Walks in Todmorden
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Todmorden on foot.
Walk: Stoodley Pike
Starting in the border town of Todmorden this walk takes you up to Stoodley Pike monument and returns you to the town via the Rochdale Canal. The Route what3words for start point: ///switch.comfort.harmonica Start Point: Todmorden Finish Point: Todmorden Distance: 7 Miles GPX Route Map stoodley-pikeDownload Walk Description Embark on a journey to Stoodley Pike, a monument steeped in historical significance and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Constructed in 1856, the imposing edifice was raised to commemorate the conclusion of the Crimean War—a conflict that had engaged not just military minds but also the nation at large. The monument, with its pointed architecture resembling an obelisk, stands as a sentinel on the moorland, capturing the essence of a bygone era while offering a vantage point to see into the present and beyond. As you make your way up to this iconic landmark, you'll traverse routes that are part of both the Calderdale and Pennine Ways. These trails are exceptionally well-signposted, providing clear guidance even for the most novice of walkers. As you amble through, you'll find the landscape morphing around you, with vistas of rolling hills, fields dotted with grazing livestock, and the unique flora of the region. It's a picture-perfect example of English countryside, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the serene atmosphere. Once you've arrived at the Stoodley Pike monument, you'll have the opportunity to scale its internal stairway. As you ascend, each step takes you closer to an extraordinary viewing platform that offers panoramas unlike any other. From this elevated perch, gaze out over the Calder Valley, where patchwork fields, picturesque hamlets, and winding rivers unfurl before you like a living tapestry. On clear days, the view stretches even further, offering glimpses of lands that lie on the fringes of the horizon. The descent from the monument is equally compelling, guiding you toward the Rochdale Canal—a waterway teeming with history. This canal was a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, vital for transporting goods like coal and textiles. Nowadays, it serves as a haven for leisure activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Walking alongside its banks, you can easily imagine the bustling activity that once defined this channel, replaced now by a peaceful ambiance that invites reflection. As your walk comes to a close, you can indulge in well-earned relaxation at one of the excellent pubs situated near the canal. These aren't just any pubs; they're establishments that blend traditional charm with modern comforts. Here, you can sip a pint of locally brewed ale or relish some hearty British fare, absorbing the local atmosphere and maybe even engaging in convivial conversations with fellow walkers or friendly locals. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or someone simply seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle, this walk to the Stoodley Pike monument and Rochdale Canal offers a multi-layered experience. You'll encounter historical landmarks, traverse beautiful trails, and even have the chance to unwind in classic British style—with a good pint in a cozy pub. All in all, it’s not just a walk; it's a journey through time, landscape, and local culture.
Walk: Pennine Bridleway National Trail
From the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales, follow old drover’s roads, ancient packhorse routes and bridleways on a journey through the stunning and varied landscapes of the Pennines. The Route what3words for start point: ///woof.perch.saves Start Point: Middleton Top, Derbyshire Finish Point: Ravenstonedale, Cumbria Distance: 205 Miles GPX Route Map penninebridlewayelev20200819Download Walk Description The Pennine Bridleway is the only National Trail specifically designed to be used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The 205 mile route stretches from Middleton Top in the Peak District to Ravenstonedale in the Yorkshire Dales and traverses a variety of landscapes, from open moorland to steep-sided wooded river valleys, along ancient packhorse routes, drovers’ roads and bridleways. The Yorkshire Dales section features spectacular limestone landscapes including great views of Malham Tarn and the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, as well as the 10 mile circuit of the Settle Loop. Much of the trail is stile-free and sections of it are accessible for those using all-terrain wheelchairs. The trail calls at historic Yorkshire towns such as Hebden Bridge as well as tranquil villages, and you'll find a host of pubs, cafes, accommodation options and visitor attractions along the way. You can walk a section of the Pennine Bridleway as a day out, or if you're looking for a longer walk , enjoy it as a multi-day adventure.
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.