Blackden Brook and Nether Red Brook. Scrambling Adventure in The Dark Peak.

Taking a break from our Nuneaton to Scafell Pike Challenge we headed for Snake Pass to do two scrambles around the northern edge of Kinder Scout. Parking near the Snake Inn, alongside The River Ashop we walked east along the A57 to the start of Blackden Brook. We entered the brook at the earliest opportunity, at a small waterfall, and began scrambling along the slimy brook. Before long we were knee deep in the water and having a great time clambering up the small falls. Progress was then halted at an approximately 15ft waterfall in a ravine. There was a route straight up the falls on the left hand side which, if on dry rock, would have been an easy grade 1 scramble. After a couple of attempts, I backed off due to the slimy rock as a fall here would be extremely serious. Our climb out of the ravine, to join the path, was just as sketchy. Not a difficult climb but with boulders loosely held in with consolidated soil meant we had to be extremely careful. Once above the falls we joined the stream once again. As we continued up the brook the water petered out and the final steep sections were climbed on mostly dry, grippy rock. The location of this brook means it's not easy to link up to another scramble but, with the weather holding, we decided to head a few miles west to Fairbrook and then to Black Ashop Moor to pick up Nether Red Brook where it gets interesting. Again slimy rock and small waterfalls were the order of things. Progressing towards the top of this much shorter route brought us to two waterfalls both around 6 to 7 ft in height with easy bypasses. We went straight up with no difficulties as extremely good holds make up for the slimy foot placements. Once back at the top it was time to head home with the weather closing in. All in all, a great day out in the hills.