Walks ending at Hebden Bridge 15th October 2023

A former mill town, Hebden Bridge has remade itself into an attractive town with small shops, galleries, walkways and cafes. It also attracts ramblers as it is surrounded by steep sided hills with scores of footpaths to choose from, and paths to Stoodley Pike and Hardcastle Crags.  All 3 walks will visit the iconic village of Heptonstall which overlooks Hebden Bridge.

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The A walk will be led by Alan. Approximately 12 miles and 1800ft, with two ascents.

The walk covers both sides of the Calder Valley. Starting near the bus station in Todmorden, we have a short walk along the Rochdale canal, before climbing and picking up the Calderdale Way to Rake End, Basin Stone, Gadding Dam, Langfield Edge, Jeremy Hill, Coldwell Hill, and then to Stoodley Pike on the Pennine Way.

We then drop down to the Rochdale canal via Holmcoat bridge using the Todmorden Centenary Way. Then the second climb up Jumble Hole Clough (local name) takes us up to Blackshaw Head and the Calderdale Way with fine views all over, especially towards Colden Clough and Heptonstall Moor to the north. The group will then walk through the village that time forgot of Heptonstall. If time allows, we will stop and look around the two churches, one of them ruins, and the grave yard. The last part of the walk is the cobbled alley that drops down steeply to the centre of Hebden Bridge.

 

The B walk will be led by Dom. Approximately 9 miles, and a main ascent of 450 ft.

Our B walk begins, just outside Hebden Bridge, with a climb to the pretty, hilltop village of Heptonstall. From here we will head towards Midegehole and into Hebden Dale. We will enjoy the beautifully wooded valley as we walk up stream towards Gibson Mill (Cafe and Toilets available). From here we will head further upstream, with views of Hardcastle Crags. We will return following the river downstream back to Hebden Bridge.

The trees are starting to take on their autumnal colours and will hopefully be more developed for our visit. If we are lucky, we may see Dipper bobbing and feeding in the fast-flowing Hebden Water.

 

The C walk will be led by David. Approximately 6 miles and 850 ft.

This is a characterful walk, with quirky paths and buildings, variety of scenery and autumn colours. Starting at Pecket Well we descend the clough to Midgehole, cross the river known as Hebden Water, and pick up paths known as 'The loop', a new trail devised by local ramblers. We make the first climb (450ft) to historic Heptonstall and have 1st lunch among the ruins. We continue on 'the loop', crossing Colden Water, and joining the Pennine Way. Our 2nd climb (under 300ft) takes us to the highest point, Pry Hill. Then we descend to Callis Bridge. We cover the last 1 ½ miles into Hebden Bridge along the Rochdale canal, finishing at the Marina.