Walks in Mixenden
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Mixenden on foot.
Walk: Ogden Reservoir and Overnden Moor
A feast of different landscapes all squeezed into a short walk around the reservoir and the surrounding moorland, just outside Halifax. The Route what3words for start point: ///proclaims.goat.relatives Start Point: Pay & Display car park off A629, HX2 8XZ Finish Point: Car park off A629, HX2 8XZ Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map walkshireogdenreservoirandoverndenmoorDownload Walk Description From the car park, walk towards the gates at the far end. Take the left hand pedestrian gate and follow the track through the woods to meet another track at the water’s edge. Ignore the bridge on your left, and continue straight on the track. For a short while, the track becomes a path before joining another surfaced track. Follow this track, keeping the stream on your right. Cross a stile and ignore the two bridges on your right, continuing straight ahead. The path starts to climb steeply uphill for a very short while before reaching a long bridge. Just after the long bridge, climb the stone steps to cross a shorter bridge. Just afterwards, the path bears left towards a stile over a wire fence. Cross the stile and follow the track along the edge of the moorland wind farm, keeping the turbines to your right. Eventually, the path takes you to a bridge over Skirden Clough. Cross the bridge and follow a clear path forwards, where you will meet the wide surfaced vehicle track of Withens New Road. Here, turn left, and follow Withens New Road down to the dam wall. Walk along the dam wall and pass the Visitor Centre on the left. Follow the road in front of you back to car park.
Walk: Calder Valley Greenway - Hebden Bridge to Brighouse
This pretty, relaxed walk along Sustrans’ National Cycle Route 66 is perfect for a blustery, colourful late autumn day. The Route What3Words for start point: ///hiring.fruit.tooth Start Point: Hebden Bridge Station Finish Point: Brighouse Station Distance: 9.3 Miles GPX Route Map hebden-bridge-to-brighouseDownload Walk Description This walk follows the historic watercourses of the Rochdale canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation, winding through characterful industrial towns and imposing hills. Tread in the steps of the former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, who were inspired by this dramatic landscape, with its wild moors and lush native woodlands. As well as watercourses, the route follows the train line, so you can decide where to stop, enjoy a break in one of the many cafes of Mytholmroyd, Sowerby Bridge or Brighouse, and get a train back.
Walk: Oxenhope - Leeming Reservoir - Thornton Moor Reservoir
A stroll through the quaint village of Oxenhope in the foot of the South Pennines with wonderful views of the Worth Valley from the reservoirs on it's outskirts. The Route what3words for start point: ///narrowest.ledge.televise Start Point: Oxenhope Finish Point: Oxenhope Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map oxenhopeDownload Walk Description Starting Point: Next to Oxenhope Station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Step off the train at Oxenhope station, and you're not just arriving in a village; you're stepping into a living movie set and a gateway to Yorkshire's industrial past. As part of the celebrated Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, one of the finest examples of preserved steam railways in the country, Oxenhope station has graced the silver screen in films like "The Railway Children." For fans of both history and cinema, arriving by this mode of transport isn't just convenient—it's like riding through time itself. The old mill workers' cottages line the streets. Many of these historical buildings have been repurposed into homes, but they've lost none of their vintage allure. From the train station the two-mile uphill journey is not for the faint of heart. This stretch is also the battleground for the village's annual straw race, where competitors sprint up this steep hill while carrying a bale of straw on their backs. While you won't be carrying straw, the incline provides its own challenges, offering a workout that'll make the ascent all the more rewarding. Upon cresting the hill, you'll find yourself by Leeming Reservoir. Pause here and to soak in the view - a panorama of the valley that stretches far and wide. Having feasted your eyes and filled your lungs with fresh air, it's time to begin the descent back to Oxenhope. Cap off the adventure with a visit to one of the local pubs for a hearty ale, sumptuous pie, or some classic Yorkshire fare.
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: 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: Ogden Water
A lovely reservoir walk on the moorland above Halifax. A fabulous place to be tranquil and spot the local wildlife. There is a car park for vehicle users but be careful as it is a narrow single track road on approach so drive carefully. The Route what3words for start point: ///prancing.yoga.shot Start Point: Ogden Finish Point: Ogden Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map ogden-waterDownload Walk Description The 34 acre reservoir is one of the largest in the area and the path intertwines between woodland and the water's edge giving you an up close and personal view of the local wildlife. The path is good all the way around but there is a particularly steep section near the start/finish so be careful with accessibility challenges. You will often find boats out on the reservoir from the local sailing club and this adds to the atmosphere of the reservoir. There are several paths to take off the main circular walk but enjoy yourself just finding your own way around. Enjoy a coffee at the excellent café on site to refuel before heading home.