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Fairbrook Naze & Fair Brook from near Snake Inn

Start/Finish

A57, Snake Pass, not far below the Snake Inn. Below the inn are three lay bys within about 400 m. The path starts between the second and third one. Coming from Ladybower, it is probably easier to go to the Snake Inn and turn round. At busy times, these lay bys will soon fill up as they only hold about eight cars in total so you may have to look further afield for somewhere to park.

Distance/Time

7 km.    About 3 hours.

Peaks

No peaks as such but the highest point on Fairbrook Naze is about 619 m and is just above the path on the top of the Naze. If you stick to the path you will reach a height of just over 600 m.

OS Outdoor Leisure 1: Dark Peak

Introduction

This is a short walk ideal for a nice winter's day. There is a path virtually all the way although the initial part of the descent down Fair Brook is quite faint. This path is also quite stony, with some big stones, in its upper reaches so it needs care when wet or icy. From the top of Fairbrook Naze to where you start to descend Fair Brook, you are on the edge of the Kinder Plateau so there are fine views to the north towards Bleaklow and the Derwent Edge.

Route

(1) Take the path on the right, W, of the road about 300 m below the Snake Inn. On 17/11/17, the stile was broken so some may find getting over a little awkward. Walk down the path (steps) and continue past the sign for the Snake Inn. Soon after, you may see a small “board” bridge. Go right here to reach the fence above the deep cut River Ashop. Locate the gate which is by the bridge. Cross over, slippery when wet, then turn left, by the sign, and follow the path, to and then by the wall, to the foot of Fair Brook where there is another sign. Turn right here and strike uphill on a moderately steep path. The angle soon eases and then the grass gives way to heather. Look for a path which seems to follow the heathery crest towards Fairbrook Naze, the pointed ridge seen almost head on. Follow this path to the foot of the Naze. Alternatively, stay with the heather path/track until it can be left to gain the foot of the Naze; there may be short section of rough heather to take on! There is a path up the Naze which leads to a stile below the rocks. Continue up with the path weaving around between the rocks and several options available. There is no cairn but it should be obvious when the main path along the edge of Kinder is reached. Follow this SSW. The highest point of this walk will be above on your right about 200 m from gaining the crest.

(2) Continue along the main edge path, now heading almost due S until the point where the edge path crosses Fair Brook. The continuation of the edge path on the other side is fairly obvious but it is not on this route so do not cross the stream. Instead, start to follow the stream down, NNE, keep it on your right. There is little hint of a path to begin with but it gradually becomes more and more distinct. Follow it down, taking care as it is quite rough in places and very stony which some will find awkward but it is not a scramble. Lower down, the ground becomes much less stony and some small waterfalls are passed. The bottoms of the gullies of Upper Seal Clough, Middle Seal Clough and Nether Seal Clough are very noticeable across the stream. Reach the bottom of the path down Fair Brook and retrace back to the start from the sign.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 17^th November, 2017.