Things to see and do at Hardcastle Crags

Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

This half-term just wouldn't be the same with out the chance to make one of our famous, 'bat-hats'.

We're also braving the chill of late autumn to create mini rafts to sail upon the Mill pond. If the high seas aren't your thing then come and learn how to navigate with a map and compass. Why not book on the ever popular Cooking on a Campfire session, a bit of bush craft and oh so tasty treats, what more could you want. We're also going to be making mini broomsticks, so you can take home some of the Crags magic.

Walks

Choose one of our waymarked trails and head off into the woods. The light on crisp winter mornings is glorious and may bring out your inner artist.

Download an illustrated map of all the trails here.

View with crag across the valley at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire — Hardcastle Crags, a view across the wooded valley.

Railway Trail

It's hard to imagine that this peaceful valley once had a railway built to transport workers from their temporary homes at 'Dawson City' up to the reservoirs at Gorple, Widdop and Walshaw Dean.

Mill Walk

The valleys of Hardcastle Crags, west of Halifax, offer stunning riverside views while the oak, beech and pine woods are full of tumbling streams. Whether you decide to climb the rocky paths to the hilltops or enjoy a picnic by old weirs, there’s plenty of wildlife to see.

Wood Folk Walk

Follow the way-markers on this circular walk through the woods and find out more about the wonderful trees at Hardcastle Crags.

Download our Wood Folk Walk (PDF / 1,8MB) download

Gibson Mill

Visit Gibson Mill to find out how a cotton mill became a popular entertainment venue before being transformed into an, '#OffTheGrid' visitor centre and cafe.

In the middle of Hardcastle Crags you'll find Gibson Mill, home to the Weaving Shed Cafe and Shop. This former cotton mill and entertainment emporium boasts a fantastic and varied history. We have tours, exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

Explore the past

People have lived, worked and played in this surprising location for over 200 years. Weirs, stepping stones and packhorse trails all hint at past activities.

Gibson Mill with the mill pond overflowing into Hebden Water

Five generations of Abraham Gibsons

Find out out how 5 generations of the same family shaped this place.

Shows the New Pavillion at Hardcastle Crags — The New Pavillion at Hardcastle Crags

Lister Hollinrake from weaving to waltzing

From Handloom Weaving to the Entertainment Emporium era

A view across the wooden 'city' was built to house the workmen and their families employed in the construction of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs, 1900 to 1912. — The wooden 'city' was built to house the workmen and their families employed in the construction of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs, 1900 to 1912. Dawson City, Heptonstall

Dawson City

Named after the town of Dawson City in The Yukon in Canada which experienced the Klondike Gold Rush towards the end of the 19th century, find out more about Dawson City, Heptonstall

Fungi Foray

Sat 30 Sep 2017

10:00-12:00

Fascinating Fungi Foray with local expert, Anne Bowers.

Guided Walk: Blake Dean and Heptonstall Moor Walk

Sat 21 Oct 2017

10:00-13:00

This walk across the Pennine Way takes us to sites associated with the route of the old railway line which was once used when the dams were built. Expect steep climbs and great views on this 7 mile walk.