Parking and Approach

There are a couple of main option (discounting the approach from Snake Top, which sounds unappealingly arduous). Both are long and involved, at least as far as Peak walk ins go. Which you choose will depend on a number of factors, both have their pros and cons.

Option 1 – The reservoirs road 3.1 miles from the parking at West End, which is the tip of the western spur of Howden res. Parking at West End is only allowed on weekdays, plus Saturdays November – March. The road is closed at Fairholmes at other times, mainly to protect cyclists. It isn’t physically gated, so you could always risk driving up it to drop off people and kit if you are there very early or late in the day when the road is pretty empty. This will necessitate the driver then cycling 3.5 miles back to West End once they get back to Fairholmes. From West End follow the forestry track west bearing right when you get to a bridge. This track is navigable by bike whilst carrying pads but gets rougher once the bridge is passed. In good conditions it’s worth continuing by peddle as far as the end of the birch woods after the plantation, where a gate leads out onto the moors proper. However, it should be said that bikes are not allowed on any of this track officially, judging by the No Cycling sign on the West End gate. Once the moors are reached, follow the track, eventually zig-zagging up onto the tops. Keep going until you reach grouse butt No2. Then strike left across bog (consider bringing wellies for this bit, or spare shoes and socks)and heather toward the head of the valley between you and the now visible crag to your west. Cross the stream at the head of said valley and through a gate. Make your way fairly directly to the crag from here via a vague path. Assuming bikes are used this should take 1 hour on the way up and 50 mins on the way down. Add an extra 10 mins each way if you only bike as far as the bridge, or 30 mins if walking the whole way.

Option 2 – Woodhead pass 2.5 mile walk in from parking in a layby at 53.493945, -1.804717. Go east up the road for 200m then head south (at the ‘Horses Crossing’ sign) down the right side of an old stone pile/tip. Cross the stream and then line of the smaller stream (Far Small Clough), initially staying close to the fence on a reasonably well trodden path. After a kilometer a stream junction is reached (Far Small Clough Head). Now continue south, again following a fence, first on its west then quickly crossing over to follow its east side. After 360m the fence changes angle and continues in a SW direction, continue to follow the fence which then curves south into another clough. Cross the stream heading SE then S in the direction of the crag (Barrow Stones) now visible ahead. The trods fizzle out around here, but can be picked up again once out of the clough (if you’re lucky). From the Barrow Stones a fairly decent path leads to Grinah after 900m. This approach takes about 1hr 15mins each way and is on good paths or trods most of the way.

Generally speaking, not taking drive distance into account Option 1 is a little quicker (if a bike is used) at the cost of being more strenuous due to the need to cycle with a pad on, climb up more hills, and cross a long stretch of rough ground. Option 2 is a shorter approach, with less ascent and little rough ground, but you do have to walk further as no part of it can be cycled and as such the approach time is longer. Option 2 is logistically simpler once the route is learned, as you don’t have to take road closures into consideration.