A climb up the Kinder Downfall.

Hello folks!

  A few weeks ago I a posted a poem about a nosy up that famously impressive trickle of water known as the Kinder Downfall. Finally, here is a little account of the day- complete with some photos of a stunning inversion we witnessed too.

  All photos in this post belong to- and were taken by- Kier Teasdale.

  Don't all the best ideas often originate around a table whilst supping your third or fourth pint of ale? One sunday afternoon a slightly drunken conversation turned to ideas for interesting adventures in The Peak District. Various things were suggested until the idea of 'lets climb up the biggest waterfall in the area, in late November, whilst it will be in spate' was brought up. Ah-ha. Two lads, two slightly crazy grins spreading over their faces and a plan for something 'a little bit different' forming in their minds. It had to be done.

  A week later we found ourselves driving out from a dank, drizzly Hunter's Bar over to Hayfield (stopping for a delicious bacon and egg sandwich from the village shop in Castleton- highly recommended), where fortunately the cloud seemed to be breaking up with nice sunny spells.

  Half an hour later we followed the Kinder Road to the Kinder Reservoir alongside the River Kinder and were headed to the Kinder Downfall high on Kinder Scout. Despite being unsure of which fell we were climbing, both of us couldn't help but be spellbound by the beauty of the Kinder Reservoir under the crisp winter light, with the Downfall ominously tucked away high on the horizon.

  10 minutes after that we began the half-hour 300m climb up the Sandy Hays Ridge onto the plateau. Regardless of the strong winds we found it a pleasure every step of the way- grand, impressive scenery, easy walking and a lovely narrow ridge for the last 100m.

  On the plateau rim at Sandy Hays something spectacular happened. The cloud capping Kinder's plateau began to sink into the valley below, giving a spectacular temperature inversion.

Cloud sinking down into the Kinder Valley from Sandy Hays. We sat for a long while watching it flow like a silent, ethereal river.

Due to a chance mix of wind direction and topography, Sandy Hays remained free of cloud whilst everywhere else in Peakland was either in- or under- the cloud. Some days you just get lucky. Some days you don't forget!

Another photo of the inversion- looking towards Kinder Low. After a good chill in the warm sunshine we made our way to the Downfall, dropping back into the cloud...

 Back into the cloud we went as the Downfall got closer with the water thundering ominously invisible in the mist. After a rough descent into the ravine we finally reached the climb...

The Kinder Downfall in all it's watery, gritty glory. 18m of slippy gritstone, crevasses, scooped out caves and lots of pouring relentless cold water. The route climbs up the right-hand side to the distinct pale block in the middle of the fall. Belay here, then traverse up and left through the main flow to the top left-hand corner. For scale, the pale block in the middle is about 6ft high.

Getting psyched! It was here I told Kier I'd not tied onto a rope since May, belayed for over 4 years and never led a multi-pitch route before. Fortunately confident enough for this not be a problem, Kier happily set off into the endless shower. There was a nice mix of daftness, anticipation and awe whilst gearing up- whilst to top it off the cloud began to thin too.

Kier's view from the top back down to the belay ledge. No photos were taken from the climb as it was just too wet! As soon as chilly hand touched cold rock we were wet, and stayed that way for 45 minutes. Guess that's what happens when you climb up waterfalls. Kier led the first pitch easily to a grand belay right in the middle and I slowly followed, trying to remember how to climb. After a bit off fuss sorting out the stance, Kier led off under the deluge to the top whilst being papped by curious photographers eager to see us get a soaking. Trying to belay whilst absorbing the awesome situation, grand scenery and trying not to slip was tricky...

Happy Kier at the top of the climb. The first pitch was conventional- if wet- climbing on good holds, cracks and ledges. The second pitch was a soaking wet fight, thrutching up a series of deep crevasses and crawling onto ledges whilst feeling like you were drowning and trying not to slide off. Well, well worth it! 

Happy me at the top of the Kinder Downfall!

  During this trip we learnt several lessons: 1: Paramo is simply amazing and will keep you desert-dry as well as breathe 10,000x better than gore-tex. Just wash it in Nikwax tech-wash every week and reproof regularly and it'll last a lifetime, even if you get it battered having fun! 2: Cheap Craghoppers overtrousers, though less than 1/2 the price of gore-tex ones will also keep you dry under a waterfall for 45 minutes. You'll be a bit sweatier though... 3: No matter how good your waterproofs, they can't keep water from coming down your arms or neck. You get used to this.... 4: There are few finer ways to celebrate a climb than drying off in the warm sun above a sea of cloud.

Somewhere on Kinder around the end of November, two slightly damp lads poked their heads up onto the plateau, dried off, grinned like idiots and munched on cheap chocolate. Happy at realising their little plan they slowly headed back down towards Hayfield and then Sheffield. However, two things took priority- the need to soak up yet more perfect sunny views above a dazzling expanse of cloud floating beneath them, and a well earnt pint in the nearest pub... 

Happy Wandering!

PS: Despite having been everywhere from Chrome Hill to Tideswell and Bleaklow over the last 6 weeks, I'm aware that recently there has been a lot of coverage of Kinder Scout. Over the upcoming month that will change- expect bits and bobs about everywhere else in Peakland, including some of the more unusual areas, along with, musings, guides and photos...