A superb way to go walking in Calderdale – The Calderdale Way is a 50 mile (80 km) walk exploring the hills, moors and valleys of Calderdale. It is an ‘up and down’ journey with few level sections. However, the higher levels provide some exceptionally fine panoramic views and are well worth the effort.

There are numerous link paths which connect the Calderdale Way to the valley floor which means the route can be walked in several short stages. The walk encircles Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, following old packhorse ways across the open gritstone hillsides with sections of traditional stone causeway. The route passes through medieval hillside settlements such as Heptonstall, Lumbutts and Mankinholes and old mill towns on the banks of the River Calder.

There are currently no guides available for the Calderdale Way, although as of March 2024 a new map of the route has been produced by Christopher Goddard and is available to purchase here.

The Pennine Way is a long distance trail that starts in Derbyshire and ends on the Scottish borders, offering 268 miles of some of the finest upland walking along the rugged backbone of England.

The Pennine Way enters Calderdale at Blackstone Edge, passing Stoodley Pike, dropping down into the valley at Callis, climbing back up to Colden and over the moors to Widdop. Walkers often say this stretch is one of the best on the whole route.

The route is well serviced with local buses.

To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Pennine Way, Hebden Bridge Walkers Action created a waymarked loop to Hebden Bridge and back to the Pennine Way via the ancient village of Heptonstall. The Hebden Bridge Loop makes a wonderful and moderately challenging  6 ½ mile circuit of the fantastic landscape surrounding Hebden Bridge.

The Todmorden Centenary Way is a twenty-mile circular route that can be joined at any point and walked in any order which goes through upland pastures, woodland, open moor and steep sided valleys around the market town of Todmorden. It offers a series of day and half day walks of various lengths or a whole weekend’s walking.

The Centenary Way can be joined at any point and its sections walked in any order. Walks can be devised to suit all abilities and link paths enable circular walks to be planned with the option of using public transport.

A guide to the route is available from the Heart of the Pennines online shop. 

The Rochdale Canal runs for 33 miles between Sowerby Bridge in Calderdale, all the way to Manchester. It runs through the Upper Calder Valley passing Luddendenfoot, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Walsden.

The canal is close to train stations at Sowerby Bridge, Mythomroyd, Hebden Brige, Todmorden and Walsden. There is a towpath all the way which makes it a great flat walking route, suitable for buggies.

You can walk short sections by using regular local buses to get you to the start and finish of your walk.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation runs for 21 miles from Wakefield to Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire. It has 27 locks and a number of flood locks.

There is a towpath all the way which makes it a great flat walking route. You can do short sections by using local buses to get you to the start and finish of your walk.

Cromwell Bottom is one of the richest areas in Calderdale in terms of biodiversity, boasting over 130 species of plant, 200 species of birds, large numbers of mammals, amphibians and lots of invertebrate life. Anyone, adults and chiildren interested in nature, needs to visit Cromwell Bottom.

The area is mainly woodland with a really good network of paths. There is also a wheelchair and pushchair accessible route. There is a car park at the reserve and a regular bus service from Halifax bus station.

The 121 foot (37 m) high Stoodley Pike Monument dominates the skyline above Todmorden, sitting atop Stoodley Pike, a 1,300-foot (400 m) hill on the Pennine Way. The monument was designed in 1854 by local architect James Green, and completed in 1856 at the end of the Crimean War.

The Pike can only be reached on foot and there are many walking routes to it from Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd.

Walking guides to all these routes available from the Heart of the Pennines on-line shop. 

Sheltered from the moorland wind, this deep wooded valley is an enchanting mix of wood, water and stone.

The National Trust has put in some superb waymarked walking routes suitable for all abilities. It’s a great place for children – crossing the river on stepping stones and spotting birds, insects, amphibians and if you’re lucky, deer! Hardcastle Crags offers a completely different experience throughout the year – from the icicles of midwinter to the carpet of bluebells in the spring.

The early 19th century Gibson Mill is situated within the site. A tour of the mill tells the history of the valley and the mill over the past 200 years. The mill also has changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Gibson Mill is 100% self-sufficient in energy, water and waste treatment. It has a hydro-electric system, solar photovoltaic panels and a log-burning stove fuelled by wood from the estate.

You can also rest and recharge at the Weaving Shed Café, serving delicious ethical and locally-produced food and buy the perfect gift or memento in the shop located there.

Hardcastle Crags is open all year round from dawn until dusk, admission to Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill are free.

Dogs are welcome (including in the café and mill) if kept under close control.

GETTING THERE

You have two options to get to Hardcastle Crags:

By car – there is parking at Midgehole and Clough Hole (fee applies)

Walking – there is a route from Hebden Bridge on good paths with a bit of road walking. It will take you about 45 minutes.

Ogden Water offers excellent opportunities to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Ogden Water is a very popular destination for picnics, walking, family outings, and nature activities. Why not enjoy a picnic at our picnic tables whilst taking in the stunning views.

There are hourly buses to Oden Water from Halifax bus station.

There is a lovely flat footpath around Ogden Water and three longer walks from the site. Friends of Calderdale Countryside have produced a detailed guide which is available at the Ogden shop and from the Heart of the Pennines online shop.