~Heptonstall Hike~
3rd November 2013
Heptonstall
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
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NT Car Park |
Bent Head Farm |
A short car journey from home, up and over Widdop Moor took us on a route to Heptonstall / Hebden Bridge. On the way is a lesser-known car park for Hardcastle Crags sitting high above Hebden Dale. At last, blue skies and sunshine! Our walk followed the tarmac to Slack, not too dangerous on the narrow road, more frequented by cyclists than motorists on such Sunday afternoons.
The Road Walk
Tree Pals
A pair of trees, one without the other would not look right.
Craggside, Widdop Road
Mount Zion Baptist Church (out of use)
The congregation meet elsewhere just now, I can't be sure that this building will return to its intended use. The next village is called Slack and it has a small row of cottages, one end is Slack Top and t'other is Slack Bottom.
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Stoodley Pike |
Slack Bottom |
In the distance is the notable landmark of Stoodley Pike.
Viewpoint
As the road summits Cross Hill and begins to descend into Heptonstall, walkers have the option of a rest with a viewpoint to the southwest.
Cobbles in Heptonstall
Silver Street - a "listed" street
Townhead Tearoom, Heptonstall
Fab cafe! This photo was taken just after we left and the "pelaton" arrived.
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Two Churches of Heptonstall |
The Old Church |
Earlier in the year, I came to Heptonstall on a very damp day in May and made a bit of a study of this churchyard, so I'm not doing the same again this time. If you get chance, come and see for yourself!
Sunny Heptonstall
Heptonstall Methodist Chapel
The one with no corners, the oldest continually used Methodist Chapel .... in the world!
Leafy Lane
On the way to Lee Wood Lane, which we crossed and continued to descend into Hebden Dale. Just here it started to rain, one of two showers we encountered.
Rainbow in Hebden Dale
Lee Mill Bridge
Stone Steps
To Hardcastle Crags
Having crossed the river and climbed the steps, we walked along the road to the main Hardcastle Crags car park.
Gibson Mill
We took refuge in the tearoom as heavy rain fell again. NT cafes are never going to be my favourites, too regemented and not much room for individual flair in the kitchen.
Autumn Stuff
Moss, dead leaves and fungus!
Uphill
From Gibson Mill, it's a steay uphill track back to the higher car park.
Back at the Start
Walkers: Karen & Me
Route: Widdop Road, Slack, Heptonstall, Lee Wood, Hebden Dale, Gibson Mill, through the woods and back to the car.
Refreshments: Give Townhead Tearoom in Heptonstall a try! Superb food from a great menu, happy smiley people and daily takeaway meals, for those not wishing to cook when they get home.
Time taken: 3 hours 40 minutes over a distance of approx 5 miles, including two refreshment breaks!
Weather: Sunshine and showers.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2013 ©
Take me back to the start ....