You don’t have to be a vegan to join us for this circular walk (just under 6 miles/ 3 hours including a stop for a bring-your-own vegan picnic). And if the going gets tough for you, there should be some shortcuts to be had. Likewise, there will be ways to take in part of the walk if the full walk is not for you.
The walk will include a labyrinth of hillside tracks, quiet lanes and towpath between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. There should be some great views including an elevated view from ‘Lad Stones’ back over Todmorden with road, river and canal threading through it. You’ll see an unfinished straw bale building, a 1650 yeoman’s house and some remains of the water-powered mills and their associated workings that once made Jumble Hole Clough a centre of industry. You’ll also pass a small animal sanctuary.
The main part of the walk will start no later than 10:40 but see below for the earlier start in Todmorden town centre. Please gather at the picnic area/free car park on the left just after the 40 MPH signs on the Halifax Road to Hebden Bridge from Todmorden. From Hebden Bridge towards Todmorden, the picnic area/ car park is on the right just before the 30 MPH road signs. See the photo showing yellow low-headroom (2.1m) entrance/exit ‘barriers’.
Reaching the main starting point on foot from Todmorden library, Rochdale Road, OL14 7LB: meet Rob in the area between the library and the canal (see photo) at 10:00. We will walk briskly along the largely pleasant canal towpath for just over 1.5 miles to reach the start of the main walk.
Reaching the main starting point by bus from Todmorden: take the 592 from Todmorden Bus station at 10:30 hours and get off at the Horsfall Street bus stop just after railway arches on your left (and before the 40 MPH road signs).
Reaching the main starting point by bus from Hebden Bridge: take the 590 from New Road (stop HB5) at 10:19 hours and get off at the Horsfall Street bus stop opposite railway arches on your right (after the 30 MPH road signs).
If you experience a short public transport delay, we will wait for you but only if you’ve shared your mobile number in advance when letting us know you are coming – see below.
Difficulty: moderate with possibly the steepest climb being from the car park at the start up to Rodwell End. That climb takes about 8 minutes at a steady pace without a stop. After that, it should take about an hour for the more gradual, but almost continuous, ascent to the summit of the walk up to Great Rock. The remainder of the walk is almost all on the descent or level(ish).
The terrain could be boggy, slippery and/or wet in places.
Booking is advisable so that we can let you know if there are any last-minute changes to the plan. Please email rob@3valleyvegns.org.uk to let him know that you’ll be coming, your mobile number and whether you will be joining the walk at the picnic area/car park on Halifax Road no later than 10:40 hours or at Todmorden Library no later than 10:00 hours. If you would like to know options to join part of the walk, email Rob about that too.
Stops: there will be a lunch stop. Bring your own food, drink and perhaps something to sit on. There are no shops or cafes on the route although the library is very near to Tod Almighty, Todmorden’s splendid vegan wholefoods shop . The shop’s opening hours on Sundays are 10:00 to 17:00 and so you will only be able to buy food from there after the walk.
Food & drink: please ensure that you have plenty of water and energy-giving snacks/fruits as well as your lunch. Out of respect for others on the walk, please only bring vegan food & drinks.
Attire: please wear waterproof walking boots and dress appropriately for the weather. Also bring waterproof & warm clothing even if the forecast is for good weather.
Dogs welcome: but note that there are two stiles en route and one of those is without a dog-pass (see photo). There are sheep and cows in some fields. Rabbits and deer have also been seen on this walk.
Walk with us at your own risk. There will be a guide but every person joining the walk will be responsible for their own safety. There will be no formal provision of first aid support.