Climbs 355
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 516m a.s.l
Faces SW
Scott Mckensie © DuncanR
Crag features
The cliffs around the famous cascade of the Kinder Downfall are amongst the most dramatic on the moor, mainly because of the superb setting but also because it is the location of a fine set of routes, across a spread of grades, with many good offerings across the lower end of the grade spectrum.
The outcrops here tend to face between south and west and so get plenty of afternoon and evening sunshine. The shape of the valley tends to funnel westerly winds up towards the rim of the moor making climbing here a wild experience under these conditions and also turning the Kinder Downfall into the Kinder Upfall and showering unsuspecting passers-by on the moor behind.
Approach notes
Kinder Road leads from the village of Hayfield towards Kinder reservoir. A car park on the left at Bowden Bridge marks the furthest point at which cars are allowed to go. A 15 minute walk along the road allows a path to be taken around the left-hand side of the reservoir. This leads, after a further 15 minutes to the base of William Clough, from which a path can be seen heading straight up the hill on the other side of the stream.
On reaching the plateau, turn left for Mill Hill buttresses. Upper Western Buttress is obvious immediately to the right. Kinder Buttress is a further 10 minute walk: just past Upper Western Buttress at an old stone wall veer off the path and head downhill in the direction of a pile of boulders, the crag will eventually appear. Kinder Downfall is reached by continuing along the footpath eastwards.
No Access Issues
The scene of the Kinder trespass in 1932 has no access problems these days. Climbers and walkers should keep dogs under control at all times to avoid disturbing moorland birds and grazing sheep. There is occasional grouse shooting on the moors above Edale and access is not permitted during these periods.
Seasonal Restrictions
Dates: 15 March to 30 June
Reason: Nesting Birds
The restriction applies to all routes in the Ampitheatre Area of Kinder Downfall (ie from The Owl Of Minerva to The Downfall Climb) to prevent disturbance to nesting birds.| Walk in time is closer to 2 hours than 40 minutes. The climbs are generally steep and very traditional with an intimidating air about them. The rock is invariably green and lichenous even in a dry spell. Definitely not a climbing venue for the faint hearted. Nevertheless the setting is spectacular and very atmospheric and well worth a visit even if you don't get a lot of climbing done. Couple of half decent scrambles in the vicinity too. Rylstone_Cowboy - 09/Oct/15 |
Climbs at this crag
| Name | Grade | Stars | Type | Logs | Partner Ascents |
|---|
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.
Moderators Updates to this page are checked by a UKC volunteer Graeme Hammond