Monday 13 March 2017

377 April Walks from Hebden Bridge

Our next walks venue will be  in the Upper Calder Valley of West Yorkshire from
Hebden Bridge
on 
Saturday 8th April 2017
0800hrs prompt from the Short Stay Car Park
Hebden Bridge is a market town which forms part of Hebden Royd in West Yorkshire, England. It is in the Upper Calder Valley, 8 miles west of Halifax and 14 miles north-east of Rochdale, at the confluence of the River Calder and the Hebden Water.


This beautiful old town grew up close to the River Hebden at the point where a stone bridge was built as part of a pack-horse route in the 16th century.

By the time of the 18th century Hebden Bridge had become a noted centre for weaving. Stone cottages appeared, these were especially built for weavers with wider than usual windows to allow for the maximum of light. In the 18th century it was commonplace for many workers in the textile industry to work at home, and it was only at the latter end of the century that mills began to be established in the town, bringing with them a much needed prosperity. You only have to cast your eye's above the crowded shop windows of the main streets, to note the flurry of building work which took place once more money was available. Some of these fine properties still show the lovely facades of yester-year.

In the town is the Robin Hood, a coaching inn from the 17th century. The inn retains much of its earlier character, and is believed to have an old well from which St.Thomas a Becket took a cup of water.

This is Bronte country where the terrain is of deep sided valley's and glens lying beneath lonely moors were visitors can see golden gorse, bracken and heather. A wealth of wildlife saunters the moors, grouse, pheasant, partridge, and the inevitable fox. In the skies above you might be lucky and catch sight of Kite or Eagle.

At Hebden Water, a few miles from Hebden Bridge is an area known as the "Crags" here, miles of footpaths take you on a nature trail of the areas natural and archaeological history, passing through dense woodland, alive with oak, ash, beech, and pine. In springtime these lofty trees spread their branches over a carpet of vibrant gently nodding bluebells who contrast sharply with the tawny autumnal shades to come.

In the 19th century dams and weirs on Hebden Water controlled the water supply to mills like Gibson Mill. A three storey building of the early 18th century, this was one of the first mills of the Industrial Revolution. It has recently been restored and brought back to life as an interesting visitors centre by the National Trust. The mill offers hands on exhibitions and gives you the opportunity to learn of the people who toiled here for up to 72 hours a week, and often for very little reward.

Before the restoration programme for Gibson Mill commenced it was used by the community of Hebden Bridge as a venue for part of their annual Christmas celebrations. A delightful late afternoon walk through beautiful countryside to Gibson Mill was followed by a candle-lit carol service, warming punch and mince pies. The noisy return journey led by wassailers with lantern transformed the woods into a starry "fairy glen". With the completion of the project it is hoped the Wassailers walk to Gibson Mill will be re-introduced. Interestingly, the mill was used as a setting for scenes in the recent production of Nicholas Nickleby.

A local tradition here is the ancient "pace-egg play" this takes place each Good Friday when a colourful procession parades through the streets.

The visitor here is thrice blest, you have the joy of a lovely old town, the pleasures of spectacular countryside and the nearness of Halifax, a town full of lovely buildings and noted landmarks. 


There will be three Walks as normal.
  • A Walk led by Brian Thorne
  • B Walk led by Gwyn Jones
  • C Walk led by John Adamson. 

'A' Walk from Hebden Bridge

Walk Leader: Brian Thorne
Walk Distance: 10 mls App
Total Height:



A circular walk of approximately 10 miles with steep climbing from the valley, then contouring around the edges to reach High Brown Knoll. A descent to the delights of Lumb Hole Waterfall before climbing once again towards Shakleton Knoll.
Descending to Hebden Dale, we pass Hardcastle Crags, following the valley back to Hebden Bridge.

'B' Walk from Hebden Bridge 2017

Walk Leader: Gwyn Jones
Walk Distance: 8 miles
Total Ascent/Descent:

A walk through woodland, fields and open tracks. Most tracks are stony – fields are sometimes muddy. 

There are 2 main ascents – one before lunch and one after. But we will have time for breathers (for me if not for you). HB is appx 350 ft asl – the highest point on the walk is appx 1000 ft asl. From HB we walk north to New Bridge where we pick up the Calder Way and climb up to Pecket Well. Here the walk goes across fields and is fairly level, but there are a few stiles. We then drop down into Crimsworth Dean where there is a pretty waterfall. (As we descend, watch out for Toads). At the bottom we cross the bridge and climb up the other side to reach a track which takes us all the way down to New Bridge and on to HB

Bridge at Lumb Hole
On way up to Pecket Well 

Lumb Hole Falls

'C' Walk from Hebden Bridge 2017

Walk Leader: John Adamson
Total Distance: 6 Miles app
Total Ascent/Descent: see below


Approx 6 MILES and an ascent from 330 ft to 535 ft.

The C Walk from Hebden Bridge is a fairly flat firm ground walk, which starts by heading west along the canal towpath towards Luddenden Foot. The walk passes by canal locks, interesting buildings and beautiful countryside. Hebden Bridge was part of the woollen industry and in particular Worsted Trouser material; - hence the nickname, “Trouser Town”. Evidence of some of the woollen mills can still be seen from the towpath.

We will have lunch in Luddenden Foot by the canal and return on the opposite side of the valley, alongside the river and railway line.

During the walk we should see canal boats travelling up and down the waterway. On the day of the recce the river was in full flow over rapids and small waterfalls providing interesting stops.