Cullingworth Circular 17 Aug 2019


Ten humans & 2 dogs from a mix of LDWA groups set out in perfect dry, sunny conditions from Cullingworth. Soon away from the village views opened out to Hewenden Viaduct then distant Sharp Haw above Skipton. The moors were carpeted in purple flowering heather at its very best, none more so than on Harden Moor & later Brow Moor. The Worth Way brought us to Oxenhope for the first stop via the hamlet of Hainworth & then distant views of Haworth.

The biggest climb of the day beyond Oxenhope reached a remote lofty moorland path alongside a conduit with superb views across Leeming Res & Oxenhope : so good in fact a pause for photos to accompany an upcoming article on Calderdale group for Strider. Finally levelling out on the uplands we crossed Ovenden Moor, joining a super unmarked moorland, later woodland, path to Ogden Water. Surprisingly given the ideal weather there were few folks out & this local honeypot was quiet for a lovely summer's day.

Fields & farmland brought us to the outskirts of Mountain for a brief 20 minute pub stop at the Junction where the Saltaire Blonde was in fine form. Resuming to cross a lovely valley then impressive “S” shaped Thornton viaduct & a brief stint on the Bronte Way. A fine walk alongside a beck, where Stripe took a cooling dip, brought us to Doe Park Res, then down fields with open views to finally go over the impressive Hewenden Viaduct. The old trackbed was followed into Cullingworth, crossing a third viaduct near the old station for a respectable 16.15 finish. A super route in good company enjoyed by all, somewhat pleasantly surprised at the leader keeping to the advertised moderate pace : miracles happen ! 21.5 miles / ascent 2870 feet.