Your route to Kinder Scout will take you through Glossop, on the border of the Peak District and one end of the infamous 'Snake's Pass' A road. Find a parking spot off the high street (pay and display for up to one hour) and walk five minutes to the south bank of the brook along Victoria Street to find Glossop Cafeteria – a longstanding hit with locals who love nothing more than a proper fry-up in the morning. Expect the full works: sausage, bacon, egg (fried, poached or scrambled), beans, hash brown, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, toast, and a pot of tea. It may not have the facade of a trendy French bakery, but that's what makes it all the more authentic.

Park the car and explore the caves faster!

Before ascending the Peak District's highest hill, try descending into one of its lowest caverns. Peak Cavern is just 15 minutes by car from the starting point to the Kinder Scout trail, and boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain at 60ft high. Join the first tour of the morning and step into the "Devil’s Arse" to see mind-boggling rock formations, and hear the stories of an ancient village where a whole community of troglodytes lived and worked making ropes for the local lead mines for more than 400 years. Follow your guide deeper into the cavern, passing through Lumbago walk and into the Great Cave, which features a perpetual cascade of water, "Roger Rain's House" and "Pluto’s Dining Room".
The tour lasts about one hour, but you'll need to arrive early to park and walk up to the cavern entrance. You'll also need to bring warm clothes (the cave temperature is 7ºC) and waterproofs.

From Peak Cavern, it's only a short drive to Edale, a small picturesque community with an excellent pub that you'll be visiting later. It's also the starting point for most hikes up the slopes and scars of Kinder Scout.
Parking isn't free, but it's not unreasonable for the time you'll spend here.

From Edale Car Park, the best option is to head north and follow the Pennine Way walking trail from Newfold Farm up to Upper Booth Farm Campsite – rather than walking along the road which you've just come from – to get to Jacob's Ladder. The time taken is roughly the same, and the scenery is much better. Needless to say, there won't be any cars to interrupt your walking either.

As you approach the River Noe, you'll pass Upper Booth Farm Campsite on your right. Stay on the Pennine Way and follow the signposts to Jacob's Ladder.

There will be woodland on your left as you walk alongside the River Noe. Continue down the tarmac path and past some farm buildings until you reach the National Trust gate on the other side of Packhorse Bridge. Go through and take the track that curves around the hillside. Ahead of you, you'll see Jacob’s Ladder, leading up the steepest section like a giant crack. This is the most demanding part of the trail, so take it slow, watch your footing, and stop now and again to admire the beautiful panoramas over Edale, and as far as Mam Tor on a clear day.

Kinder Low Trig point marks the end of the ascent – you are now standing 633m above sea level, so it might be quite windy! Throw a jumper on and take a few more pictures, before turning right onto the Kinder Plateau.

From the plateau, you can either double back a little and begin the descent via the Woolpacks, or extend the hike by continuing on to Kinder Downfall, the largest waterfall in the Peak District at 30 metres high. This is the perfect spot for a snack, with views over the National Park stretching for miles in all directions. Nearby you'll be able to spot Mermaid's Pool and Kinder Reservoir a little further on. The terrain here can be strenuous – and slippery if wet – so a moderate level of fitness is required in addition to a well-laced pair of hiking boots!

Make your way back up to the plateau, passing Kinder Low, before taking a sharp left down the footpath that leads to the Woolpacks. These large, sandstone boulders have been blasted by the bitter elements over millennia, shaping them into curious forms that seem alien in their surroundings. Wander through and take some more pictures, following the path around towards the fords and along the ridge. As you descend, turn right at the fork in the path to bring you back down to the Pennine Way, via Grindslow Knoll. Eventually you will pass by Newfold Farm again, at which point you only need to turn right and follow the lane back into Edale.

Arriving at The Rambler Inn is like reaching the Promised Land. Your legs will be weary and your mouth likely quite dry. In other words, you will be desperate for a rest, a drink, and a proper meal. Kick off your boots (perhaps not literally) and park yourself at a picnic table in the beer garden. Your first drink probably won't touch the sides – unless you're driving, in which case you should choose your ale carefully. Expect a good range of British classics on the menu, from beer battered fish and chips, to braised beef and homemade lasagne. There are also burgers, hot veggie options and a signature "Kinder Platter" of pork pie, stilton and mature cheddar cheese, ham, pickle, and warm bread and butter.
Relax awhile before you head off on the home drive. You've earned it!