UKC

Can anyone suggest a good "winter scramble" type route in the peak this friday?

By winter scramble I mean something that might require crampons and a walking axe, but isn't really pushing into grade I winter climbing. Probably just going to put the crampons/axe in the rucksack and go for a walk, but wondering if there's anywhere that's likely to see them get used.

In reply to SCGale: In the absence of more qualified replies I'll pitch in with a couple of ideas. Parkhouse and Chrome Hills in the White Peak would present an entertaining winter walk with mild mountaineering flavours. In the High Peak going onto the Kinder plateau you have Red Brook as you head towards the Downfall from Hayfield, Grindsbrook from Edale and a few others dotted about. Crowden Clough is popular but has the steeper waterfall section and perhaps falls outside your remit for the day. I suspect Red Brook fits the bill best and has an entertaining approach along the River Kinder.

I have to say I have only done these routes in summer, when they attract a scrambling grade of about 0.5, but hear good things about them in winter. You could do worse than get a copy of the new Cicerone guide which covers both summer and winter grades and is very comprehensive:

http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/674/title/scrambles-in-th...

Have a good day

Andrew

In reply to SCGale: A few pix:

Parkhouse and Chrome: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidcobol/3218917506/in/set-72157612874601002

Red Brook: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidcobol/3713344813/in/set-72157621086573340

Top section of Grindsbrook (not so interesting lower down): http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidcobol/4857380929/in/set-72157623891942348

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Red Brook on Kinder is a great summer scramble, but could be a challenging trip given the forecast; need to make sure you can navigate in winter conditions before venturing onto the Kinder plateau.