William Clough
William Clough, on the flanks of the Kinder Scout Plateau is situated in the panoramic Peak District National Park and is owned by the National Trust. Clothed in a carpet of heather in the late summer and autumn, there are a series of small waterfalls on the winding stream that descends the clough. It is one of the many routes up to the Kinder Scout. The stream which tumbles down a series of waterfalls makes William Clough a very pleasant approach to Kinder Scout.
The stream, usually small, becomes a forceful torrent after heavy rain. It has cut through the moorland peat to expose the underlying layers of shale and gritstone. The harder gritstone resists erosion well, causing the series of attractive small waterfalls that tumble through the heather. The steep sides provide a habitat for the ring ouzel. The clough is named after William, who was a local cutler & blacksmith.
William Clough is also known for its archaeology and was once the site of a Mesolithic hunting camp.
A walk to William Clough from Hayfield
Distance- around 5 miles
*Commencing at the pay and display car park at Bowden Bridge near the village of Hayfield, walk in north easterly direction along Kinder Road with the River Kinder to your right.
*On reaching a bungalow on the left opposite a sheepwash, cross the footbridge over the river and turn left. Continue on the footpath along the right bank of the river which passes through woodland.
*Turn left on reaching a junction in the path and then cross the river for a second time via the footbridge, passing over the outflow from the Kinder Reservoir Dam. After crossing the bridge turn right and ascend the steep cobbled path to reach the Kinder Reservoir Dam.
* Continue to walk round to William Clough, owned by the National Trust, at the top of the Reservoir. Clothed in a carpet of heather in the late summer and autumn, there are a series of small waterfalls on the winding stream that descends the clough.
*Retrace your steps to return to the car park.