~A Cullingworth Circular~
17th February 2013
East Manywells Farm
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Hewenden Viaduct
The start point for our walk is Station Road, Harecroft (a small village between Cullingworth and Wilsden), West Yorkshire.
Station Road, Harecroft
The white building in the distance is an extension to the Station Master's House and the station would have been just behind there. This was Wilsden Station, Wilsden being a good mile and a half away from the line (behind the camera).
Information Board
Hewenden Viaduct
A very attractive piece of Victorian architecture, 17 arches and open to rail traffic in 1884. We will cross the viaduct and head for Cullingworth.
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On The Viaduct |
Hewenden Reservoir |
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East Manywells Farm |
Old Photo of Hewenden Viaduct |
Viaduct Views
The tarmaced surface of the viaduct is welcomming to cyclists and riders alike, there are mounting steps at each end for the riders who need to dismount whilst opening and passing through the gates. There is a West Manywells Farm, not too far away, over the hill.
Looking Back
There is a subtle curve on the viaduct, as there is at Ribblehead and quite a few other places. I wonder if the builders wanted a curve, in order to show off their skills?
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Along The Queensbury Line |
On The Cullingworth Viaduct |
We will leave the route of the line at the far end of the viaduct and head into Cullingworth. The route of the railway headed for Keighley and passed through Lees Moor Tunnel, before running close to the Worth Valley Line on the way to Ingrow East and Keighley.
Cullingworth Mill
Formerly home to CM Kelly Ltd, Underlay Manufacturers. Now it's a multi-occupied site, not sure if Mr.Kelly still owns it, or maybe he sold the building and moved on.
Weslyan Methodist Church, Cullingworth
A sundial accurately gave us the correct time, but even if it had been cloudy, help was at hand...
Parish Church of St.John The Evangelist, Cullingworth
From Cullingworth, we followed a bit of road down the hill and then back up to Cow House Farm, where there is a footpath off to the right, in the direction of Crag Wood.
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To Crag Wood |
Cow House Beck |
Goit Stock Mill Chimney
The old chimney remains, whereas the mill is long gone. The mill was in the dale and a stone flue (still visible) drew the fumes up to the chimney. A caravan park now occupies the old mill site.
Harden Village
The Malt Shovel
The Malt Shovel, at Harden Beck Bridge, offered a welcome refreshment opportunity.
Cherry Tree Row
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Karen |
Providence Mill, Wilsden |
Pylons may not be the most attractive feature of the countryside, but they are marked on the map and can be used as navigational aids. Providence Mill in Wilsden is a converted woolen mill, now offering housing units.
"Newer" Wilsden
The walk climbed steeply up the fields from Lower Bent Farm to Nab Lane and the northern part of the expanded township of Wilsden is seen with Baildon Moor in the far distance.
Chirpy Robin
A vociferous robin had plenty to say.
Lower Bents Farm
Lower Bents Farm in a fine location with the village of Harden further away.
Path to Harecroft
The Station Hotel, Harecroft
Back at Station Road at the end of a very pleasant wander through "new" territory.
Walkers: Karen & Me.
Time taken: 3 hours 15 mins over a distance of about 5.5 miles, including time spent in The Malt Shovel.
Route: Station Road, Harecroft; Hewenden Viaduct, Cullingworth, Cow House Bridge, path above Cow House Beck, Goit Stock Caravan Park, Harden Bridge, Cherry Tree Row, above Crag Wood, Lower Bents Farm, Nab Lane, Bents Head Farm and back to Station Road.
Weather: Bright and Sunny!
Greetings: Clearly quite popular walking territory with many routes available on t'internet.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Malt Shovel, Harden. Unpretentious, warm and welcomming with a good lunchtime menu. "Tina" the dog (Scottie) will sit next to you and beg, but as soon as you put down your knife and fork, she is off! We had the "Sunday Lunch" at £6.95 and it was good value. There are a few seats outside for smokers and dog walkers, as (other) dogs are not allowed in.
The Malt Shovel as reported by a "blogger".
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2013 ©
Take me back to the start ....