Marsden (about 6 miles)

It seems I've picked up a reputation for hilly walks, so this time I thought I'd go for a slightly easier, more leisurely all-weather walk for April.

Yes, it's Marsden, so not totally without hills, but I'm aiming to stick to canalsides and zig-zag tracks up the Colne Valley's lower slopes rather than one of the moorland romps I've organised from Marsden on occasions in the past.

The vast majority of the walk is on good tracks, paths, towpaths and country lanes, but there are also short sections across fields and on woodland paths where there may be a slight squelchiness underfoot if there has been recent rain.

Not being one to plan a walk that is so easy that it is totally without a small challenge, there is one steep slope down to see the waterfalls of Dry Clough. If you like to bring a walking pole to steady yourself on a steep descent then do bring one, otherwise there are walls and trees to grab hold of.

In Dry Clough there is wetness. There are two streams to cross by stepping stones (recently improved - The lengths I go to on my recces!). There are handrails across the stream but waterproof walking boots will be useful in case of a slip into the shallow brook.

Apart from that it’s fairly easy going all the way.

We will have a lunch stop along the route if you wish to bring your usual drink and snacks and the plan is to adjourn to The Railway pub for a drink afterwards.

Dogs
I would consider the walk suitable for dogs but they will need to be on leads for much of the route especially along lanes, through farms and beside the canal. There are just a couple of problem stiles (including one at Cat Holes) but a small to medium dog should be able to duck under the adjoining wire fence. Just as walkers are on walks at their own risk, dogs are totally the responsibility of their handler on these walks.

Public transport
While I like to offer public transport options to walks, Marsden station does not have its usual train service due to work on the line on this Saturday. There are trains from the Manchester direction but only replacement buses from Huddersfield. The rail replacement bus stop is usually about 7 minutes walk from the station in Manchester Road. The 383 Marsden Dirker service bus from Huddersfield bus station actually stops at the station.

Car Parking
There is the possibility of finding free unlimited street parking around Marsden if you’re lucky, but the main parking opportunity is the old station goods yard car park near the station. This used to be free, but please note Kirklees Council have now introduced charges and have also mis-named the car park as the Standedge Car Park. Up to 2 hours are free, but I expect an absolute minimum of 3 hours (85p) will be needed and more likely 4 hours (£1.65) or 5 hours (£2.50) if you arrive early or like to relax in the pub afterwards. Parking is pay and display or via RingGo app (ref. 84254). The phone app has the advantage of being able to add extra time to your stay if you wish.

Please note that Meetup requires us to specify an end time of these events which is only filled in as an approximation as walk speed and pub time vary on the day.