Grindslow Knoll. A guide to the hills of Peakland. Part 1 of 197 (hopefully).

Grindslow Knoll- 601m/ 1972ft.

Prominence: 21m. Grid Ref: SK1006.

Rocky Mound above the Devil's Ravine.

Peakland's 4th highest hill- Grindslow Knoll.

Overview.

As you curve round into the Edale Valley and pass between the shadowy Great Ridge and the sunlit moorland wall of Kinder, a sharp peak appears in view, unlike any other hill in Peakland. Shooting into the sky off a steep broad moorland base Grindslow Knoll immediately captures the attention. No other hill manages to combine its shapely beauty, imposing bulk and great height so perfectly. Here lies a hill which must be ascended.

Peakland's 4^th highest fell, though technically a narrow ridge rising off a broad spur of Kinder Scout, expresses enough individuality to be a worthy hill in its own right. Indeed, it's prominence above its surroundings is surpassed only by Kinder and Bleaklow, yet the steepness of its slopes and perfect conical summit give it a more mountainous feel than both of them. It many only just miss out on the 2000ft contour, yet Grindslow Knoll a great fell, one which can proudly hold its head high amongst much more famous summits.

It is a crying shame then, that so fine a hill with so many fine features is so under-appreciated by the majority of walkers. So often used as a convenient route to or from Kinder Scout from Edale, few people seem to take the time to stop and take in the summit- indeed, there lies a well worn path which traversed just below the summit. Yes, it rises only 30ft or so above the broad spur attaching it to Kinder- which it is a part off-, but nothing on Kinder is a good as this. Kinder Scout is loved and justifiably famous, Grindslow Knoll is seen simply as a stop gap to or from greater things. Those more discerning of us however will stop and sit for a while, taking in the summit of arguably one of the very finest hills in the Peak District.

Location.

Spread across Kinder's 7 mile long southern escarpment, five broad grassy spurs descend steeply down into the wide green rectangle of the Vale of Edale. Off the bulkiest and highest of these, between Grindsbrook and Crowden Cloughs directly above Edale, rises Grindslow Knoll.

Running NW/ SE from the head of Grindsbrook, the spur rises sharply into the summit ridge before broadening quickly into a large flat boggy plateau. Steep grassy slopes wrinkled by a few shallow cloughs plunge down into the Edale Valley to the S, N and E, with farmland on the lowest slopes.

Topographically the hamlets of Upper Booth and Barber Booth lie on the lower slopes of Grindslow Knoll, as does the village of Edale, where grassy farmland fans out under the open slopes of the fell above. The view of the pointed summit soaring above the church in Edale is a classic. 

Though closely associated with Grindsbrook Clough, it claims only three streams to itself. All three are unnamed and being very steep and grassy, lacking in much interest aside from solitude and unusual views.

Fox Holes Crag

Mostly unseen from the path to Kinder, Grindslow Knoll's most extensive crag remains a peaceful and damp place left well alone walkers and climbers alike. Well worth seeking out is a little spur poking out of the fellside and a fine slender pinncale to the NW. Both easily visited, the scene from both is breathtaking.

 Grindslow Tarns.

Grindslow Tarns.

Though not 'tarns' by geographical definition and relatively small- even by Pennine standards, these two moorland pools rank second in size to the one found at Alport Castles. Most likely formed by peat cutting in times gone by, they are a rare treat in Peakland- true upland bodies of water. Too shallow to provide only a novelty paddle in summer, they nonetheless form a peaceful and pretty foreground for pictures of Grindslow Knoll's summit ridge and Kinder's higher plateau beyond.

Scrambling.

For the discerning scrambler Grindslow Knoll offers some very fine, esoteric scrambling. Short and often grassy, their merits are the solitude and grandeur found in few other places.

The Fox Holes Spur- SE Gully. Mod/ Diff. One of the best easy solos in Peakland. Little known, exposed and great juggy climbing.

Fox Holes Pinnacle- NW Side. Ungradeable. An exposed and committing scramble on damp rock and loose grass.

Fox Holes Crag and Mushroom Stone Gully.

Fox Holes Choss Gully. Grade 3. Tucked further along the crag from The Pinnacle, the easiest of two gullies. 15m long and committing, a very serious 'mixed' scramble involving a mantleshelf onto crumbling grass above an 8m drop.

Mushroom Stone Snow Gullies- I/II. After a good freeze-thaw or prolonged period of windblown snow from the N, a couple of long snow gullies form between Fox Holes Crag and the Mushroom Stone. Easily identified, these streaks form during a good cold spell and make for a fine little climb out of Grindsbrook. Towards the end of a hard winter they are the most reliable place in Peakland to practice basic winter skills.

Broadlee Bank Tor- various lines. Grade 1 (just). Cris-crossing the face can yield a pleasant easy scramble on grass/ shale.

Broadlee Bank Tor (winter)- 1. Unfortunately south facing and at low altitude means good snow conditions must rarely form. In exceptional winters fun grade 1's exist and make a fun stop on the way to Crowden Clough.

Routes of ascent.

From Edale (Nag's Head)- via the peat track

Length: Ascent:

A well used and simple ascent with one of the biggest height gains in Peakland. The walking is quite tedious, though the views are good. The path has historical interest, in days gone by being used by villagers bringing cut peat down to Edale for fuel. Possibly the fastest route to Kinder's summit from Edale. A very fine descent at the end of the day.

Turn L at the Nag's Head and follow the Pennine Way along a small wooded stream. When it opens into fields, leave the PW and head uphill towards the top R corner of the field. Go through a gate onto open land, follow the clear and badly eroded path steeply until the summit is reached.

From Edale (Nag's Head)- via Grindsbrook Clough

The finest hill view in Peakland? From Grindsbrook Ravine.

Length: Ascent:

The most popular route onto Kinder's plateau can be used as a grand way onto Grindslow Knoll, providing a short outing ideal for inclement weather or when time is tight. It is beautiful, rugged and interesting every step of the way.

Head N along the track behind the Nag's Head, following the sign R, down some steps and across a bridge over Grinds Brook. A clear flagged path leads through a field and through some woods into the open clough beyond. Follow the well defined path up Grindsbrook, weaving around boulders and cris-crossing the stream as you go. After a steepening at the top resembling a rocky gully, turn L and take the obvious path along the edge to Grindslow Knoll.

From Edale (Nag's Head)- via Broadlee Bank Tor.

Length: Ascent:

A scenic walk split into four distinct stages.

Broadlee Bank Tor

From the Nag's Head turn L and follow the signs for the Pennine Way. It will take you along a wooded stream and through several fields on a clear- sometimes flagged path. At Broadlee Bank Tor, leave the Pennine Way and head through a gate under the crag by a wall. Follow this feint path L around the hillside to some woods. Take the clear zig-zagging path up a shallow valley and onto the open plateau above. An easy path leads over the plateau towards the base of the summit ridge, which leads easily to the summit,

Via Grindslow Clough

From Barber Booth: Length: Ascent:

From Edale (Nag's Head): Length: Ascent:

An unnamed clough descends steeply into the mid-reaches of Crowden Clough. Pathless walking on steep grass make for a strenuous route. The least pleasant or conveniant way up or down Grindslow Knoll, it's merits are selcusion, a new perspective on Crowden Clough and getting off the beaten track.

Upon entering the open land in Crowden Clough, follow the clear path until a distinct clough joins on the R (E) side. Follow this up very steep rough slopes, initially through bracken, then grass. The easiest way is to follow the R-hand side just above the stream. Where the gradient eases into a shallow basin, head easily NE over more trackless ground to the summit.

The summit and views

Despite being so closely attached to Kinder Scout, Grindslow Knoll is sufficiently high enough to feel independent of the vast bulky moorland mass so close by. Two ridges- the SW and E meet at a small point perched 200m above Grindsbrook below. Eroded peat and grassy banks form the final plinth for a sizable cairn- the highest point is in no doubt. Given its height above the surroundings, dramatic views on all sides, an undeniable feeling space and elevation combined with the neat final peak, this must be regarded as one of the finest summits in all of Peakland.

As a viewpoint it is of great merit- nothing to the south is higher, giving vast wide-ranging ariel views over every inch of Peakland to the south. Beyond the tops of Mam Tor and Lord's Seat lies the Highlow Hills, Bradwell Moor with Longstone Moor, Chelmorton Low and the rolling limestone plateau stretching to the distant Weaver Hills in the south. To the west Shining Tor and the Western Moorlands form a long hilly ridge, with The Roaches, Coombes Moss and Morridge all in view.

South Eastwards the slopes plunge down to the Vale of Edale, with Lose Hill and Win Hill Pike seemingly lowley from this lofty vantange. Beyond, the bumpy crest of the Eastern Edges follows the curve of Derwent Dale past Grindleford to Matlock and beyond, with the distant peak of Masson Hill marking the SE limit to Peakland.

In the arc from W to NE, the southern flank of Kinder forms a grand wall, its bulk and height seen better than from anywhere else, broad plunging grassy slopes 6 miles long make an unforgettable scene. Although Kinder blocks out distant views to the N apart from Howden Edge seen poking above Nether Tor, the view is sufficiently dramatic and interesting to feel two-sided (unlike Lose Hill). Rank this amongst the best, it is one that will never get tiring.

Westwards from Grindslow Knoll.

Most hills in Peakland to the south are in view, though due to distance and the rolling nature binoculars or a degree of familiarity are required to pick them out. Significantly from E-W: Back Tor, Stanage Edge, Over Owler Tor, Harland Edge, Masson Hill, Sir William Hill, Longstone Moor, Minninglow, Wolfscote Hill, Chrome Hill, The Walk, Morridge, Axe Edge, Shining Tor, Chinley Churn.

Links to other hills.

Grindslow Knoll is nearly always ascended either on the way to or from Kinder Scout, from which it is a satellite off. As mentioned previously though, interesting cross-country routes from Hope or Castleton can be done taking in Lose Hill or Mam Tor along the way.

To Kinder Scout- head of Grindsbrook.

A. Length: Ascent: Time:

This ranks high amongst the most spectacular and grand walks in Peakland, crossing the southern rim of Grindsbrook.

From the summit, simply drop down the widely eroded path and follow the edge NW past a large cairn, to the head of Grindsbrook.

To Kinder Scout- Grindsbrook- Crowden Clough Path

B. Length: Descent:

A quieter but less impressive alternative, taking in the center of the spur. Broad moorland walking, better done in reverse from Kinder from where Grindslow Knoll appears as a fine peak.

Descend the summit ridge, turn NW onto a flagged path which leads easily over rough moorland, meeting the Grindsbrook- Crowden Clough path.

A musing.

At the time of writing I have notched up 80 ascents of Grindslow Knoll and 70 of Kinder (and over 100 onto it's plateau). Nearly all of these 80 have been two or from Kinder Scout, heading to or from great adventures on the boogy roof of Peakland. Yet, I have always allowed 20 minutes or more to stop on Grindslow Knoll's summit before the descent, to stand and take everything in.

  So many times after fleeing the city for a day up high, I stand and gaze at the world below my feet, feeling detached from it all. You don't need to be over 4000ft in the middle of the Cairngorms to feel this, just 15 miles away and 500m above Sheffield can do the trick. Reluctance to leave sets in, up here I am free and belong, down there the pull of life- and life is pretty damn fun- tries to drag me back. Two worlds. Two lives. So many times I've resisted the temptation to turn my back and head towards     Kinder's beckoning plateau beyond. There is something unique about this plinth, this little piece of heaven in the sky that lures me back time and time again.

  Sweaty summer days slogging desperately to get up out of the heat, collapsing on the grass a nauseous mess for 5 minutes before happily continuing into summery hazy Pennine heaven. Emotive winter descents in the dark, the lights below scattered into the distance, my crampons scratching the topmost rocks of the cairn. Great things were done on those days- to me anyway. Special places, magical spots. 

Above the clouds at sunset- happy times!