Wild About Kinder

What happens when you step off a train at Edale and ask, "How do I get to the countryside?" For writer, artist and creator of Heath & Mud , Sarah Calcutt, that simple question led to a lifelong relationship with Kinder Scout, the Peak District and a whole new creative life. In this episode of Wild About Kinder, Sarah shares how a chance visit to Kinder Scout sparked a deep love of walking, fol...

Join Kirsten, her dog Tryfan and I for a walk up Kinder Scout from Hayfield up to Cluther Rocks. Hear about Kirsten’s interest in archaeology and folklore, her book inspired by the Peak District, and what makes her wild about Kinder. I spontaneously recorded half of this interview while we were walking uphill together. Hopefully this means you’ll feel more immersed in the experience by listening t...

Why does Kinder Scout appeal to Matt Oliver when his usual subject of photography is woodlands? He says that although they are very different environments, they carry a similar sensation. Find out more by tuning in. In this interview Matt tells us about how he got into photography, the challenges of capturing the Kinder Scout landscape, the companionship his dog Ralph brings to his life, and why h...

“It’s really important that I get outside, out of the fluorescent lights, out of my uniform, and chase my own dreams and chase my own wants and desires outside of the career that I love so much.” Sarah Barker says that she can’t fully explain what it is about Kinder Scout that she loves so much but she thinks it’s because it makes her feel a certain way. It feels safe one minute and threatening an...

Martin Porter says that the 1932 Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout is two stories that cross over. One is the story about how we regained access to the land, and the other one is the story of British communism. In this interview he sets the wider historical context, shares his interpretation of the event, and describes some of the people involved. Later on in the episode Martin talks about his persona...

Where did you feel separated from during the national lockdowns? Yvonne says that she longed for Kinder Scout in a way she never had before, missing it almost as she would an old friend.  In this interview, Yvonne reads two of her poems, ‘To a Snow Hare’ and ‘Dear Tor’, while sitting among the boulders of the Woolpacks on Kinder Scout. She chose this setting because of the characterful rocks...

“ I love to imagine I’m back home on the hill that started it all for me, even though it’s worlds apart. ” In this interview we listen to Andrew Terrill’s memories of walking, running and bivvying on Kinder Scout and why these experiences have had such a powerful and lasting impact in his life. He says that being in nature gave him the confidence to be himself. You’ll soon be able to tell that And...

What does it smell like when you're sitting up on Kinder Scout Plateau? ‘Patron of the Bog’ Bella Hardy describes it as sweet and earthy. During this episode she shares memories of growing up in Edale, ‘beating the bounds’ with the local community, stories about sleeping dragons and giants from her childhood, and reflects on what makes her wild about Kinder. It’s a place that both inspires her mus...

Kinder Scout is Paul’s favourite place. In this interview he describes why it’s special to him and why he thinks it’s loved by others. He poses the question: “How can something that has taken lives and can be so threatening and violent be beautiful?” Paul shares timeless stories and reflections that will both capture and hold your attention. If you’re familiar with the landscape and nature of...

Kinder Scout has a special place in Wayne’s psyche. When he was a child, his father would drive regularly along the snake pass. Due to unreliable automotive mechanics they often had to take pit stops along the pass. At the time he was reading passages of Lord of the Rings to Wayne and images of the misty Snake Wood and views of Fairbrook Naze made quite an impression on this estate kid from the No...

Kinder Scout was Clare’s first ever walk in the Peak District and she’s been back many times  since then. In this interview she shares the joy that she feels while walking and teaching navigation here and what it’s like to bring other people here who don’t feel confident to explore alone. Clare is a qualified Mountain Leader and National Navigation Award Scheme Course Director. She has worked...

Kinder Scout is a place steeped in memory, reflection and gratitude for Pete Wallroth. In this interview he shares his personal connection with the brooding landscape through family life, loss and grief. Pete loved walking on Kinder Scout with his late wife Mair, eventually prompting them to move to Glossop so that they could access Kinder Scout more easily. After her death at 41 he walked many of...

How does Kinder Scout influence and impact the communities that live around it? In this interview we hear the perspective of a resident farmer in Edale. Andrew Critchlow shares fascinating historical information about Edale and Kinder Scout, his knowledge about farming, and his interest in land management. At the end he describes what makes him wild about Kinder Scout, and what his life here has t...

How do you feel when you’re walking on Kinder Scout? In this interview with photographer John Beatty he talks about how he interprets what he feels in a visual way. He shares the story behind his collaborative book with Ed Douglas: Kinder Scout - The People’s Mountain. You’ll also hear about his childhood memories of walking here, which parts of Kinder Scout he particularly appreciates, and why he...

Do you look at Kinder Scout in awe, wondering how the landscape was formed? In this interview with Gemma Scougal , we explore some of the geological features and the stories behind them. You’ll also hear about her first impression of Kinder Scout, how her passion for the outdoors has developed, why she decided to qualify as a Hill and Moorland Leader, and how she communicates her scientific knowle...

What made the Team Leader of Edale Mountain Rescue Team (EMRT) smitten with Kinder Scout? Find out by listening to this interview with Dave Torr who describes his first encounter. You’ll also hear about how he got involved with EMRT, what types of incidents they usually deal with on Kinder, and why he chooses to dedicate his time to this volunteer service. At the end he describes what makes him wi...

Discover the peat bogs and erosion gullies characteristic of Kinder Scout through the words of Jody Vallance, Communication & Engagement Officer at Moors For The Future Partnership. Listen to this interview to find out about Jody’s first experience and impression of Kinder Scout, why you might come across gully blocking materials such as piles of stones while walking up on the plateau, and how...

Go behind the scenes to hear about the working life of retired Peak District National Park ranger Gordon Miller, who was the Area Ranger in Edale for over 30 years. Listen to this interview to find out what inspired him to dedicate his working life to the Park and ranger services, how he’s seen Kinder Scout change over time, and why he decided to live in Edale. At the end he describes what makes h...

This is Wild About Kinder , the podcast for anyone curious about Kinder Scout in the Peak District. This podcast will bring you interviews with people who appreciate the landscape. Guests will be asked about why they love it here, what makes it special and unique to them, and how their personal experiences relate to a sense of connection. The aims of the project are to create an accessible resourc...