Along the Tops of Todmorden - 8 miles

Starting from Lever Street Car Park in Todmorden, this scenic circular walk explores both sides of the Calder Valley, combining waterside paths, hillside views, woodland trails and a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past.

We begin by following the Rochdale Canal towards Hebden Bridge. Opened in 1804, the canal was a vital transport route for the textile mills that once dominated the valley, carrying coal, cotton and finished goods between Lancashire and Yorkshire. The level towpath provides an easy start to the walk before we leave the canal at Woodhouse Road.

From here, we climb steadily up the valley side towards Todmorden Golf Club. The ascent is rewarded with increasingly impressive views across the steep-sided Calder Valley, where stone-built villages and former mill settlements cling to the hillsides. We’ll stop at the Golf Club for a quick drink before continuing on paths that lead us to the Calderdale Way.

The Calderdale Way is a 50-mile circular route that follows many of the old packhorse trails and historic pathways that once linked the communities of Calderdale. As we follow this section of the route towards Lydgate, there are excellent panoramic views across the Pennines and the surrounding moorland landscape.

Crossing to the opposite side of the valley, we follow a mixture of tracks and footpaths towards Centre Vale Park. This attractive park occupies land that was once part of the Centre Vale Estate, owned by the influential Fielden family, whose cotton mills helped shape the growth of Todmorden during the Industrial Revolution. The estate was purchased by the town in 1910 and opened as a public park in 1912. During the First World War, the mansion served as a hospital for wounded soldiers before eventually being demolished in 1953.

Centre Vale Park now covers around 33 hectares of mature woodland and open parkland, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling town below. We pass through the woods before descending back into the centre of Todmorden. Time permitting, we’ll finish with an optional drink at the White Hart before heading home.

This is a varied walk with several sustained climbs and descents, but the effort is more than rewarded by the superb views, woodland scenery and rich local history that make Todmorden one of the most interesting walking areas in Calderdale.

Distance: Approximately 8–9 miles

Grade: Moderate

Terrain: Canal towpath, woodland paths, tracks, fields and some steep uphill and downhill sections. Good footwear recommended.

Dogs welcome under close control. Please be prepared to use a lead around livestock and where requested by the walk leader.
Please only RSVP if you definitely intend to come.