Loop - Autumnal Woodland & Moorland Hike - Hebden Bridge - 10mi/16km

Join us for our popular annual autumnal hike at Hebden Bridge.
Start Time: 10:05am - PROMPT START DUE TO LIMITED DAYLIGHT - if anyone is running late, follow the itinerary below and you should be able to catch us up.
Miles/Kilometres: 10mi/17km (Approx)
Total ascent: 520m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated length of time: 5-6 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a lead at all times on moorland and in fields with livestock.
Public Transport: Yes train leaves Leeds at 9:12am arriving at 9:55am. Also can get trains from York, Bradford, Dewsbury, Halifax, Mirfield, Manchester, Rochdale, Burnley, Preston, Blackpool and Chester.
Parking: Pay & display car park behind the businesses on Garden Street is best. DO NOT TRY and park in St. Georges Square car park - it is closed most days of the week for market stalls.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Hebden" as reference.

Itinerary
Meet at the compass sculpture in St. Georges Square (outside Shoulder of Multon pub), there are cafe's here should you wish to get a coffee.
The walk starts by walking along St. George's Street, over the river Calder and then down Valley Road, heading out of the town, up Windsor Road and then turn off onto Windsor View and head straight into the woodland. We follow an old footpath for the mills & their dams that used to be here, walking above the river, cross over the river via a footbridge then its a short but steepish ascent up a dirt road. Once the road turns into tarmac it becomes less steep, we follow it as it winds up the hill, and then take a short staircase to a road above.
We follow the road through the woodland until we can veer off and descend back down to the river, follow the river where it comes out at The Blue Pig W.M.C. We cross over the river via the bridge and turn off into Hardcastle Craggs. We walk through the woodland, following the river for approx 1mi/1.6km until we reach Gibson Mill. We can take a brief stop here to use the toilets and grab a coffee.
Once ready we continue up the river on the opposite side from before, continuing through the woodland, passing ponds and crossing the river on footbridges multiple times. We continue until we come out of the woodlands into the picturesque Blake Dean. Where we can then stop for lunch by the river.
We then ascend up a staircase to the road above, cross over and walk along a reservoir access road until we come to a footpath we can take up onto the moors. We continue up until we reach the Standing Stone Hill trigpoint. We then descend down to the country road below, walk along the road until we can take various footpaths through the farmland and woodland here until we come out onto New Road.
We follow New Road until we come out at New Delight Inn, should people wish we could stop here for a quick drink and a rest. We cross over the main road here and walk down a dirt road until we reach the Pennine Way. We descend down the Pennine Way to Jack's Bridge, cross over the bridge and then enter the woodland. This path takes us around disused reservoirs, alongside the river. We eventually come out into a clearing where a mill used to be. If anyone wants to, they can follow the dirt road here down through the woodland which will take them back to the A646 and Hebden Bridge.
We then ascend one last time, either up a staircase or up the road to a footpath we can take through the upper part of the woodland and it then comes out onto clifftops for stunning views up the valley towards Todmorden.
The walk ends by take a staircase down and then following a footpath through the woodland to Heptonstall Road, walk down the road and veer off to walk down cobblestone steps called Cuckoo Steps, where we will come out onto the A646. We then just walk along the main road into Hebden Bridge centre where we can find a pub for food & drink.

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.