Chew Brook offers an easy scrambling experience above Dovestone Reservoir, suitable for beginners. The route starts near the iron footbridge, involves navigating a couple of waterfalls, and ends at the Chew Reservoir dam spillway. The total time required including walk in and out is around 2.5 hours. It’s recommended for an introductory scramble day.
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Torside Gully Far North
This scramble above Torside Clough, located in the northernmost gully, is easy and enjoyable though best paired with nearby scrambles. The route starts from Torside car park and follows well-marked trails, taking approximately 45 minutes to the bottom of the gully. A straightforward, steep adventure with scenic surroundings.
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Crowden Great Brook
Crowden Great Brook offers an enjoyable scramble. Starting from Crowden car park, the route involves a moderate challenge with slippery rocks and pools. Although it provides a good experience, nearby Oaken Clough is recommended for those seeking a more difficult scramble.
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Ogden Clough
The upper part of Ogden Clough, accessible from Devil’s Elbow, is suitable for beginners seeking a brief scramble. The route begins at the Longdendale Trail car park and includes minor cascades. Total scramble time is under 60 minutes.
The Grade 1 Scrambler 