Walks in Brighouse
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Brighouse on foot.
Walk: Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal
Running from Brighouse to Sowerby Bridge this section this is a part river, part canal route that once served the area at the height of the industrial revolution. The Route what3words for start point: ///gravel.assets.live Start Point: Sowerby Bridge Finish Point: Brighouse Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map calder-and-hebble-navigation-canalDownload Walk Description This route provides a tranquil repost to the urban centres along it's route. The peaceful nature of this busy walk is it's main attraction as you are transported to a quieter time, compared the to traffic on the streets above. Starting in Sowerby Bridge the route takes you through a the town and then onto some stunning Calder Valley countryside. There is an option to head towards Halifax along the canal to their however this walk continues into Brighouse, another Yorkshire industrial town. Watch out for the various bird and wild life along the canal and make sure you bring your spotting guide!
Walk: Huddersfield Broad Canal
Enjoy this 4 mile stroll on the Huddersfield Broad Canal built as the connecting canal for the long distance Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Calder and Aire navigation through the town centre. The Route what3words for start point: ///hoot.seats.fried Start Point: Huddersfield Finish Point: Bradley Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map huddersfield-broad-canalDownload Walk Description A peaceful and tranquil walk through the industrial heartland of Huddersfield's past. The walk starts in the centre of the town and winds it's way up to Bradley. Make sure you look out for all the former warehouses and canal building as you work your way on the canal. You can't miss the amazing engineering of the Turnbridge lift bridge, it's a marvel of the age! Towards the end of the end of this excursion you'll come to the 18th century Colne bridge another fine example of the period engineering still in use today.
Walk: Mirfield Boundary Walk
A fabulous stroll around the outskirts of the town of Mirfield, West Yorkshire - just near Dewsbury. The Route what3words for start point: ///useful.broke.jelly Start Point: Mirfield Finish Point: Mirfield Distance: 11 Miles GPX Route Map mirfieldboundarywalkDownload Walk Description An 11 mile circular route which can be started at many locations and also has options to cut short if the need arises. The route follows most of the former Urban District Boundary of Mirfield before the creation of Kirklees in 1974. The town has many historical and cultural links which the walk explores also passing the Star Inn, where a member of the Luddite rising was taken to die whilst seeking information from him. The site of the former Verona fathers catholic seminary now a world renowned school for those with profound challenges, looking across at the historic Kirklees estate from which the Metropolitan Council took its name but which ironically is outside their boundaries. We cross the River Calder on a former toll bridge and site of a historic ford, taking in views across the wider Pennines and on a clear day the power stations and Goole Docks to the East. Mirfield has industry, rail links and in recent years - thanks to Welcome to Yorkshire’s Grand Depart - saw our Ambassador Brian Robinson BEM recognised as Britain’s first Tour de France stage winner. It is also the birthplace of Hollywood legend Sir Patrick Stewart famous for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek; The Next Generation. So why don't you boldly go and try out this great walk.
Walk: The Calderdale Way
The Calderdale Way is a picturesque long-distance walking route that winds through the stunning landscapes of West Yorkshire. Covering approximately 50 miles, this circuit takes walkers through the scenery of Calderdale with a start and finish point just near Norland Moor Nature Reserve. The Route what3words for start point: ///lions.string.goods Start & Finish Point: New Clough Rd, Sowerby Bridge HX6 3RE Distance: 50 Miles GPX Route Map calderdale-way-routeDownload Walk Description Ripponden The starting point for many on the Calderdale Way, Ripponden is a charming village in the Ryburn Valley. The route then crosses through Soyland, Cragg Vale and Withens Clough Reservoir. Te Deum Stone A historical marker, the Te Deum Stone is a notable point on the route. The stone is shrouded in local legend. The route continues past Mankinholes and Limbutts. Todmorden A vibrant market town, Todmorden sits at the meeting point of three valleys. It’s an excellent spot to pause, explore the local shops, and perhaps enjoy a meal before continuing on. The route continues past Lydgate and Blackshaw Head. Heptonstall A historic village with cobbled streets and ancient buildings, Heptonstall is steeped in history and offers a fascinating stop on the Calderdale Way. The route continues on through Midgehole, close to Hardcastle Crags - a beautiful area with woodland paths. Midgeley Moor Crossing Midgeley Moor, you’ll experience expansive views. One waypoint is Churn Milk Joan, a standing stone on the moor and notable landmark. The route continues on through Booth, Causeway Foot and Mixenden. Illingworth Moor As you approach Illingworth Moor, the landscape opens up, with sweeping views across the moors and valleys, a true highlight of the Calderdale Way. The route then climbs up past Catherine Slack, Shelf and Northowram. Norwood Green A picturesque village with traditional stone houses and leafy lanes, Norwood Green is a peaceful stop. Bailiff Bridge then marks the transition from rural landscapes to the outskirts of urban areas. The route continues past Thornhills. Brighouse A bustling town, Brighouse offers a range of amenities and a chance to restock before heading into the final stages of the walk. The Calder and Hebble Navigation runs through this town. The route continues past Brookfoot and Freeman's Cut. Southowram Southowram sits on elevated ground, offering fantastic views back across Calderdale. The village itself has a rich history. West Vale and Greetland The final stretch of the Calderdale Way takes you through West Vale and Greetland, bringing your journey full circle with a mix of rural and urban landscapes.
Walk: The Kirklees Way
The Kirklees Way is a scenic long-distance footpath that encircles the metropolitan borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire, England. Spanning approximately 72 miles (116 km), this circular route offers a diverse and captivating journey through some of the region's most picturesque landscapes Designed for those seeking both a physical challenge and an opportunity to connect with the area's history and environment, the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive experience of West Yorkshire's rural charm and historical depth. Whether undertaken in sections or as a complete circuit, the route promises a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The Route what3words for start point: ///squeaking.thanks.kinks Start Point: Marsden Railway Station Finish Point: Marsden Railway Station Distance: 72 Miles GPX Route Map kirklees-way-west-yorkshireDownload Walk Description Marsden The journey often begins in the village of Marsden, nestled in the Colne Valley. Known for its rugged Pennine landscapes, Marsden is the gateway to the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Wessenden Valley and Reservoirs From Marsden, the path leads into the Wessenden Valley, home to a series of reservoirs, including Wessenden Reservoir and Wessenden Head Reservoir. This area is known for its stunning moorland views and is a haven for wildlife. Black Hill and Holme Valley Continuing east, the route ascends Black Hill, one of the highest points in West Yorkshire, offering panoramic views. It then descends into the Holme Valley, passing through the village of Holme, known for its proximity to Digley Reservoir and Brownhill Reservoir. Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe Further along, the route passes through the villages of Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. Denby Dale is known for its famous giant pies and the Denby Dale Viaduct, while Skelmanthorpe offers a glimpse of traditional Yorkshire village life. Clayton West and the Dearne Valley The path continues through Clayton West, then follows the Dearne Valley into the village of Flockton, offering a mix of wooded areas and open fields. Grange Moor and Emley Moor The path then heads towards Grange Moor and the towering Emley Moor Mast, the tallest freestanding structure in the UK. The mast is a significant landmark visible from miles around. Thornhill and Dewsbury As the route heads back towards the west, it passes through Thornhill, known for its historic Thornhill Parish Church and Dewsbury. Dewsbury is a large market town with significant historical architecture and a bustling town centre. Huddersfield The route skirts the town of Huddersfield, a vibrant town known for its impressive architecture, including the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Lockwood Viaduct. The route offers glimpses of the town before continuing into more rural areas. Scapegoat Hill and Deanhead Scapegoat Hill is a small, elevated village that stands proudly on the hillside, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing on the Kirklees Way, the route leads you to Deanhead, a remote area characterized by its rugged moorland terrain and a sense of isolation that feels far removed from the bustling towns below. Deanhead lies in the upper reaches of the Deanhead Reservoir. This section of the walk is particularly appealing to those who enjoy the raw beauty of the Pennines. Return to Marsden The route completes the circle as it returns to Marsden, bringing the journey full circle. Here, walkers can reflect on the varied landscapes, rich history, and natural beauty encountered along the Kirklees Way. Key Landmarks: Standedge Tunnel (Marsden) Wessenden Reservoirs Black Hill Digley and Brownhill Reservoirs Victoria Tower (Castle Hill) Emley Moor Mast Denby Dale Viaduct Thornhill Parish Church This journey through the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural and cultural heritage, making it a rewarding experience for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.