Saturday November 19th

 Hayfield to Kinder Downfall and Kinder Low

The weather forecast didn't seem too bad- a chance of rain later in the day- and we felt like a walk of about 8 miles. We'd not been up to Kinder Downfall for quite some time and, as Hayfield isn't too far, this suited our slightly late start. The mist was fairly low as we approached the Kinder Reservoir dam.

Low cloud above the approach to Kinder Reservoir
The moisture in the air made the dying bracken a pronounced reddy-brown.
Bracken in autumn colours
As we made our way up William Clough, the mist seemed to be lifting a little.
Mist lifting in William Clough
As we went higher up the clough, the mist blew over completely, and the autumn colours appeared completely.
Higher up William Clough
We stopped at the crossing of the paths between Mill Hill and the final ascent to Kinder for a quick snack and drink; The clouds were blowing in and out but the way ahead appeared to be clear.
Tea break before final ascent to Kinder plateau
Once we'd arrived at Kinder Downfall, we had a proper break with lunch and took in the views, which included many familiar landmarks.
View from the Downfall, including Chinley Churn
and Mount Famine
There'd been enough rain for the Downfall to be cascading.
Kinder Downfall in action
Rather than descending via Cluther Rocks, we stayed high for a couple more kilometers until Kinder Low and went down Kinderlow End and past Tunstead Clough Farm.
David at Kinder Low.
9.3 miles, 650m ascent.


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