Jacobs Ladder

Walk 11: Up Grinsbrook, down Jacobs Ladder

Deep in serious hiker territory, Grinsbrook, Kinder Scout and Jacobs Ladder are musts for anyone who wants to experience the rugged, wilder side of the Peak District with a challenging 10-miler. Enjoy breathtaking views, rivers, waterfalls and unusual rock formations.

Starting from Edale, you will climb the rocky ascent of Grindsbrook, heading towards Kinder Low. You will then loop back down via Jacobs Ladder, before taking the return route to Edale. The conveniently placed Old Nags Head pub calls to you at the end of the walk – we suggest a good cuppa/pint/prosecco to reflect on your mighty achievement.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 16.1 km (10 mi)
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Minimum Duration: 5 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 12394 85353
  • W3W: prompt.copying.feasted
  • Elevation Gain: 476m (1562ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Paid parking is available at Edale Car Park, S33 7ZL.

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Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  1. From the main car park, turn right heading north along Marys Lane, passing the Old Nags Head pub.
  2. After about half a mile from the car park, turn right following the fingerpost signed Grindsbrook.
  3. Cross the bridge and head left onto the well-defined slabbed path.
  4. Continue along the path for about 1.5 miles, ascending up Grindsbrook.  Note that the well-defined path becomes less so and much rockier. Some scrambling may be necessary.
  5. Once at the top on Edale Moor, signified by a large cairn, take the slabbed path continuing forward onto the moorland.
  6. Shortly you will be looking down onto Crowden Clough, from where the path will skirt around the edge for about half a mile until meeting a stream. Cross the stream and take the higher path on the right, ascending up towards Crowden Tower.
  7. Continue on the path for about 1 mile, cutting through some stunning rock formations.
  8. Upon reaching Noe Head, continue on the path left heading southwest towards Jacobs Ladder.
  9. Head down Jacobs Ladder and follow the track towards Upper Booth Farm for about 1 mile.
  10. At Upper Booth, turn left and head through the courtyard of buildings and head for the gate with the fingerpost signed to Edale.
  11. The path once again ascends and eventually descends back towards Edale, bringing you out at the Old Nags Head pub.
  12. After refreshments, head south back along Marys Lane, retracing your steps back to the car park.
  • Woods
  • Grinsbrook
  • Grinsbrook
  • Jacob's Ladder
  • Jacob's Ladder
  • Edale
  • Jacob's Ladder
  • Burbage Edge
  • Jacob's Ladder

Created: 20/07/18. Updated: 28/01/26

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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