Walk Description

Today’s weather forecast had predicted sunshine and showers with the best of the weather to the south and east of the country.  Therefore we decided to head to Holmfirth.  We hadn’t been here this year and it is always worth a visit. We had a wander through the town.  Our first interesting sight was the tree climbing pigeons near the Holme River.  There are many intriging craft and gift shops here as well as a wonderful chocolate shop.

After a good look around the town we bought our lunch at the chip shop.  This was a very welcome treat as the shop sells some of the best tasting fish and chips that I have had.  By the time we had finished eating, the squally showers had finished and we decided to brave the weather and go for a walk around the Ramsden and Yateholme reservoirs.

When we reached Brownhill Reservoir the road to Ramsden Reservoir was blocked by a large construction site.  The reservoir dam was under repair and there was no access to that area.  We parked the car in a temporary car park and spent a while watching a wonderful aerial display given by four kestrels.  We then followed the diversion around the wood, along an old lane and eventually rejoined the Water Board road near the top of Ramsden Reservoir.  We then continued along the road and over the Riding Wood Reservoir dam past the next lot of construction works and eventually up to Yateholme reservoir.  Here we took a slight diversion up the grassy dam bank and followed the overflow to the reservoir.  This elevated position gave us a good view of the Holme Valley stretching out below us.
 
It was easy walking along the road through Holme Wood until we reached Netherley.  Here we decided to follow the right of way across the fields to the dam at Ramsden reservoir.  It was rough walking across the fields and we could only just make out the path winding its way through the rushes.  Thankfully the wettest parts of the path had duckboards across them.  When we arrived at the Ramsden Dam we were greeted with a large Diversion sign.  We were diverted along the edge of Ramsden Reservoir back to the woods near Riding Wood Reservoir.
We then retraced our path back to the car park but opted to cut through the wood rather than take the old lane. 

 

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.