Kinder surprise

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Snow in mid-November, in England anyway, is a very welcome surprise. Well I guess not if you're commuting to work - but if you are have a walk planned...

The unexpected winter conditions certainly enhanced our walk on Kinder Scout.

A wintry vista near Hayfield, our starting point for the walk.

IMG_1317 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Two signs at our starting point: the tablet commemorating the Kinder Mass Trespass, and an opportunistic bit of art.

IMG_1325 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

IMG_1323 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

A few autumn colours remained on the lower hillsides as we set off, chatting on the easy first ascent of the day. The American election, Brexit and Strictly Come Dancing were declared banned subjects of conversation during the walk.

(Obviously, the bit of the ban relating to Strictly didn't last long)

IMG_1328 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Along the shore of Kinder Reservoir. Sandy Heys and Kinder Downfall on the skyline ahead.

IMG_1340 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Ascending the narrow gulch of William Clough.

IMG_1343 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

On the last bit of the ascent onto the plateau.

IMG_1354 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Deeper snow on the plateau. In the background are the moorlands rising towards Bleaklow Hill.

IMG_1373 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Looking from the rocks at Sandy Heys across towards Kinder Low.

IMG_1378 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Gritstone formations on the skyline.

IMG_1387 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Shining Tor tops the skyline on the left. At times we wondered if we could see Moel Famau over to the right.

IMG_1396 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Starting the slight descent towards Kinder Downfall.

IMG_1404 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

More gritstone and fluffy clouds.

IMG_1406 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Approaching the Downfall.

IMG_1414 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Across towards Kinder Low.

IMG_1421 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

A closer view.

IMG_1422 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

A handy boulder for a lunch stop.

IMG_1428 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

The river Kinder.

IMG_1444 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

The waterfall in the Downfall.

IMG_1449 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Setting off along the plateau edge towards Kinder Low.

IMG_1448 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Boulders as the plateau starts to rise.

IMG_1456 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Along the plateau edge.

IMG_1459 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Wintry skies...

IMG_1480 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Looking north-west: Manchester in the distance

IMG_1482 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Kinder Low summit.

IMG_1506 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

Summit view towards Shining Tor, with possibly a glimpse of Shutlingsloe's summit to its left.

IMG_1508 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

The trig. Some discussion ensued about the highest point of Kinder Scout: it looks as if there is higher ground to the north-east, but very flat and featureless: it's understandable why the OS built the trig here and also why most people are content to regard Kinder Low as the summit of the fell.

IMG_1494 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

The first steps on the way back down to the pub...

IMG_1511 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

[Beery Hiker]

Thanks Tim - I should really have checked before posting my version - as always some great photos here...

[past my sell by date]

Nice report. it's a long time since I visited Kinder. The great trespass was amazing - they trespassed for about 10-15 minutes and got little more than 200m, but it totally changed the face of British fellwalking.
Well done Benny Rothman, Willy Miller (Ewan Macoll) et al.

[ChrisW]

Great stuff HMHT, thought I'd already seen this for a moment then realised you guys were together. I love the deep drifts in a few of the shots, shame it's already sloppy underfoot on the trail Lovely stuff on a perfect day in the hills

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Great stuff HMHT, thought I'd already seen this for a moment then realised you guys were together. I love the deep drifts in a few of the shots, shame it's already sloppy underfoot on the trail Lovely stuff on a perfect day in the hills

Thanks Chris!

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Nice report. it's a long time since I visited Kinder. The great trespass was amazing - they trespassed for about 10-15 minutes and got little more than 200m, but it totally changed the face of British fellwalking.
Well done Benny Rothman, Willy Miller (Ewan Macoll) et al.

Thanks - and yes indeed, re the Mass Trespass and its impact on outdoor access -

"the most successful direct action in British history" (Roy Hattersley)

I never realised before, but the Mass Trespass has a website - http://www.kindertrespass.com/