Yorkshire - Hardcastle Crags & Hebden Bridge

A great journey up the motorway to our 'Huddersfield Hideaway' in 'Gods own Country' Yorkshire. Set high among the Pennines the hotel is in a splendid location and just right for exploring.

We arrived to find wedding guests arriving, so after a quick check in we made a hasty escape. I had done some research in advance of picturesque walks that were not too lengthy.

We headed out towards Hebden Bridge to an area in the South Pennines that was once known as the 'Switzerland of Yorkshire'. Some 15 miles of paths just waiting to be explored.


The general plan was to follow the map below with maybe the odd diversion here and there?

We started from the Midgehole Road car park opting for the more strenuous high level woodland trail.

It was a steep climb and we soon found ourselves level with the treetops.

Northern Hairy wood Ants litter the paths among the trees. It is not hard to imagine how the colours change during the different seasons.

It isn't too difficult walking but their are plenty of raised roots and rocky obstacles to keep you honest.

Gibson Mill

As we descend to the flatter part of the walk
we arrive at Gibson Mill. A beautiful 9th century former cotton-spinning and weaving mill  It is completely cut off from the National Grid so it has to generate all of its own power and recycle its own waste.
Sadly the tearoom is closed today as during the night some toerags' have stolen the lead from the roof . Just to prove what complete arseholes they are they also trashed the place too.

View from The Crags

We did manage to get a drink and some cake from a separate building. I left Marina to enjoy the peace, and set off to explore 'The Crags'. It was a steep climb and the views were spectacular. The problem was getting back to the path! My maxim is never to go backwards therefore the only thing to do was to engage my inner 'Bear Grylls' and climb down. It was a bit dicey but I managed it unscathed.

 

Stepping Stones

The route was made up of deep rocky ravines, tumbling streams, oak, beech and pine woods and some of the best examples of upland meadows in the country.Lots of crossing points in the shape of wooden bridges and stepping stones.
An ideal spot for spotting Dippers, insects, amphibians and deer. Didn't see any Dippers but there were several Grey  Wagtails.

 The circular route came in at just under 5 miles.

From Hardcastle Crags we made the short journey to the quirky market town of Hebden Bridge in the Upper Calder Valley. 8 miles west of Halifax and 14 miles north-east of Rochdale. It just happened to be the 'Steampunk' weekend as well.

Steampunks

Being situated in a valley Hebden Bridge is very prone to flooding. I said 'quirky' earlier largely because of the Bohemian new age population .Many of whom moved in during the 80's when property was being sold off cheaply with the old mills being converted for housing. As a result there are lots of cafes/ artist studios and no major High Street stores that you would see elsewhere. 

It is also known as being the lesbian capital of the UK ,with more lesbians per head than anywhere else. 

Its a nice walk along the Rochdale Canal with pretty locks, old mills and nice views of the Upper Calder Valley countryside. 

Hebden Bridge is a great place to visit and there is no shortage of watering holes . One pub even provides free 'doggy beer' for our four legged friends.

An old mill

Rochdale canal