Ogden Water Reservoir and Countryside Visitor Centre
 
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Canals

The canals form a signficant part of the Calderdale landscape and wind through virtually the whole district. Visit Sowerby Bridge, home to the deepest lock in England, Tuel Lock and the joining point of the Rochdale Canal and Calder and Hebble Navigation.

 

 Crossing Point of the Calder and Hebble and Rochdale Canals (Northlight Studios)

The navigation winds from Huddersfield via Brighouse Canal basin to Sowerby Bridge, cycle the towpath and watch the boats chug by. The Rochdale Canal climbs up the Calder Valley from Sowerby Bridge through the towns of Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden up to its summit at Walsden. A gentle walk with plenty of stopping places.

For canal trips, hire a boat from Shire Cruisers and cruise up the Valley or take a  trip with Stubbing Wharf Cruises or Brontë Boats.
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Walking

Walks abound for all abilities and all ages across the  stunning landscapes of Calderdale.

Hebden Bridge has pioneered the UK initiative Walkers are Welcome and easy access routes are mapped for Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd whilst the Calderdale Way celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008; a 50 mile  walk around the Calderdale boundary and worth the 2-3 day hike.

 Views over Widdop Reservoir, Hebden Bridge (Faces and Places photography)
Stoodley Pike, Napoleonic War Memorial above Todmorden (Northern Exposure)

The natural beauty of Hardcastle Crags inspired Sylvia Plath, now you can enjoy over 60 acres of National Trust land and stop to explore Gibson Mill, a building powered entirely by sustainable energy, or at its Muddy Boots Cafe, where you can enjoy some coffee and a cake!

For the walking elite, the heights are serious stuff, crossed by the super tough Pennine Way National Trail. En-route; Todmorden's skyline landmark Stoodley Pike and a number of stunning reservoirs. Much of the land is open access and we recommend you check Yorkshire Water's website for more information and routes around the area.

 

Walking maps and guides are available from the Tourist Information Centres across the district, and it is always advisable to ensure you have adequate equipment, footwear and ensure someone is aware of your planned trip before you start walking. Pennine weather can change quickly.
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Cycling

The landscapes of Calderdale offer the perfect opportunity to be free in the outdoors and for the cyclist there are a variety of popular options. The Pennine Bridleway circles through Calderdale for riders, mountain bikers and walkers as does the Mary Towneley Loop "a fantastic opportunity to leave the car behind and indulge your sense in Yorkshire's exhilarating landscape".

Tackle a range of on and off road cycling. The Pennine Cycleway and West Yorkshire Cycleway both lead high level whilst the Calder Valley Cycleway, "punctuated by public artworks" is great for families.

Mountain Biking around Todmorden (Northern Exposure) 

Always remember, whether on road or off, to ensure you have the correct equipment with you, including but not exclusively, a puncture repair kit, fitted cycle helmet, map and food provisions.

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Parks and Nature Reserves

Calderdale boasts nine local nature reserves where you can discover the delights of the local environment. Join in one of the many special events or explore to your heart's content. From the stunning Ogden Water, 60 acres of woodland and lake interspersed with accessible paths to Jerusalem Farm, 13 acres of Pennine landscape including a campsite on the outskirts of Sowerby Bridge.

 Ogden Water (Calderdale Council, Terry Campbell)
Why not combine a visit to Shibden Hall with a trip to the wildside at Cunnery Wood and enjoy pond dipping in a quiet haven. The Calderdale Countryside Team run various events throughout the year, find out more by requesting a copy of  the Wildside brochure from one of the Tourist Information Centres.


Enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks across the district. People's Park in Halifax, Shibden Estate with a new children's play area, visitor centre and cafe, Calder Homes Park, a People's Millions Lottery winner in Hebden Bridge, and Centre Vale Park ,Todmorden are perhaps the most well known, but you'll find local parks in many of the towns and villages - there's always somewhere to enjoy the fresh air take a pew.
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Other Outdoor Activities

Other outdoor pursuits are also popular in Calderdale and there are a number of sports centres and swimming pools across the district offering a range of sports and courses for you to enjoy.

For the keen horserider, the Mary Towneley Loop links to the well known Pennine Way and there is accommodation available for both horse and rider.

Canoeists have a slalom course at Sowerby Bridge. Mountain Boarders have the Another World Mountainboarding Centre at Ogden, Halifax  and skiers and snowboarders the ski and board centre at Swalesmoor, Halifax.

 Horse Ridining, Todmorden (Northern Exposure)

There are a number of golf courses across the district, many of which are open to non-members, as well as crazy golf in several parks.

 


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