Blackmoorfoot Stroll

OS Map Reference: Bradford & Huddersfield (Explorer Map Series 288)

Start Grid Reference: SE 102130

Walk distance: 2.25 miles

Time: 1 hours (approx.)

This is a very short walk near Huddersfield, but useful for taking the dog out. Blackmoorfoot is a reservoir about four miles from the centre of Huddersfield. Although short, it is a very pleasant walk and the reservoir is very popular with bird watchers. Some of the rarest birds in the Huddersfield area have been seen here. One of the most interesting birds you will nearly always see here is the Great Crested Grebe.

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Blackmoorfoot Reservoir

Tree patterns in Orange Wood

The church at Helme

Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale Walk

OS Map Reference: The Peak District - White Peak Area (Outdoor Leisure Series 24)

Start Grid Reference: SK 208642

Walk distance: 6.8 miles

Time: 3.5 hours (approx.)

This is a beautiful walk through the Derbyshire Dales. The first time we did it was recently on a very cold Easter Monday. It was not too busy, but I did wonder what it would be like on a warm weekend in later spring or summer.

The basis of this walk was taken from the Dalesman's Tea Shop Walks in the Peak District by Andre Mcloy (ISBN 1 85568 142 0) published in 1999. Unfortunately, when we did the walk the tea room featured had close, but with a beautiful walk such as this - who cares!

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As soon as you reach the River Bradford below Youlgreave (locally Youlgrave), you are greeted with views such as this.



This is Raper Lodge by the River Lathkill. Do not leave the path at this point, but carry on by the river side on the other side of the track.





When you cross Cronksbury Bridge you are treated to views of Lathkill Dale like this. This part of the river is reported to be especially good for trout.



The picture below was taken outside the Lathkill Hotel at Over Haddon. A lovely place to enjoy a pint and the views down the Dale.



Crossing the river to go to Meadow Place Grange provides a different aspect to the Dale.






We have just crossed the bridge you can see in the photograph, to rejoin the River Bradford for the final stage of the walk.



Another image of the Bradford, but as you go down this part of the river look out for dippers. We spent 2o minutes watching a pair feeding under the water - such a fascinating bird.



If you do not know what a dipper looks like, have a look at this site:

http://www.digital-nature-photography.com/nature/voegel/dipper-photos.php

Farnley Tyas - Thurstonland Walk

OS Map Reference: 288 Bradford & Huddersfield (Explorer Series)

Start Grid Reference: SE165128

Walk distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 4.5 hours (approx.)

This walk is based on an article published in the Huddersfield Examiner published on 23rd February. However, the route in the paper is inaccurate and takes you over private land. The directions I give are accurate and follow public rights of way as printed on the OS map.

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Ten minutes into the walk and the path from Farnley Tyas over the fields is easily visible.

Thurstonland can soon be seen in the distance, but it will be some time before we get there.

The path from Brown's Knoll Road (Placemark 5) takes you in the direction of Emley Moor television mast.

Just before the railway (Placemark 8), there is a bridge over this stream in the woods. It makes a nice place to stop and take a break.

Later on the walk gives good views of the hills beyond Meltham.

The walk takes you near Thurstonland Church with Emley Moor beyond.

Through out the walk Emley Moor Mast is a constant companion, but not a close one as in this picture.

Whitby Walk Circular including Mulgrave Woods

OS Map Reference OL27 North York Moors Eastern area (Explorer Series)

Start Grid Reference: NZ 889116

Walk distance: 9 miles

Time: 4.5 hours (approx.)

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There are several places you can park in Whitby to start the walk. We parked on the West Cliff car park, which is free in the winter. The walk takes you along the front to Sandsend. Leaving the coast the walk takes you through Mulgrave Woods, round Heulagh farm,then back to the coast.

Whitby at the start of the walk

Sandsend

Mulgrave Woods

Sandsend at the end of the walk

                                                    

Whitby

Canon Hall Walk

OS Map Reference 110 (Landranger Series) or 288 & 278 (Explorer Series)

Start Grid Reference: 272079

Walk distance: 4.5 miles

Time: 2 hours (approx.)

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This is a straight forward walk and can be used as part of a day out at Canon Hall. The placemarks on the google map will give you the directions. Unfortunately I only managed to take a couple of photographs.

After you walk by the Hall on a track and turned left to reach the road. As you walk along the road, you will see this very interesting building.

When we emerged from Deffer Woods, the walk goes along the road until you reach High Hoyland. As we walked along the road, we were greeted with showers and this wonderful rainbow.

Cupwith Hill, Marsden

OS Map Reference OL21 (Explorer Series)

Start Grid Reference: 048119

Walk distance: 4.8 miles

Time: 3 hours (approx.)

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From the station walk over the railway bridge and take the small road off of Dirker Drive. Very soon you will have good views over Marsden towards Wessenden Valley.

Marsden and Wessenden Valley beyond

The path continues to rise on a well-marked path up onto the moor.

Moor view looking towards March Haig

The path over the moor is well marked. Follow it until a bench is reached. Take the path to the right in the direction of Cop Hill. As you pass a ruined cottage, moorland gradually changes to pasture. As soon as the road is reached turn immediately right down Shaw Lane.

Passing by the cottages, follow the way marked footpath sign down a narrow lane into a field. At this point, the path becomes very indistinct. Take a diagonal route across the field to reach the woods. The path through the woods is visible, but may not be seen immediately. Listen for the sound of water. That will lead you to the path and as you descend to the water you will see the waterfall.

Waterfall above Slaithwaite Hall

Cross the stream and follow the path to Slaithwaite Hall. This is a collection of cottages and as you follow the road through it to Marsden Lane, you will pass by the Hall itself.

As you descend the Lane, you will have views into the valley particularly Cellars Clough Mill by the side of the canal - another mill soon to be converted to apartments.

When you reach the canal follow the towpath passed the Mill to the start of your walk.