Loop - Bingley, Hewenden Viaduct, Goitstock Waterfall & St. Ives - 10mi/16km

Start Time: 9:45am
Miles/Kilometres: 10mi/16km (Approx)
Total ascent: 470m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated length of time: 5-6 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes.
Public Transport: Yes train leaves Leeds at 9:26am arriving at 9:44am.
Parking: There are a few car parks near Bingley station.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Bingley" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the station. We start by cutting through Bingley and then through Myrtle Park, crossing over the River Aire to Beckfoot Lane. Cross over Harden Beck, briefly continue along Beckfoot Lane and then take a footpath that comes out onto Shipley Golf Course. We walk across the golf course into the evergreen forest plantation opposite and take a short but steepish ascent along a dirt footpath/dirt road into the forest.

We walk through the forest around the hillside then descend through a field down to Wilsden village. We cut through Wilsden and take a short easy ascent up the otherside of this valley. We then walk through/around fields to Haworth Road, cross over and then through more fields to Station Road. We walk down this road until we suddenly get stunning views of Hewenden Reservoir and Hewenden Viaduct. We will stop here for lunch.

Once ready we descend down to the Viaduct and walk beneath it, then along the river back to Haworth Road. Cross over and walk through the woods and around Hewenden Mill. We walk through more woodland, passing Goit Stock Waterfall until we come out onto Harden Lane. Walk down this road briefly until can take a footpath into the woodland we were in earlier. If anyone is struggling they can retrace their footsteps back to the golf course from earlier.

We then walk out of the woods back onto Harden Lane and then up the road until we can turn off onto a country road called Wilsden Old Road. Walk along here and then through Harden's suburbs (who knows, we may walk past the Yorkshire Ripper's house! He lived in Harden). It's then down Harden Road past the cricket club until we can take a footpath up to St. Ives Woodland Estate.

We come out at the Coppice Pond, walk around it slightly and then up through the woodland, over the hill until we come out for views across the Aire Valley. The walk ends by following the footpath along the hilltop until it turns into a dirt road that will take us all the way back to Bingley and a pub is immediately opposite for a well earned drink & food.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.
Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for leisurely and easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.
All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.
Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.
We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.