Pennine Way Short Break: Hiking and Heritage Around Hebden Bridge

The Pennine Way National Trail stretches from Edale to the Scottish Border, weaving through the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and across the high Pennines. En route, it passes within a mile of Hebden Bridge, a former industrial hub in the heart of the Calder Valley that is now known as one of the ‘funkiest towns in the world’.

Hebden Bridge makes an ideal base for an active mini adventure. For a start, it’s simply a great place to hang out, thanks to its liberal outlook, artsy and alternative vibe and independent spirit – not to mention tasty places to eat and drink. But it’s also excellent for exploring on foot: England’s first ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, Hebden Bridge is easily accessed by public transport and has a diverse network of trails right on the doorstep, from easy canal strolls to wild moorland climbs.

Tour Overview

The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.

Days

4-5

Distance

Walks from 10km to 12km

Difficulty

Moderate

Landscape

High Hills & Moorland / Connecting Villages & Towns / By Water

Theme

History / Food & Drink

Activities & Experiences

Walking / Heritage

River at Hardcastle Crags
Unsplash Greg Willson
Stoodley Pike
Unsplash - Rory Tucker
Calderdale landscape in snow
Unsplash Martin King

Pennine Way Short Break: Hiking and Heritage Around Hebden Bridge

Here’s everything you need to help you plan your very own walking and exploring break in Hebden Bridge and the Pennines. Click on the blue arrow tabs below for more information. To save this itinerary to view later, use the Save to My Rucksack button at the top of the page.

Itinerary

Head to the free-spirited town of Hebden Bridge for a few days exploring in the Calder Valley. This flexible itinerary allows you to set out into the hills right from the door of your comfy accommodation on a succession of circular routes; choose to stay for three or four nights – the itinerary below is a suggestion.

Walkers are most definitely welcome in Hebden Bridge, the first place to become part of the hiker-friendly scheme, and nicknamed the ‘Pennine Centre’ for its location amid the hills. Settle into your cosy accommodation and take a look around this funky, quirky Calderdale town.

Overnight in Hebden Bridge.

Start with a super circuit, that offers a bit of everything. Head west from Hebden Bridge, following the peaceful Rochdale Canal, before picking up the Pennine Way to Colden Village – a good placed to stop for snacks. Continue on to heather-cloaked Heptonstall Moor, then weave amid the tinkling streams, rocky ravines and beach, oak and pine woods of Hardcastle Crags, with a leisurely stop at restored Gibson Mill – an early 19th-century watermill turned off-grid cafe. A lovely trail leads from here back to Hebden Bridge.

Walk: 12km. Overnight in Hebden Bridge.

Today, take the Pennine Way south. Hike from Hebden Bridge across woodland, moorland and stony paths to reach the 37m-high Stoodley Pike Monument, which dominates the skyline above Todmorden. Climb the steps inside to reach the top, for sweeping valley views. Then track back above Beaumont Clough woods to return to Hebden Bridge.

Walk: 10km. Overnight in Hebden Bridge.

Head south-west today, from Hebden Bridge towards Todmorden. A short but varied walk encompasses a wooded valley side, a moorland ridge, a deep dene and a canal towpath, with magnificent views over Upper Calderdale and Stoodley Pike looming above. En route lie the remains of Lumbutts Mill – a fascinating insight into the area’s rich industrial heritage.

Walk: 10.75km. Overnight in Hebden Bridge.

Activities

The grade of this tour is moderate.

Walks
  • Hebden Bridge circular via Hardcastle Crags, 12km
  • Hebden Bridge via Stoodley Pike, 10km
  • Hebden Bridge via Callis Wood and Lumbutts Mill, 10.75km

Experiences

Use the Pennine Way and other trails to access a range of sites and attractions in the area.

  • Hardcastle Craggs – Area of steep ravines, tumbling streams, mixed woodland and upland meadows, criss-crossed with trails. Gibson Mill – built around 1800, one of the first mills of the Industrial Revolution – sits at its centre; acquired by the National Trust in 1950, it now houses a cafe.
  • Heptonstall – Weavers’ village high up on the hills above Hebden Bridge, little changed for around 200 years. Home to two pubs (The Cross and The White Lion), a small post office and a fascinating churchyard.
  • Rochdale Canal – Revolutionary waterway completed in 1804, closed in 1952 and reopened in 2002; boat trips available.
  • Lumbutts Mill – Remains of a tower that once contained three vertically stacked waterwheels, providing power for the cotton works; the buildings now serve as an activity centre.

Travel

The Pennines are well-served by rail; the journey from London to Hebden Bridge takes around three hours. Fast through-trains run from many other parts of Britain.

The Pennines are served by excellent roads. The A1/A1(M) motorway provides fast, easy access from the South. From the North choose from the A1 coastal route or the A68 cross-country ‘holiday route’ through Northumberland and Border Country. From the West, the A66 provides a scenic cross-Pennine route from the Lake District and M6 motorway.

Maps, Guidebooks & Merchandise

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from The Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.