Blackden Brook and Nether Red Brook. Scrambling Adventure in The Dark Peak.

Taking a break from our Nuneaton to Scafell Pike Challenge we headed for Snake Pass to do two scrambles around the northern edge of Kinder Scout. Parking near the Snake Inn, alongside The River Ashop we walked east along the A57 to the start of Blackden Brook. We entered the brook at the earliest opportunity, at a small waterfall, and began scrambling along the slimy brook. Before long we were knee deep in the water and having a great time clambering up the small falls. Progress was then halted at an approximately 15ft waterfall in a ravine. There was a route straight up the falls on the left hand side which, if on dry rock, would have been an easy grade 1 scramble. After a couple of attempts, I backed off due to the slimy rock as a fall here would be extremely serious. Our climb out of the ravine, to join the path, was just as sketchy. Not a difficult climb but with boulders loosely held in with consolidated soil meant we had to be extremely careful. Once above the falls we joined the stream once again. As we continued up the brook the water petered out and the final steep sections were climbed on mostly dry, grippy rock. The location of this brook means it's not easy to link up to another scramble but, with the weather holding, we decided to head a few miles west to Fairbrook and then to Black Ashop Moor to pick up Nether Red Brook where it gets interesting. Again slimy rock and small waterfalls were the order of things. Progressing towards the top of this much shorter route brought us to two waterfalls both around 6 to 7 ft in height with easy bypasses. We went straight up with no difficulties as extremely good holds make up for the slimy foot placements. Once back at the top it was time to head home with the weather closing in. All in all, a great day out in the hills.

[@gregcoleman7328]

Great video and route! I did Nether Red Brook again when I was in the Peaks at the end of July. This time I walked from Hayfield where I was staying, did the William Clough route up, walked along the base of the North Edge to Nether Red Brook. It’s a good one and I like the fact that (a) you usually have it to yourself and (b) you have three route options nearer the top. The two options on the right are a bit trickier than the main Clough finish, the chimney is full on grade 3, I would only try it after prolonged dry and hot weather as it is a slippery nightmare otherwise - and I am not as young as I was😬 In fact it is on the UKC website and a chap recorded a huge rock wedged in the chimney suddenly giving out and plummeting down below…

[@MountainAdventuresuk1]

Cheers man, Done Nether Red and few times and loved it. The grade 3 chimney is a bit above my comfort zone but I'll check out the video you mentioned. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kurt3306]

“ path “ around 15:24 onwards. Has been some serious accidents around that area in the past. I dread to think what it is like in bad weather. Great video by the way. Liked and subbed.

[@MountainAdventuresuk1]

The rocks in that area seemed really loose and ready to go at any moment. If the rocks around the waterfall weren't so slippy it would be a much more solid option. Thanks for viewing.