Marsden Moor Estate

Take a walk on the wild side and explore an ecological paradise

The landscape here supports large numbers of moorland birds and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, International Special Protection Area and a candidate Special Area of Conservation.

Start by visiting Pule Hill, an impressive rocky outcrop offering incredible 360 degree views over much of the estate. It's a fantastic place to visit when the sun is beating down, but equally as spectacular on a day when there is snow on the ground.

Eastergate Bridge, meanwhile, is an ancient monument that lies on the edge of the moorland, at the confluence of two streams. Dating back to the 17th century, the bridge is an old packhorse crossing once used by Galloway ponies to transport baskets of wool from Huddersfield to Rochdale.

If you're looking for an ideal place to savour the dramatic landscape of Marsden Moor, then try Buckstones Car Park. It presents magnificent views across the Upper Colne Valley, to the beginnings of the River Colne and out to Pule Hill and Millstone Edges; a rock formation that spans a large distance.

Thieves Clough is a road of major historical importance. It is the route of the first and third turnpikes; toll roads built in 1759 and 1781 respectively. The old Roman road came down this way and it is also the site of an old engine house.

And don't miss the delights of Wessenden Valley, which looks down across Blakeley and Butterley reservoirs. There are often fantastic sunsets here and it is also a great place to spot moorland birds such as golden plover, grouse, curlew and twite.