Walks in Meltham
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Meltham on foot.
Walk: Butterley Reservoir
A lovely walk around this picturesque reservoir with stunning views of the valleys below on a walk up from the village of Marsden near the border with Lancashire. The Route what3words for start point: ///worm.ringside.deserved Start Point: Butterley Reservoir Finish Point: Butterley Reservoir Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map butterley-reservoirDownload Walk Description If you're a fan of scenic beauty intertwined with rich industrial heritage, then this walk starting near Marsden train station is an experience tailor-made for you. The convenience of beginning your journey adjacent to a public transport hub makes it effortlessly accessible for everyone, whether you're a local or a visitor relying on the train. Your exploration kicks off as you step onto the Kirklees Way, a trail that leads you away from the station and toward the captivating landscape of the reservoir. As you wander, you'll immediately be struck by the natural beauty surrounding you—water reflecting the sky, trees that sway in the wind, and open fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. But this isn't just any trail; it's a pathway that meanders through a region steeped in history. Marsden and its surroundings were once bustling epicenters for milling and cloth production. The very ground you walk upon has been tread by laborers, merchants, and industrialists whose efforts transformed this bucolic setting into a hive of human ingenuity and production. Every step you take is like a stroll through a living museum, where nature and history coalesce. If you're looking to make the most of your day, the journey doesn't have to stop at the first reservoir. Extend your adventure to include the neighboring reservoirs at Wessenden and Blakely. Each of these bodies of water has its own unique charm and story, and covering more ground gives you a deeper appreciation for the landscape's diversity. Whether you're out for photography, bird-watching, or simply savoring the sights, you'll find ample opportunity for enrichment. As you loop back to Marsden, don't forget to cap off your expedition by indulging in some local hospitality. The village boasts an array of quaint pubs and cozy cafes, each offering its own unique blend of traditional and contemporary fare. Whether you opt for a steaming cup of tea, a hearty pie, or a refreshing pint of local ale, you’ll find that it's the perfect way to refuel both body and spirit. This walk offers a unique blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and historical context, making it a perfect outing for individuals and families alike. Whether you choose the shorter route for a quick afternoon escape or extend your journey to encompass more reservoirs, you're in for a fulfilling experience. And regardless of how far you go, you’ll end your day with a deeper understanding of both the natural and human forces that have shaped this captivating region.
Walk: Digley Reservoir
An easy, but varied walk through fields, alongside woods and just on the edge of the moor near Holmbridge. The Route what3words for start point: ///spell.cemented.props Start / Finish Point: Digley Quarry Car Park, Holmfirth, HD9 2QD Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map walkshiredigleyreservoirDownload Walk Description From the Digley Quarry Car Park, go up the steps in the bank towards the reservoir and join a walled lane. Turn right along the lane - which first heads uphill but soon starts to drop. Ignore the first gap in the wall on the right, which leads to the quarry. Stay on the lane and towards the bottom of the slope, some shallow steps climb up to the right. Follow these onto a path between fields and woods. When you reach another set of steps, use these to drop and follow the clear path which soon bears right onto a walled lane. Follow this lane for a short while to where it forks. There is a bench between the two lanes, and here, keep left and descend, veering left and through a metal gate, to Bilberry Dam. Walk across the dam and follow the path to the left up the hill. Continue on this path and through a gate in the wall until you reach a gate and bridge over the stream. With the reservoir to your left, follow the path, which soon bends to the left, through a gate and down to Digley South Car Park. Cross the car park, to where you meet the road. Taking care, turn left along the road, which soon becomes paved, and crosses the reservoir embankment. Turn left at the end, and where the road curves to the right, go through a gate on the left and follow the path and the steps back to Digley Quarry Car Park.
Walk: Digley Reservoir
A lovely walk around the amazing Digley reservoir on the outskirts of Holmfirth, in the Holme Valley. The Route what3words for start point: ///flaking.reminder.introduce Start Point: Digley Reservoir, free parking at Digley Quarry Car Park (nearest postcode HD9 2QD) or Digley South Car Park (nearest postcode HD9 2RX). Finish Point: Digley Reservoir Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map digley-reservoirDownload Walk Description Use the onsite carpark, don't park on the roadside. Follow the path way on the northern side side of the water, which shares the path with the much longer Kirklees Way. The path skirts the edge of the water and darts in and out of woodland which provides some beautiful plant life especially the bluebells in the spring time. Before turning back towards the car park you will pass by the smaller Bilberry reservoir which has lovely views back across the valley.