Six of the Best: Winter Walks
NEWMILLER DAM -WAKEFIELD
Newmillerdam Country Park & Boathouse near Wakefield, covers 237 acres of woodland and water by the picturesque village of Newmillerdam.
The Park was once part of an area known by the Norse name of Thurstonhaugh. The name changed when it was part of the medieval ‘Chevet’ estate after a new corn mill was built in the village in 1285 and the area became known as New Myllne on Dam.
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Hide AdYou will find pine and larch trees here - they were planted to be used as pit props. Lots of ducks and swans and plenty of paths to discover.
HARDCASTLE CRAGS - NEAR HEBDEN BRIDGE
Probably the best circular walk in Calderdale, this route visits two of the area’s distinctive wooded valleys, often referred to as cloughs.
The first of them, Crimsworth Dean, is seen on the outward leg and the higher the gentle single-track road climbs the prettier the view becomes. The second is the long valley through which flows Hebden Water and is the site of the famous Hardcastle Crags beauty spot owned by the National Trust. The crags themselves are mostly hidden among trees and visitors come for the lovely woodland paths.
RYBURN VALLEY - SOUTH PENNINES
There are a number of walking routes to be discovered around Ripponden and through the Ryburn Valley.
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Hide AdThere are two reservoirs in the upper Ryburn Valley - one is near Ripponden, a concrete dam nestled by woodland. The other is higher up and more exposed. Both offer stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife.
A good place to start out from is the Baitings Reservoir car park, the nearest town being Sowerby Bridge but the village of Rishworth is also within walking distance.