Linear- Sowerby Bridge - Great Manshead Hill - Mytholmroyd - 11.5mi/18.5km

Start Time: 9:55am
Miles/Kilometres: 11.5mi/18.5km (Approx)
Total ascent: 475m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated length of time: 4-5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Public Transport: Yes, train leaves Leeds at 09:12am arriving by 9:52am.
Parking: Plenty of free parking on Station Road or on the other side of the station.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay - https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1?amount=1.00- please put "Great Manshead" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the coffee shop at the station (it is the building at the end of the platform for trains from Leeds/to Manchester).
The walk starts by walking down Station Road then alongside the river to Bridge Street and then up the A58 for a short while until we can cut into the woodland. In the woodlands is a disused Rishworth railway line, we walk along this through rocky canyon.

After about 2mi into the walk we descend down to the river, cross over via a bridge and ascend up to the A58. We walk down it briefly, cross over and follow footpaths into the woodland here. We walk through the woods, passing a pond until we come out into an old Victorian mill hamlet called Mill Bank. We cross over the road here before following the Calderdale Way ascending up a not steep staircase up the hillside. We continue to follow the Calderdale Way across the hilltops via various country roads.

We cut off to follow a footpath around the hillside for views over the Ryburn and Baitings Reservoirs. Then take the last little bit of ascent to the top of Great Manshead Hill where there is a trig point. Will aim for lunch here if not had it sooner. Once ready we continue across the tops back to the Calderdale Way and follow it down the hillside towards Cragg Vale. Any fans of Vocation Beer? We will see its brewery/farm as we start to descend.

Before reaching Cragg Vale we veer off and follow footpaths down through woodland, through farms and then more woodland for a gradual ascent up to the top of the woodland for views down the valley and there are rocks/cliffs to enjoy the views from.

The walk ends by cutting through fields to an old disused road and following this as it plunges down into Mytholmroyd. Where we can then go find a pub (likely Shoulder of Mutton) for food & drink. The train station is opposite the pub and is approx 4 mins train ride back to Sowerby Bridge for those that drove. Or you could walk back to Sowerby Bridge along the cycle path or canal for 5mi.

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.