Standedge circuit walk
This challenging circular walk, a large part of it on the Pennine Way, explores the varied landscapes of Marsden Moor. You'll discover valleys and reservoirs, head over open moorland with far-reaching views, and wind back to Marsden along the old packhorse route and Huddersfield narrow canal.
Near to
Marsden MoorStart point
Marsden train station, grid ref: SE047117Trail information
*Long walk with some uneven paths and steep climbs. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs due to uneven terrain and some steeper sections. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome but should be kept under close control. For further details, see Facilities section.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Marsden train station, grid ref: SE047117
Stage 1
From Marsden train station go down Station Road turning right to cross the bridge over the river and on to Church Lane. Just after the church, before the road bends towards the main road, take the small lane opposite at the side of The Cottage. Follow this road through the tunnel under the A62 and turn right towards the roundabout with Marsden FC on the left. Go straight across at the roundabout to walk up Binn Road towards Butterley reservoir and spillway.
Stage 2
Turn right off Binn Road at Butterley spillway onto the wide track marked with a public bridleway sign. Follow this track up the Wessenden valley passing Butterley and Blakeley reservoirs in turn on your right.
Stage 3
At the Pennine Way fingerpost take a right to follow the Pennine Way downhill into the valley, across the footbridge and then up the steep slope on the other side.
Stage 4
At the top of the slope turn right to continue along the Pennine Way along Blakeley Clough crossing the brook to walk up the steps that lead on to the moor. Continue along the Pennine way, crossing open moorland, with far-reaching views on a clear day, until you reach Swellands and Black Moss reservoirs.
Stage 5
On reaching Black Moss reservoir go across the small footbridge and continue along the dam wall. Follow the flagged path around to the left (with fence line on right hand side). Continue along the flagged path, go through a wooden kissing gate and head downhill and through another gate to continue down to the meet the Pennine Way.
Stage 6
At the junction with the Pennine Way, with Redbrook reservoir straight ahead, turn left along the bridleway until you reach Brun Clough car park.
Stage 7
From the car park, cross over the road (A62) and follow the Pennine Way sign up the track ahead and turn left at the top. Continue until you reach the Pennine Way fingerpost and turn right through the kissing gate to follow the path uphill. Follow the Pennine Way north, passing through a field with kissing gates at either end. Please be aware that livestock graze in this field. Continue along Millstone Edge taking in views across the moors and west towards Manchester.
Stage 8
At the stone waymarker, signed Oldham Way & Pennine Way, turn right to continue along Pennine Way with the fence line on your right-hand side. Follow the path towards Haigh Gutter and the A640.
Stage 9
Just before reaching Haigh Gutter the road takes a sharp right across a ford and onto the footpath. This is the old Packhorse Road. Follow this path down and across the moorland with March Haigh reservoir and Buckstones to your left. At the fork with the Packhorse Road marker, continue downhill heading towards Easter Gate, taking in views of Pule Hill to your right.
Stage 10
When you reach the valley bottom cross Easter Gate bridge, also known as Close Gate bridge and follow the footpath along the side of the river Colne to the road. You can follow the red waymarkers ‘Easter Gate return’ back to Marsden. Turn right off Waters Road through the gate into tunnel end nature reserve. On reaching Standedge tunnel car park head right to cross over the canal and follow the towpath alongside Huddersfield narrow canal back to Marsden train station.
End point
Marsden train station, grid ref: SE047117
Trail map
Standedge Circuit walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Eastergate return walk
Take a short, linear walk along the Huddersfield narrow canal leading to a picturesque picnic spot at Eastergate packhorse bridge. It's an easy route under 3 miles that makes a great reason to get outdoors in nature.
Marsden Moor heritage trail south
Push yourself on this 8-mile circular trail which will take you above the Wessenden Valley and show you the moorland plants and birds that make the area internationally important.
Wessenden Valley walk
Take a linear walk up the Wessenden Valley. Stride out along the track to explore this beautiful valley and discover four reservoirs along the route.
Pule Hill walk
A moderate circular walk that starts along the canal towpath before gently contouring around the sides of Pule Hill. Follow the green way markers to stay on course.
Get in touch
Marsden Moor Office and Information Room, The Old Goods Yard, Station Road, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6DH
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