Kinder Reservoir – The Woolpacks rock formations loop from Hayfield

Hiking trails & Routes

Kinder Reservoir – The Woolpacks rock formations loop from Hayfield

Hard

4.6

(51)

131

hikers

Kinder Reservoir – The Woolpacks rock formations loop from Hayfield

04:43

14.9km

510m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 6.43 km for 986 m

After 8.07 km for 128 m

After 8.64 km for 220 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

568 m

Kinder Bank

Forest

1.48 km

Kinder Reservoir

Highlight • Natural Monument

Kinder Reservoir is a striking stretch of water tucked beneath the wild expanse of Kinder Scout. Built between 1903-1911, the reservoir is fed by the River Kinder and by the stream flowing down William Clough valley.

Tip by

2.79 km

William Clough Path

Highlight • Gorge

The William Clough path is named after a cutler who worked here. Look for signs of iron smelting underfoot. During the 1932 mass trespass, the ramblers left the path which was originally higher up the slope and became embroiled in scuffles with gamekeepers and water bailiffs.

Tip by

5.01 km

View of Kinder Downfall and Mermaid's Pool

Highlight • Viewpoint

Apparently a place for wild swimming but it's a stagnant pool, so I wouldn't recommend it! Very dry in summer and very muddy round the edges.

Tip by

6.40 km

Kinder Downfall

Highlight • Natural Monument

Kinder Downfall is the highest waterfall in the Peak District and is unusual in that during periods of strong wind it can be blown upwards! On a clear day it's a spectacular sight. Take care when approaching the edge of the waterfall as it's a long way down!

Tip by

9.44 km

The Woolpacks rock formations

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Woolpacks area is great to explore, tricky in bad visibility and the peat bogs can be perilous, Excellent!!

Tip by

10.3 km

Noe Stool

Highlight • Viewpoint

Always beautiful to see which shapes years of erosion on gritstone create.

Tip by

11.0 km

Kinder Low Trig Point

Highlight • Summit

Kinder Low trig is found on the plateau of Kinder Scout. This spot is very popular with hikers as it boasts wonderful views and is visited by many iconic trails, including the Pennine Way. Many people mistakenly believe that this trig pillar marks the summit of Kinder Scout, however, the true summit actually lies northeast.

Tip by

12.8 km

Kinderlow End

Highlight • Summit

Steep ascent but once up savour everything Kinder has to offer

Tip by

14.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.02 km

3.11 km

1.31 km

1.30 km

773 m

390 m

Surfaces

8.74 km

1.45 km

1.33 km

1.07 km

1.02 km

887 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (630 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

Weather

Sunday 4 October

17°C

11°C

42 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 17, 2023,Kinder Scout — Peak District hikes

It was an excellent round trip, definitely recommend it. Even seen some wildlife on the way, the trip takes a slight detour from the pennine way on returning part, worth taking it. We seen the mountain rescue helicopter stop just near the reservoir which is not an everyday thing.

October 9, 2023,Kinder Scout / Kinder Low loop

A nice challenging hike in the Peaks around Kinder Scout. There's so many different routes you can choose round here and you should be rewarded with amazing views... unless you get stuck inside a giant cloud for most of the day like I did ☁️🤣
A bit gutted this ruined my views of Kinder Downfall, which was flowing fast due …