Walks in Heptonstall
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Heptonstall on foot.
Walk: Hardcastle Crags
An easy woodland trek through Hebden Dale to a 19th-century cotton mill along Hedben Beck. The Route what3words for start point: ///perfumed.comply.superhero Start Point: National Trust pay and display car park at Midgehole, Midgehole Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AL. Finish Point: HX7 7AL Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map walkshirehardcastlecragsDownload Walk Description From the car park, head back the way you drove in, to the information kiosk on Midgehole Road. Turn left and at the direction signs, follow the direction of the “Mill Walk” as it doubles back and starts to drop down. Follow the path down to the riverside picnic area. Follow the path along the riverside upstream and then into the woods. There’s plenty of evidence of the valley's industrial past around as you walk past the various weirs and mill ponds. Continue along the riverside path, climbing a flight of steps and then dropping back down to the river by a set of stepping stones. This was a popular spot in the early 20th century for people coming for a day out. Look out for many different types of birds at this point. Continuing along the riverside path to walk past Gibson Mill, a 19th-century former cotton-spinning and weaving mill, now in the care of the National Trust. Carry on along the path into Hebden Dale, ignoring the smaller path down to the river on the left. The path starts to climb as it passes through Walshall Wood. At the triangle junction, keep to the right, and continue climbing on the path until it leaves the woods as it meets Cow Hey Lane. Turn sharp right here to walk along Cow Hey Lane, so Walshall Wood will be on your right. Follow Cow Hey Lane, with its great view across the Hebdon Dale, as it passes numerous farms all the way to the village of Shackleton. Here, take the right fork onto Cow Lane. After Stoney Park Farm, the road starts to drop fairly sharply and turns to the left. After entering Hollin Hall Wood, turn sharply right at the junction, and follow the road all the way back to the car park.
Walk: Stanza Stones Trail
The Stanza Stones Trail is a captivating journey that weaves together the beauty of the West Yorkshire landscape with the power of poetry. This unique trail spans approximately 47 miles (75 kilometers) and is a tribute to the rich literary heritage of the region, featuring six original poems by Simon Armitage, the UK's Poet Laureate. Carved into stones along the trail, these verses are inspired by the elements, offering a profound connection between the natural environment and the written word. Route Start Point: what3words for start point: ///touched.crouching.materials Distance: 5 miles Start Location Name: Marsden Train Station Finish Location: Ilkley Train Station OS Route Map & GPX File stanzastonestrailDownload Route Description The Stanza Stones Trail begins in the bustling town of Marsden, located on the edge of the Peak District. From Marsden, the trail ascends through picturesque moorland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The first poem, "Snow," can be found at Pule Hill, a location that perfectly captures the stark beauty of the moors, especially during winter months. Along the way, hikers will discover the "Rain" stanza carved near Blackstone Edge, where the relentless weather of the Pennines is encapsulated in verse. The "Mist" stone is located at Nab Hill Oxenhope. The Dew Stone is at Rivock Edge, Silsden. Continuing eastward, the trail leads to the village of Ilkley, crossing rugged terrains and passing through valleys that echo the poetic essence of Yorkshire. As you approach Ilkley Moor, the "Puddle" stanza awaits, hidden among the iconic rocks of this famous landscape. Down in the valley, the "Beck" Stone is at Backstone Beck Ilkley. This trail, with its combination of stunning landscapes and evocative poetry, is a celebration of Yorkshire's natural and cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable adventure for all who walk it.
Walk: Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge
This walk from Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge will take you along the towpath of the Rochdale Canal and you will be surrounded by heritage and panoramic views. The Route what3words for start point: ///bats.begun.clubs Start Point: Sowerby Bridge Wharf Finish Point: Hebden Bridge Distance: 5.5 Miles GPX Route Map sowerbytohebdenDownload Walk Description Sowerby Bridge is where the Calder and Hebble Navigation seamlessly becomes the Rochdale Canal. Start the walk at Sowerby Bridge Wharf, the cobbled basin where the 18th-century canal buildings have been lovingly restored. You will join the Rochdale Canal at Lock 1 and follow it a short distance, past Lock 2 and then cross the road. After crossing the road, you can pick back up the canal and towpath at Tuel Lane Lock. Tuel Lane Lock is the deepest lock on Britain’s canals at 19 ½ ft, and boats can only travel through when lock keepers are present. Leaving Sowerby Bridge behind, you will follow through the leafy Calder Valley with its panoramic views. The next place you come across is Luddenden Foot followed by Brearley where you will see some canal-side cottages and a lock. Continuing along the towpath you will soon enter Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of poet Ted Hughes. As you carry on along the towpath, the quirky town of Hebden Bridge will be in front of you. Entering Hebden Bridge, you will first come across the Marina, then you can choose to explore the town's amazing independent cafes, shops and galleries or return to Sowerby Bridge by train or on foot.
Walk: Hebden Bridge Canal
Discover Hebden Bridge and the Rochdale Canal. The Route what3words for start point: ///noise.nicer.latter Start Point: Hebden Bridge Station, Station Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 6JE Finish Point: Hebden Bridge Station, Station Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 6JE Distance: 1.8 Miles GPX Route Map hebdenbridgeDownload Walk Description Starting at Hebden Bridge Station, join the towpath of the Rochdale Canal and turn left. Heading along the towpath you will soon approach the town and marina. Look out for the buildings that are old textile mills, full of heritage and character. Hebden Bridge was, and still is, known for the production of corduroy. Once known as the Trouser Town!You will pass by Calder Holmes Park but continue along the towpath. Whilst walking take time to admire the interesting and colourful canal boats. Just past the park you will need to cross the canal via the footbridge, at Black Pit Lock.Staying on the towpath you will reach Stubbing Upper Lock. There are lots of different plants and flowers along the towpath. Look out for butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies during the summer months. Not far from the lock you will arrive at Stubbing Wharfe pub. You will leave the towpath here and head towards the front of the pub, crossing the River Calder and turn right along the road. Follow the main road back into Hebden Bridge town centre. Hebden Bridge is full of amazing and quirky independent cafes, shops and galleries. Take time to explore the town centre and the market, if it is on. Once you have finished exploring, head back to the main road which will take you back to your starting point at the station.
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.