Middle Black Clough Scramble

Scrambling Middle Black Clough in upper Longdendale, near the Woodhead Reservoir. Summary verdict: three OK sections though the main waterfall is not climbable at Grade 1
• Route in: park at Longdendale Trail CP close to old Woodhead Rail Station or (if that is closed or full as it sometimes is) then in nearby lay-bys along A628. Walk along path south of River Etherow, heading east and then up Black Clough
• Start point: enter Middle Black Clough where it splits off from Near Black Clough at OS ref SK 11578 99152
• Grading: mostly around the 0.5-0.75 level with the odd bit closer to grade 1 but the main waterfall is up to grade 2.5 - tall, slippery, best attempted with a rope and beyond grade 1 capabilities
• Notes: the main waterfall is a local beauty spot and social media favourite - if the weather is half-decent, you will not be alone there
• End point: as the gradient reduces and the clough opens out around OS ref SK 11529 98478
• Route out: there’s a reasonable path running alongside the brook so you can just retrace your steps
• Time: 20 mins from CP to start point; 70-90 mins scrambling the clough; about 40 mins to walk back
• Combine with: Near Black Clough or Far Black Clough
• Gear: dry bag probably, wetsuit only on colder days, buoyancy vest and helmet not needed
• Verdict: there are three OK sections at start, middle, and end but the main waterfall is a photogenic non-starter
• Category: Standard Scramble
• Score: 6.5/10
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Map image/data from OpenStreetMap