Hike & Wild Swim – Peak District – Mermaids Pool & Kinder Low Circular

Prices

Members: £5

Non Members: £20

Concessionary: £5

For information on how to become a member please go to Membership – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)

To understand if you qualify for concessionary please go to Do I Qualify for Concessions? – Women Outdoors

Fast Route Facts

Length: 6.8 miles 

Elevation: 1820ft

Start/ Finish Point: Bowden Bridge Car Park 

Route Type: Mainly footpaths with some off track walking to mermaids pool

Technical Difficulty: moderate

Parking Costs: £6 (cash only)

Directions Bowden Bridge Car Park – Peak District NP – Google Maps

On this hike we will hit Kinder Scout National park, reach the summit of Kinder Low and go off track to find the hidden gem and land locked lake Mermaids Pool. This lake is unusual in that it is salt water and believed to be the home of a beautiful mermaid. According to legend, the water of Mermaid’s Pool offers healing qualities to those brave enough for a dip. For those looking for eternal life, the best time to visit is at midnight at Easter when the mermaid is said to appear. If she looks at you fondly she will grant the gift of immortality.

Route Description

We will head east past Hill Houses and Tunstead clough, making our way up to Kinder Scout National Park. Once we hit Kinder National Park we will continue to incline in a North direction until we reach the summit of Kinder low. 

After the summit we will continue north walking along the Pennine Way path and observing the beautiful views at the top. We will reach a river and a track leading back down east towards Kinder Reservoir. We will make a detour before we get to Kinder Reservoir, leaving the track to find the hidden gem Mermaids Pool. After an optional dip of Mermaids Pool we will continue east, walking along Kinder Reservoir and south back to the carpark.

What do I need to bring with me?

Walking boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support

Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters 

Water: Bring at least 1 litre of water

Medication: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor aliments etc

Day Rucksack: something comfortable to wear, 20 litres+

Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using ziploc type food bags or outdoor activity waterproof bags.

Comfortable clothing: bring layers to let you adapt quickly to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (t-shirt) and a mid layer (micro fleece) and outer layer (jacket)

Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. On a warm day shorts are ok.

Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.

Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example. Put them in an easy reach area. 

Packed lunch: bring a pack lunch unless otherwise stated

Hat or cap: stay warm in the winter and shaded in the summer

Gloves: weather dependant 

Camping Gear:

Sunscreen: can be useful even on cloudy days

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are more than welcome, there may be livestock around so they may need to stay on the leads for parts of it.

Terms & Conditions

By booking or participating in a trip or event with us you are agreeing to the Women Outdoors Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)

For information on how to become a member please go to Membership – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)

Non Members can book a ticket from the 1st of March.