The picturesque Middle Black Clough Waterfall in the Peak District is reached via a short hike along the River Etherow (a tributary of the River Goyt).
The waterfall is situated in the narrow Longdendale valley or clough (a “clough” being a narrow valley or a ravine), and cascades into a shallow. You can cool off in the water, but it’s too shallow for swimming.
Getting to Middle Black Clough Waterfall
Middle Black Clough Waterfall is located near the Trans Pennine Trail at Birchen Bank Wood, and is reached by a short hike from the A628 – which can also be extended into a more challenging loop that goes to the top of Bleaklow. The direct route starts with a short but steep descent from the roafd to the River Etherow.
The trail initially follows the River Etherow upstream through Birchen Bank Woods, ascending gently and passing a small weir. The trail then turns slightly south as it continues up the Near Black Clough (which flows into the River Etherow).
Ignore the trail on the left which crosses the Near Black Clough via a ford – this goes up to Bleaklow Stones which is the much longer loop hike.
After about 500m, find somewhere to cross the river; unless there’s been very heavy rain you should be able to keep your feet dry as there are a few places with stepping stones.
The trail now continues along the left-hand side of the river; where the Near Black Clough meets the Middle Black Clough (just below the falls) there is another crossing point which meets an alternate trail on the opposite side of the river. This requires taking off shoes and getting wet feet.
The trail now climbs more steeply up Near Black Clough, with a few easy scrambles, until the trail reaches the Middle Black Clough Waterfall.
Another easy scramble takes you down to the base of the falls.
Allow an hour for the return hike; the first half is very easy, while the second involves a bit of scrambling and crossing the Near Black Clough.
0 Comments