Loop - Walsden, 5 Reservoirs & Gaddings Dam - Calderdale - 10.5mi/17km -

Start Time: 10:10am - PROMPT START DUE TO LIMITED DAYLIGHT.
Miles/Kilometres: 10.5mi/17km (Approx)
Total ascent: 365m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated length of time: 4-5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a lead on moorland.
Public Transport: Yes - Train leaves Leeds at 9:12am arriving at 10:06am.
Parking: No official parking, best bet is to park behind the station on a street and walk down and then over the footbridge.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay - https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1?amount=1.00- please put "Walsden" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside Walsden train station by the information boards/zebra crossing. The first 1.75mi/2.8km of the hike we walk along the canal down the Roch Valley towards Littleborough. We cross over the canal once we reach a road called Warland Gate, and then follow another road alongside the canal until it turns into a field. We then walk along the canal again but on the otherside, through fields until we come out onto a dirt road.

We follow dirt roads with a slight bit of ascent to up above Lower Chelburn Reservoir. We then veer off onto a footpath and follow this up and along the hillside with views over Higher Chelburn Reservoir. We continue around the hillside until the footpath ascends up to the old disused packhorse road. We then walk along this dirt road until it joins the new road (A58) and walk up to The Whitehouse pub. If it is open we could stop here for a quick drink and use their toilets.

Its a short walk up the A58 (on pavement) until can turn off onto a footpath, tiny ascent up the dam to be able to see across Blackstone Edge Reservoir. We walk alongside the reservoir until we can turn off onto a footpath that will take us up and over the moors across a small hill to White Holme Reservoir. We join a dirt road which we take alongside the reservoir until it rejoins the one we were on earlier to then walk alongside Light Hazzles Reservoir.

We veer off onto another footpath to walk inbetween the top of Light Hazzles and Warland Reservoir. Walking around the large reservoir with various rocks we can stand on for group/single photos. The path rejoins the dirt road which we follow again briefly until we can turn off onto footpath across the moors to Gaddings Dam.

The walk ends by walking alongside the Dam then taking footpaths down to Hollingworth Lane. We then follow this road down to the main road (Rochdale Road) and follow this back to the train station. Should anyone wish the only pub/bar in Walsden is inside an old Mill complex which we will pass en route to the station.

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.