Hebden Bridge is a mecca for walking, with countless ancient footpaths, great views and easy access by public transport. This walk has a bit of everything; history, moorland, woodland and a tea stop.
| Start / Finish | Hebden Bridge Station |
| Distance | 12.7km, 7.9 miles |
| Ascent | 285m |
| Estimated Time | 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
Map link
From Hebden Bridge, which somewhat appears to have been frozen in time and therefore has featured in numerous films and TV shows, head through the park and onto the towpath of the Rochdale Canal. After the canal crosses the River Calder, take the Hebble End bridge onto Market Street, then head up the steep and well-worn steps to Heptonstall Road. Follow the road uphill for a short while, then turn left and go further uphill into the woods, enjoying the views over the Calder Valley.
Once you get to the aptly named Hell Hole, otherwise known as Heptonstall Quarry, follow yet more steep steps up the side to the top of the foreboding crag. To explore the historic village of Heptonstall with its quaint cottages and ruined church, take the path straight ahead and weave through the village onto Smithwell Lane. An alternative route to avoid roadwalking is to turn left at the clifftop and follow the path through the woods to Green Lane.
After walking through Heptonstall, you can follow the lane through to Slack top via the snigger inducing Slack Bottom. However, a route through the fields can be taken by turning off Smithwell Lane and following the field boundaries through to Slack Top. After a short stint walking next to the road, follow the track to the right and head onto the moor.
Walk along the edge of the moor until you reach a small stream in a hollow, then cross the moor boundary, walk past an abandoned barn and follow the track down to Clough Hole Car Park. Continue downhill through the woods, zigzagging down until you reach Gibson Mill. Now a well-timed National Trust tearoom, this mill was originally built to weave cotton in the 1800s, taking advantage of the steep and fast-flowing Hebden Beck. The mill is now off-grid, so you can utilise the compost toilets and have an extra guilt-free hot chocolate!
From the mill, weave through the scenic woods alongside the beck until you reach Midgehole Road. Follow the road, then take the adjacent footpath on the right hand side and head back down to the beck. Cross the river, then follow the riverside path until crossing back into Hebden Bridge via the Packhorse Bridge. From the bridge weave through the streets into town, where there are plenty of shops and you can refuel at one of the many pubs and cafes.
Refreshments / Facilities
- Toilets are available at the station, Gibson Mill, or on New Road
- There are plenty of food options in Hebden Bridge, some of my favourites are:
Public Transport
- Regular trains call at Hebden Bridge from York, Leeds and Manchester
- Frequent buses from Burnley, Todmorden, Keighley, Halifax and Huddersfield stop at or near the station
Useful Information
- The Hebden Bridge area is covered by Ordnance Survey map sheet OL21: South Pennines
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Happy hiking!
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