Hebden Dale - Hardcastle Crags - New Bridge

Graham Wilson

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Hebden Dale - Hardcastle Crags - Walshaw Dean Reservoirs - Crimsworth Dean - New Bridge

Hardcastle Crags form the start of this circular walk. These are National Trust-owned wooded valleys, which comprise Hebden Dale and Crimshaw Dean. Both valleys are steeply sided with broadleaved and mixed woodland. Birds typical of such territory abound, with yellow wagtails and dippers flitting around the peat-coloured streams as they tumble in small waterfalls over the stony riverbeds. A short way into the walk is the now disused Gibson Mill, a water-driven woollen mill from the last century. This stretch of the walk is especially pretty when the leaves are turning in the autumn, presenting the typical colours of fall along the valley sides.

After a few miles, the route takes you into open country and begins to rise out of the river valley. It heads onto the bleak moors up to the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs via the Pennine Way. The route crosses the reservoirs up onto Wadsworth Moor, where the true beauty of this area can be appreciated. From the grouse butts in the heather you can appreciate the effects of erosion in the area, with flat-topped moorland being savagely cut open by steep valleys. The vegetation is sparse on the tops, but lush in the valleys. On a clear day the views are magnificent.

The return to the car park drops into National Trust woodlands and follows the edge of the valley, affording good views down to the pretty town of Hebden Bridge (worth an explore in itself). The path is a gentle descent and much admired. On arrival at the car park, whilst you won't get a cup of tea, you are quite likely to chance upon an ice cream van.

Please note there are restrictions for dogs on Wadsworth Moor and that on occasion the Moor may be closed during the grouse shooting season.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Pennines

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, National Trust, River, Toilets

5/2/2011 - Cassandra MacDonald

This is a really lovely walk with excellent paths all the way around and good directions. The only issue we had was that Wadsworth Moor was closed due to fire risk so we had to take a detour. It may be worth checking before you set out to make sure that all the paths are open. Hardcastle Crags gets really busy on weekends and bank holidays so get there early to ensure you get a space in the car park.

9/24/2005 - Geoff Hall

This a great walk for dogs, but Wadsworth Moor (16 to 17 on the map) is closed to all dogs (guide dogs only exception). We cut back (to 12) and crossed New Laithe Moor to Walshaw.

6/12/2005 - Jennifer Farrow

A really nice walk, but would recommend you take the OS map with you, as some of the stages are not clearly explained. Eg at point 18 it is not a stile you cross, there is a gate.

6/10/2005 - Paul Johnson

Beautiful, go midweek when it's quieter.