Grindslow Knoll via Ringing Roger Loop

Starting and finishing at Edale's public car park, this 5.5-mile (8.9 km) loop climbs via Ringing Roger, follows the southern edge of Kinder Scout, then crosses Grindslow Knoll before dropping back into the village. It is a shorter way to get onto the Kinder edge if a full plateau circuit is too much for your day. Allow about four hours. The mileage looks manageable, but the steep ascent, rough moorland and careful descent make it a substantial half-day outing.

Walk up through Edale village to the Old Nag's Head, then take the Grindsbrook footpath and cross the stream onto the paved approach. At the path split, bear right. Zigzags climb to the gritstone outcrop of Ringing Roger. The direct line uses hands on rock; a left-hand path bypasses the scramble. From the top, head north-east to the main Kinder-edge path, then turn west. This stretch is more level, with weathered gritstone formations and open views into Grindsbrook and across Edale to the Great Ridge. Near the head of the brook, drop to cross a stream and climb back onto the edge. At the junction for Edale Cross, take the smaller path south to Grindslow Knoll. Its summit cairn marks the route's final named hill and gives a look back along much of the walk. For a photo, frame Grindsbrook below the edge rocks with the Great Ridge beyond; that gives the valley some scale.

The descent starts immediately from the summit. The route back toward Edale is not visible from the top and is steep and worn in places; locate the southeast path carefully before setting off, since the obvious-looking line can be wrong. Expect uneven, sometimes rocky ground and exposed weather on the Kinder edge. Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a lead around grazing animals. Edale's public car park is beside the railway station and has public toilets. Food and refreshments are available in the village and by the station, a separate stop before or after the hike.