A Hike from Edale to Glossop | Hiking Route

This weekend we decided to have a bit of an adventure. My back had been playing up earlier in the week and I’d not managed my planned runs (oops) so Mr W suggested a hike. Whilst this was probably not the best idea, I’d managed 3 back pain free days so I said yes. So we invited Ms M and her fella to come join us for a bit of an epic hike from Edale to Glossop!

This involved a VERY early morning and after far too much beer on Friday night I may have been a bit grumpy. BUT Starfucks breakfast picked me up and I managed to chill out on the journey to Edale. We arrived at 9:34, faffed with gaiters and waterproofs, as whilst it was sunny at the bottom, you just know that means wind when you get to the top!

We walked mainly along the Pennine Way, but chose to go up Jacob’s Ladder to Kinder Scout, seeing as I’d never been on the top before! We got some awesome views before some cloud rolled over. It was very chilly and there was a bit of ice on the gritstone, but mainly snow so the hike wasn’t too bad.

I’m not gonna lie, the hike is a bit arduous at times, mainly on the flagstones from miles 6-9. My feet didn’t enjoy those so much, especially in my heavy winter boots and the white out made seeing the path hard.

The Doctor’s Road path down to Glossop is also an interesting one. It was a bit more treacherous in the rapidly falling snow and some of the sheer edges freaked me out, but I think worst of all was the bridge. That was INTERESTING. Luckily Mr W and the others were patient with me crossing (my irrational fear of bridges was sky high at this point- I think you can see why!) But I crossed it, kept on with the next couple of miles and made it to the pub, where I enjoyed a pint and a cheese and leek pie (with chips)! Yum!

If you’re feeling adventurous too and want to give this epic 14 mile hike a go, check out the route here on mapometer. But remember, especially at this time of year, to take hiking seriously. We encountered several white outs making navigation quite difficult and walking challenging. Make sure you wear water proofs, a decent number of layers and if it’s really snowy pack some ski googles. Also if it’s icy over the gritstone you may want crampons or spikes, but I don’t think ice axes aren’t a Peak District necessity… Although walking poles are handy! But whatever you do don’t be an idiot in jeans and converses in winter conditions, it’s a waste of Mountain Rescues time, energy and money.