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
Download file for GPSWalk 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.
