Wessenden Valley walk
A linear walk up the Wessenden Valley that crosses though Marsden village. Stride out along the track to explore the beautiful valley and discover four reservoirs en route. 8 miles. Moderate.
Map
Start:
Marsden Moor Estate Office, grid ref: SE047117
1
From Marsden Station head down Station Road turning right to cross the bridge over the river and onto Church Lane. Follow the road past the church and go straight ahead onto Fall Lane. Follow this road through the tunnel under the A62 and turn right towards the roundabout. Cross the roundabout and walk up Binn Road.
Marsden's Hidden History
In step 1 you pass the grave of Enoch Taylor, in the grassy area opposite the church. Enoch and his brother James ran a foundry in Marsden and developed a cropping machine that reduced the need for hand croppers in the textile mills and were central to the Luddite movement.
2
Turn off Binn Road when you reach a public bridleway sign by a wide track on the right.This is the main Wessenden Valley track that goes up the Wessenden Valley eventually emerging on the Wessenden Head Road near its junction with the A635.
Butterley spillway
As you turn onto Wessenden track in step 2 you will see Butterley spillway to your right. This Victorian stone spillway, or overflow, is the only listed spillway of its kind in the country.
3
Follow this track up the Wessenden Valley passing the four reservoirs; Butterley, Blakeley, Wessenden and Wessenden Head reservoirs in turn.
4
When you reach Wessenden Head reservoir turn around and retrace your steps to return to Marsden.
Walk in Victorian Footsteps
With the development of the railway to Marsden in the 19th century, the Wessenden Valley became a popular walking route with the more adventurous visitors. Refreshments could be found at the Isle of Sky Inn, on the A635 above Wessenden Head reservoir, which has since disappeared.
End:
Marsden Moor Estate Office, grid ref: SE047117
