Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Holmfirth

  • Uppergate Farm: farm animals, a car cafe, Sunday roast and two pints – 11 miles around Holmfirth, Yorkshire

    This 11 mile circular walk from Uppergate Farm to Holmfirth was the perfect blend of countryside charm and hearty hospitality. The day began with a gentle hello to the resident animals at the farm before setting off through rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. A mid-morning stop at the Carding Shed served up coffee, cake, and a nostalgic peek at classic cars. From there, the route dipped into woodland paths leading into Holmfirth, where Sunday lunch at The Pickled Pheasant offered a delicious reward. With plenty of hills to walk it off, I continued on to the Boshaw Trout for a well-earned pint of real ale, before one last woodland stretch through Morton Wood ended the day with a final stop at The Butcher’s Arms in Hepworth — the perfect toast to a classic Yorkshire wander.

    Rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. Click on the image to watch the video and full set of photographs
    Click on this picture to see the full set of picture and video
    Morton Wood, nestled near Hepworth in the Holme Valley, is an enchanting woodland and gorge. The bluebells carpeted the grass when we visited in early May. The woodland stretches along a brook, with footpaths that often criss‑cross the water via stepping‑stones or small wooden bridges, offering a sense of being deeply immersed in nature. Click on this image to open the full route on Komoot
    Click on this picture to open the walk on Komoot
    Stats
    DifficultyModerate+ – Technical skills are not required but requires a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear
    Length11 mi – 17.7 km
    Total elevation2,234 ft – 680m
    Highest point1,125 ft – 343m
    Walking timec. 5h00
    Terrainmostly country lanes and grassy footpath. Some forest path and some uneven terrain in the gorge
    EquipmentGood boots, those are essential for the muddy Parts in the moors as well as the rocky section in the woods. A map or GPS. Plenty of water and snacks to sustain you through c. 5 hours of Exercise.
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    This 11 mile circular walk from Uppergate Farm to Holmfirth was the perfect blend of countryside charm and hearty hospitality. The day began with a gentle hello to the resident animals at the farm before setting off through rolling hills and winding country lanes straight out of Last of the Summer Wine. A mid-morning stop at the Carding Shed served up coffee, cake, and a nostalgic peek at classic cars. From there, the route dipped into woodland paths leading into Holmfirth, where Sunday lunch at The Pickled Pheasant offered a delicious reward. With plenty of hills to walk it off, I continued on to the Boshaw Trout for a well-earned pint of real ale, before one last woodland stretch through Dean Wood ended the day with a final stop at The Butcher’s Arms in Hepworth — the perfect toast to a classic Yorkshire wander.

    Getting there
    • Driving: On street parking in Hepworth
    • Public transport:
    • From Manchester: Train to Huddersfield and bus to Hepworth (c. 1h45)
    • From Leeds: Train to Huddersfield and bus to Hepworth (c. 1h50)

    Watering Holes
    • The Carding Shed Cafe – Choppards (c. 3 miles into the walk)
      A retro‑themed experience that feels like stepping into a bygone era. Styled in 1950s and 60s retro motor chic.
      The menu focuses on locally sourced produce, whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch or a slice of cake. All the cakes are home-made and the two we did try were absolutely delicious. It is dog-friendly and even offers pet blankets you can borrow.
      There is an exhibition of classic cars, bikes and vans from the 1930’s onwards.
    • The Pickled Pheasant – Holmbridge (Half way through the walk)
      A beautifully refurbished 18th‑century coaching inn and gastropub.
      Food is home-made and absolutely delicious. We enjoyed a full Sunday Roast.
      The service is welcoming and friendly, yet efficient.
      There is a cosy fire-place to warm yourself up in winter. It is dog-friendly.
    • The Boshaw Trout– Hade Edge (c. 8.5 miles into the walk)
      A welcoming, independent, family-run pub.
      The sunny beer garden offers stunning views over the Holme Valley and Boshaw Whams Reservoir.
      Inside, the pub is decorated to modern standards but still exudes warmth with roaring fires and a cosy atmosphere.
      It offers a selection of up to six cask ales from the local Nook Brewhouse.
    • The Butcher’s Arms– Hepworth (at the end of the walk)
      A quintessential Yorkshire village pub. It has preserved its traditional features, including stone floors, wooden beams, and a welcoming open fire.
      We had dinner there on the first night of our stay at Uppergate Farm and enjoyed the food.
      You will find outdoor seating at the front and back of the pub. Including covered and sheltered tables at the back.


    Make a week-end of it – Where to stay

    For a camping week-end: The Rising Sun Farm Campsite (near the route and 20 mins walk to Holmfirth)
    Offers basic camping spaces for tents as well as pitches with electric hookups for camper vans and caravans.
    There are toilets and shower facilities.
    But note that no fires are allowed on the site.

    For a romantic and luxurious Glamping week-end: Uppergate Farm, Hepworth (at the start of the route)
    We stayed in the Safari Tent.
    Equipped with a king sized bed, a cozy seating area anchored by a log-burning stove, and a fully equipped kitchen. It even has its own ensuite bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower, flushing toilet, and hot water on demand.
    Outside, the covered deck is fully private thanks to the smart hedging. With a private hot-tub and a firepit for evening BBQ ideal for unwinding after your outdoors adventures.
    Deanwood Safari Tent offers the perfect mix of back-to-nature peacefulness and thoughtful luxury—ideal for couples seeking a memorable glamping escape


    For a quiet and comfortable stay: Coddy’s Farm between Holmbridge and Hade Edge (on the route)
    Housed in a historic building, it offers a unique and charming setting.
    There are 6 spacious and ensuite rooms
    Breakfast is prepared each morning from fresh ingredients, using their farm produce where possible

    For a self-catering family week or week-end: Uppergate Farm, Hepworth (at the start of the route)
    As well as the glamping units; the Farm has several cottages to rent. The various units accommodates between 2 to 10 people
    Perfect for a self-catering family trip. Some have private hot-tubs.
    All guests at the farm can make use of the indoor swimming pool and sauna. And there is a playground for the children.
    Furthermore there are a few farm animals to visits, always great fun for both parents and children.
    You can buy fresh-eggs from the farm’s free-range hens and several other produced made on the farm.