Walking: Let's bottom this walk

This West Yorkshire walk has plenty of variety. From Upperthong, we descend across fields and through woods to the Woodhead Road. We then climb above Holmfirth before dropping down, passing through the town and taking a steep climb before returning.

1. On your left pass the Royal Oak and the red telephone box (the local library). Follow the road (Broad Lane) round to the left.

2. After 200 m, take a right turn onto a track.

3. Continue, descending to the main road (A635). Cross and follow the path, opposite, marked, ‘Booth House Gallery Pottery’.

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4. The road descends to Black Syke Springs before ascending to a Tjunction. Turn right towards Carr Green, then left onto Hogley Lane. After passing between buildings, pass Hogley House on your left, climb the stone stile and descend across three fields, following the path towards the road.

The third field includes a memorial to ‘Mary Margaret Platt 1939-2004’ which is built into the stonework.

5. Cross a final field to reach the road. Turn right towards the old Sunday school (built 1816). After 50 m, take the path (to the left) which is to the right of Sunday school.

Descending pass through a metal kissing gate and follow the path to your left. Continue over the next stone stile, keeping the wood on your left.

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6. Just after a large pond on your left, climb the stile then skirt the buildings as you bear right.

Pass through a white gate, across the edge of a field, then a second white gate. You then continue downwards, past Upper Stubbin to the main road.

7. Cross Woodhead Road and take the road opposite (Old Road) – this goes downwards to the left.

8. Continue in a straight(ish) line, crossing Ford Gate and across the River Holme by the footbridge at Hinchliffe Mill.

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9. Continue along the bank, over a stone stile. When you reach a broken-down dry-stone wall, take the right path diagonally ascending towards the woods. Cross a stone stile into the woods. Follow the path up through the woods. When you reach the quarry, turn right then immediate left.

10. You will emerge, via a stone stile, into a field. Aim diagonally left, following the path across two fields and between houses (Malkin House Farm) until you reach the road.

11. Turn left then off to your right on a marked footpath heading diagonally across two fields. Take a left and pass the Ward Place redevelopment.

12. Continue along this track (Earthen Lane) for 400 m. At the Tjunction (Dam House), cross and take the marked footpath opposite. Cross the field, then walk between two stone walls as you drop down towards Holmfirth.

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13. Join the main road (B6106) and walk down the hill to enter Holmfirth. Leave the town via the A635, Huddersfield Road. Turn left (Wood Lane, 13) opposite the Technical School.

14. Continue up this steep climb, passing through a wooden gate until you reach a wooden bench, at a T-junction. Turn right.

15. The track bends to the left. Slowly ascending, after ~400 m, you will pass a ford on your right. Bearing left, continue between two stone walls for ~500 m until you reach a stone stile on your left.

16. Cross the stile and then the field before entering Upperthong and turning right onto Town Gate.

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Interesting facts about the area: Located in the heart of the beautiful Holme Valley, Holmfirth is a small town that sits just north of the Peak District in West Yorkshire.

The town is better known as the location for the popular BBC TV series Last of the Summer Wine, with thousands of fans making the journey every year to visit such locations as Sid’s Cafe and Nora Batty’s Steps.

Whilst Last of the Summer Wine is a major visitor attraction, it certainly isn’t the only reason people visit Holmfirth year in and year out.

With its breathtaking scenery across the Holme Valley, Holmfirth is also popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, and if that isn’t enough there are some wonderful attractions to be seen in the town itself.

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Holmfirth is also home to a wide range of eating places, including restaurants, wine bars, pubs take-aways that cater for a wide variety of tastes.

Holmfirth is one of the most popular and much loved destinations in West Yorkshire, with visitors flocking to the sleepy town all year round.

For more information please visit: http://www.holmfirth.org/

A circular walk around Holmfirth from Upperthong

• Start -Upperthong Village. This walk may also be commenced from the centre of Holmfirth (13) • Grid Reference – SE 129 084

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• Parking in Upperthong - on the road in the village HD9 3UX

• Parking in Holmfirth: Crown Bottom Public Car Park: £2 car for up to 4 hours – includes a £2 voucher which can be redeemed in the Co-op supermarket (Oct 2017 prices).

• Public transport – A number of bus routes pass through Holmfirth. The 316 and H5 run from Holmfirth to Upperthong.

• Grade - Well defined paths.

• Some rough ground and stiles. • Both steep and steady climbs, including two long strenuous climbs. Some rocky footing.

• Parts can be muddy and slippy in wet weather.

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• Refreshments - Royal Oak (Upperthong). Plenty of pubs and cafes in Holmfirth.

• Public Toilets – Crowden car park.

• Map OL1 Dark Peak OS Explorer 288.

•This walk was written and produced by Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome for more interesting walks please visit http://www.stocksbridge-walkers.org.uk