The Walks
Walks Lead by Marsden Walkers are Welcome
- All walks depart from the conservatory in Marsden Mechanics unless otherwise noted.
- Please arrive in good time for the walks, we’d rather not leave anyone behind.
- All walk durations are approximate as these depend on group size, weather, fitness levels, etc.
- Please wear appropriate walking shoes/boots and dress for Marsden weather – we recommend bringing layers, both waterproofs and sun protection, as well as water and snacks.
9.30am Swellands Walk (Approx. 3 hours)
Discover the Wessenden valley, ancient woodlands and deep upland reservoirs. This route takes you to the scenic Wessenden valley, through woodlands and by reservoirs on the Pennine Way and Standedge Trail, close to the watershed and above Swellands reservoir. (Grade 1)
10.00am Intake Head Walk (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Discover historic farms, the famous Huddersfield Narrow Canal tunnel, this route takes in the Wessenden valley, and you will experience far-reaching views of the Colne Valley. (Grade 2)
1.30 pm March Hill Walk
Hike up through outlying hamlets at the head of the Colne Valley, to reach March Hill, one of the highest points around, with stunning views back down the Valley. The hill was used by our Mesolithic hunter-gatherer forebears as a flint-knapping spot and hunting camp. Walk in the footsteps of the pack horses and their drivers as you descend the pack horse road on your return to Marsden. (Grade 1)
2.30pm Hollins Walk
Head down the valley towards Slaithwaite, using some of the higher-level paths on the way out, and returning along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, with the option to leave the group and drop in at Zapato Brewery on the way back. (Grade 2)
Grade 1
These walks require a good level of fitness, crossing hilly ground or moorland with rising and falling levels. Paths may be rough and uneven, with some steeper slopes or longer sections of ascent or descent.
Grade 2
A medium length walk requiring a reasonable level of fitness, crossing hilly ground or moorland with rising and falling levels. Paths may be rough and uneven, with some steeper slopes, or longer sections of ascent and descent.
Special Interest Walks
10.30am Heritage Walk* (Approx 1.5 hours)
Meet: Entrance to the National Trust Carpark, Station Road, Marsden HD7 6DH (adjacent to the canal and ramp up to the station platform)
Explore how the canal and railway arrived in Marsden and how both developed; including the epic stories of the four Standedge tunnels and the restoration of the canal after years of abandonment. Finishing at Tunnel End where you can visit the cafe and enjoy a leisurely trip back on the Canal Society’s shuttle boat.
This walk is organised in association with Discover Huddersfield and the Huddersfield Canal Society
Booking Required
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10.45am Art Walk (Approx 2.5 hours)
Join Artist Laura Tillotson for some mindful art practice in the Marsden en plein air. Walking to locations around Marsden, you will be led through a series of guided drawing exercises. Suitable for adults of all levels of experience. Please wear walking shoes/boots and be prepared for all weathers. In case of very wet weather, Laura will lead an indoor class taking inspiration from objects found in the natural environment. All materials provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
The places for this walk have been subsidised by Marsden Walkers are Welcome, meaning there is no sign-up fee, but please consider making a donation.
Booking required
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12.00 Pied Piper Caribbean Themed Family Walk (Approx. 30 mins walking time).
Join our friends from We in Front walking group for a short Caribbean themed family-friendly walk along the towpath to Tunnel End, where there will be delicious Caribbean food and music from Mash it Up and the Legacy Steel Band.
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1.45pm. Explore Standedge Nature Reserve (Approx. 1 - 1.5 hours)
Meet a representative of the Canal and River Trust to walk up to the Standedge Nature Reserve. Learn about the history of the reservoir, the wildlife living and growing there, and the work that CRT do to develop and maintain this important habitat. This walk ends at Tunnel End.
