Near Hayfield, High Peak, Derbyshire

Kinder Reservoir

Reservoir

Source image

7.2

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

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Why it's Wildland

7.2

Kinder Reservoir lies beneath the Kinder Scout uplands. Bowden Bridge, the walk’s suggested starting point, is also associated with the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.

The appeal is the contrast between a still reservoir and the exposed slopes above it. A walk from Bowden Bridge can link the water’s edge with William Clough and broad views across the surrounding uplands; it is a more substantial outing than a simple waterside stroll.

Peaceful · Dramatic · Wild · Big-sky

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Near Hayfield, High Peak, Derbyshire

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The experience

Allow around half a day for a walk from Bowden Bridge to Kinder Reservoir and, if conditions and energy allow, onward towards William Clough. Expect uneven paths and a significant climb on the longer circuit.

Things to do

Walk to the reservoir from Bowden Bridge

Follow the route from Bowden Bridge Car Park via Kinder Road and the trail towards the reservoir. The source describes a simple circuit option of approximately 4.5 miles.

Approximately 4.5 miles for the sourced circuit; duration not stated.

Continue towards William Clough

The longer route follows the reservoir towards its northern end, then heads by William Clough and back over the hill towards Kinder Road. The route source describes a stream crossing and a substantial climb.

Longer than the approximately 4.5-mile circuit; exact distance and duration not established by the supplied evidence.

Pause for the Kinder Scout views

Look back across the reservoir towards the Kinder Scout ridge and the surrounding uplands; the walk account describes panoramic views from the higher route.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; exact duration not sourced.

Quick reservoir out-and-back

01
Start from Bowden Bridge Car Park and follow Kinder Road towards the reservoir.
02
Continue on the described trail to the reservoir and take in the water and Kinder Scout ridge.
03
Return by your outward route; check current path and parking conditions first.

Half day · Half day; exact duration not sourced.

Reservoir and William Clough circuit

01
Begin at Bowden Bridge Car Park and follow the route towards the reservoir.
02
Walk along the reservoir edge to its northern end.
03
Continue towards William Clough and follow the described circuit back towards Kinder Road and the car park.
04
Expect a steep climb and uneven terrain; check conditions before setting out.

Verified history

Bowden Bridge is identified by the supplied route and walk sources as the starting point of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass. The source row says Kinder Reservoir was constructed between 1903 and 1911, but no supplied research URL independently verifies those dates, so they are not presented here as verified history.

Hidden details

Bowden Bridge and the Mass Trespass — Before setting off, note Bowden Bridge: the supplied sources connect it with the starting point of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.

William Clough’s stream and waterfalls — The walk account describes William Clough as a stream with a series of waterfalls. It is a feature of the longer walk rather than the short reservoir visit.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear, settled period for views; no specific time of day is established by the supplied evidence.

The source row recommends late spring to early autumn for milder weather and vibrant scenery. It also warns that winter paths can be slippery and more challenging.

The route includes uneven ground and steep sections. Conditions can make the walk harder; check the forecast and path conditions before setting out.

The route

ascent: Approximately 250 metres for the 4.5-mile route.
stiles: Check before visiting; not stated in supplied evidence.
surface: Uneven trails and paths; exact surface composition not established.
distance: Approximately 4.5 miles for the simpler circuit. A second option is about a mile longer, according to the route source.
duration: Not stated in the supplied route source; allow time for a steep, uneven walk.
difficulty: The route source labels the approximately 4.5-mile circuit easy; the source row notes uneven and steep sections. Treat difficulty as conditions-dependent.
waymarking: Check before visiting; not stated in supplied evidence.
route shape: Circuit from and back to Bowden Bridge Car Park.
start point: Bowden Bridge Car Park, Hayfield.
parking start: Bowden Bridge Car Park is identified as the route start; the source row says spaces may be limited. Check current arrangements.
shorter alternative: Walk from Bowden Bridge towards the reservoir and return by the same route; exact distance and duration are not supplied.

Kinder Reservoir and the Kinder Scout ridge
The reservoir’s northern end
William Clough stream and waterfalls on the longer option
Views across the surrounding uplands
Bowden Bridge, associated in the supplied sources with the 1932 Mass Trespass

Worth pairing with

William Clough

A stream and waterfall feature on the longer route from the reservoir, as described in the supplied walk account.

What to look for

01
The reservoir beneath the Kinder Scout ridge
02
the stream and waterfalls of William Clough
03
and views back towards the surrounding uplands. Bowden Bridge is identified as the starting point of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.

The story

Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, 1932

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn for milder walking conditions; check the forecast and path conditions in winter.

Late spring to early autumn is suggested by the source row. Choose a clear, settled day for the best chance of far-reaching views; check conditions before leaving.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

A walking route to the reservoir is described from Bowden Bridge Car Park. Paths are uneven and include steep sections; check current access and parking conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Bowden Bridge Car Park is identified as a route start; spaces may be limited. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets at the reservoir, according to the source row. Check before visiting for nearby facilities.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No café at the reservoir, according to the source row. Bring refreshments; check nearby options before travelling.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row marks the location as dog friendly; check current access rules and signage before visiting.