Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Marsden

  • Marsden, Black Hill and Black Moss – 14 miles in the South Pennines, West Yorkshire

    A 14 miles hike from the very pretty village of Marsden in the South Pennines in West Yorkshire (Edge of the Peak Districts). Take in the picturesque Butterly Reservoir, Black Hill, moorlands extending as far as you could see and Back Moss.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyStrenuous (From the distance)
    Length14.2 mi – 23 km
    Total elevation2,733 ft – 833m
    Highest point1, 897 ft – 578m
    Walking time5h20
    TerrainPaths, footpaths and moors
    EquipmentSufficient water for 14 miles (no pubs or shops en-route on this one) ; good waterproof shoes as the moors are boggy
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    A 14 miles hike from the very pretty village of Marsden in the South Pennines in West Yorkshire (Edge of the Peak Districts). Take in the picturesque Butterly Reservoir, Black Hill, moorlands extending as far as you could see and Back Moss.
    Send me a message by email or on Instagram to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link all files can be customized with your chosen departure points and/or to include sights along the trail.

    Getting there
    • Driving: There is a free car-park on Station Road and one on Argyle street
    • Public transport:
    • From Manchester: Direct train from Piccadilly (Takes less than half an hour!). Alternatively, take the train from Victoria and change at Huddersfield
    • From Preston: Train to Manchester Piccadilly and then train to Marsden (c. 1h40)
    • From Leeds: Train to Huddersfield and then train to Marsden (c. 55 mins)
    • From York: Direct trains to Marsden (c. 1h10)
    • From Sheffield: Train to Huddersfield and then train to Marsden (c. 1h30)
    • Contact me for other routes

    Watering Holes
    • The Riverhead Brewery tap – Marsden- after the hike.
      Part of the Ossett Brewery – The pub makes some of its own ale on site. And also stocks some local favorite such as Butterly and Redbrook. (Named after the local reservoirs)
      Probably my favorite for beer in Marsden. But beware this is a trendy micro-brewery rather than quaint village pub. It does serve food but trendy Asian fusion (i.e Bao Buns) rather than your traditional pub fare.
      There is outside seating if the sun is shining.
    • The New Inn – Marsden – after the hike of pubs and cafes in Haworth
      If you are after something more traditional and a great Sunday lunch; this is the place to go to in Marsden.
      A traditional Country pub with roaring fire in the winter and a beer garden in summer. Muddy boots and paws are always welcome.
      The food is traditional, uses local ingredients and home-cooked. Served Mon-Thu from 17:00 to 20:00, from 12:00 to 20:00 on Fri & Sat and 12:00-19:00 on Sundays.

    Make a week-end of it

    Marsden is a very pleasant village in the South Pennines.
    Being on the edge of the Peak Districts; there are plenty of walks that can be started from Marsden.
    And the village has enough coffee shops, pubs, bars and restaurant to keep you entertained for the week-end. Being minutes away from Leeds, and easily accessible by public transport; yet with beautiful country surrounding it will cater for a very wide crowd.
    Suprisingly, there isn’t a wide range of accommodation in Marsden.

    The New Inn does offer 6 cosy rooms above the pub. Check the Watering Holes section for more details.

    There are a few self-catering options for families and groups of friend. Check AirBnB and Booking for options.
    There are a couple in the centre of the village. But for a real county-side week-end; my favorite is about 35 mins walk from the centre.
    Hey Farm Barn: It sleeps 2 people in the bedroom and can accommodate a further two people or children on the sofa-bed. Plenty of walking and cycling from its door-step.