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Ripponden Walks

5 miles (8 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This interesting village in West Yorkshire has some nice riverside trails and several local reservoirs to visit. It's also on the Calderdale Way, a waymarked footpath which explores the beautiful district of Calderdale.
This walk from the village takes you along the River Ryburn to the nearby Ryburn Reservoir. There's peaceful riverside woodland and good trails around the reservoir with views of the surrounding Calderdale countryside.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up a footpath heading south west along the River Ryburn. You cross the river before following the Barr Mill Lane west to reach the reservoir. You pass some old mills before following a footpath along the northern edge of the water towards Beeston Hall Rocks.
The trail then heads to the south of the reservoir past Hanson Wood before continuing towards Rishworth Hall. You then turn north to return to Ripponden along the river.

Ripponden OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ripponden Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the historic Old Bridge Inn for some refreshments after your walk. The ancient inn is located next to the picturesque Pack Horse Bridge and has an interesting history dating back over 700 years. There's a charming interior with art prints and roaring fires. There's also a lovely outdoor area for warmer days. You can find the pub on Priest Lane with a postcode of HX6 4DF for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The river paths make for a nice dog walk. The Old Bridge Inn mentioned above welcomes dogs in the outdoor area where there are tethers and drinking stations.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Calderdale Way skirts the northern edge of the village. You could pick up this waymarked path to explore the surrounding countryside. Head north east and it will take you up onto Norland Moor which is particularly lovely in late summer when the area is covered in purple heather.
Just to the north is Sowerby Bridge where you can pick up the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal and enjoy an easy stroll along the towpath.
There's more waterside walking to the south at Booth Wood Reservoir, Deanhead Reservoir and the expansive Scammonden Reservoir.
The tremendous climb to Blackstone Edge is also not far away. Here there's unique rock formations & sweeping views to enjoy.
For more walks in the county see the Yorkshire Walks page.

Photos

The Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden - geograph.org.uk - 52152

The Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden. On Priest Lane, the old Ripponden to Elland road which runs past the church. A new road was built parallel to this many years ago.

Ripponden Old Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 224644

Ripponden Old Bridge. A packhorse bridge that existed in 1307 and has been rebuilt several times since. Although narrow, it is still open to motor traffic, with a 5t weight limit. Also what is probably a sewer pipe, bridging the River Ryburn at a low level.

Ryburn Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 519939

Ryburn Reservoir. One of two reservoirs in the Ryburn Valley with woodland walks round them.

Ryburn Reservoir Dam - geograph.org.uk - 39996

Ryburn Reservoir Dam

Excelsior Mill, Ripponden - geograph.org.uk - 1432782

Excelsior Mill, Ripponden

Central Hall, Oldham Road, Ripponden - geograph.org.uk - 1805229

Central Hall, Oldham Road, Ripponden

GPS Files

GPX File

Ripponden.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Ripponden.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)