A WALK of great variety that always seems to have a reservoir nearby! Starting in Oxenhope the route takes to the moors and the outskirts of Halifax before returning to Bronte Country.

On arrival in Oxenhope leave the main A6033 and park in the streets in the centre of the village. Oxenhope was originally a series of small villages built on a hill side that amalgamated after the arrival of the Worth Valley railway. Walk south on the B6141 as it starts to climb to the old settlement of Cowling but take the ‘Bronte Way’ lane as the road bends to the left.

The lane soon arrives at the first of the 4 reservoirs on the walk, Leeming Reservoir. Do not drop to the waters edge but keep to the Bronte Way with views over the reservoir as it starts to climb. From the reservoir the lane becomes a footpath and climbs steeply south east on to the moors.

Climb a stile and the route enters access land, the path becoming more significant. After a series of zig zags the path becomes Hambleton Lane. To the left is Thornton Moor Reservoir but it is difficult to see the water due to the angle of the land.

The lane soon opens out on to the moors proper and there are some lovely, wide ranging views, the nature of the walk has changed and improved. After half a mile the moorland path starts to slowly fall towards Ogden Reservoir. The reservoir is in a Local Nature Reserve.

To enjoy this section of the walk most leave the main track as it starts to drop and take the signed nature trail close to the river which flows in to the reservoir. The path passes a disused quarry before entering some woodland and finally the banks of the reservoir.

Turn right and cross the dam wall and enjoy the views back over the reservoir and woods to the moors beyond. Having crossed the wall continue in a westerly direction as the path climbs just outside the woods with Halifax Golf Club below and to your left. From the dam wall follow the bridlepath for 1 mile till it meets the quiet road heading north back on to the moors. Turn right.

Follow the road for the next one and a half miles. There is interest on either side of this road, the attractive Warley Moor Reservoir used by Halifax Sailing Club on the left whilst above and to the right is the much less attractive proposition of a wind farm.

Keep your eyes ahead and left! After one and a half miles the road turns sharply right and then 400 metres later sharply left. Leave the road here and follow Isle Lane which drops sharply towards Leeming Reservoir and the start of the walk.

  • Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, an outdoor business in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written his own book, the Dales 30, which describes the highest mountains in the Dales. He also runs one-day navigation courses for beginners and intermediates, and learn a skill, climb a hill weekends. To find out more details on any of the above and details of many more walks in the area visit where2walk.co.uk.

Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly 9 miles

Height to Climb: 480m (1,575 feet).

Start: SE 034349. Park in the centre of Oxenhope, to the south of the A6033.

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult. There is a good deal of climbing on the walk (rolling countryside!) but it is generally on good tracks.

Refreshments: There are pubs in Oxenhope but there is a greater choice of pubs and cafes in nearby Haworth.

Be Prepared:

The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL21) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.