Marsden Moor

Walk leaders :  Jon R & Alfie

Grading of walk :  Challenging

Walk details :  This 5.2 mile moderate to challenging walk takes us from the scenic canal at Marsden, up into the dramatic landscape of Marsden Moor.

We begin strolling the canal and on to a walking trail before crossing the Close Gate Bridge, a 17th Century packhorse bridge over Haigh Clough. From there we take a well-maintained stone path up 500 feet to the moor with skylarks above us and striking views below.

At around the half way point of our walk we rest for lunch beside the March Haigh reservoir before continuing on the sometimes-muddy moorland path. We continue on occasionally steep moorland tracks, very peaceful lanes and across fields which include a few stiles before descending back to the Standedge Tunnel entrance and returning along the canal to our starting point, where a drink in The Railway Pub will be our reward.

Please bring your own lunch and enough drinking water because there is nowhere to purchase refreshments on the route. There are no toilet facilities other than behind a hedge.

Risk assessment :  A risk assessment was carried out 24/06/2024. A summary of identified risks is below:

Accessibility – there is 1 style throughout this walk to negotiate.
Terrain – the field paths and moorland paths are uneven and stony in places and be prepared for muddy conditions. Walking boots are recommended. A short stretch of flat path has a sheer drop of several feet to one side, and common-sense caution is needed.
Roads – we will be walking along some quiet country lanes. Walkers are asked to walk on the right facing any oncoming traffic where possible.
Livestock – both sheep and cattle so Alfie on a lead while passing through these.
Water – the canal towpath is quite narrow in places.
Allergies – we pass a series of beehives, and so those at risk of adverse effects should come prepared. A lot of insects around, some stagnant water beside the path, if an issue think about bringing insect repellent. Hay-fever suffers please take anti histamine before the walk.
The walk leader will remind walkers of any additional risk which may be encountered at appropriate points on the walk.

Start time and meeting point :  12.31 at train station (time train arrives),  Station Rd, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6DH

Directions to the start :  From Manchester head to Oldham and once there follow A62. Once in Marsden, take Church Ln and Station Rd to your destination (note for sat nav users, this postcode in Google Maps gives only the approximate location). Follow the “Park here for Standedge Tunnel” sign to drive along the cobble road to the right of the railway station, and it takes you past the National Trust Office to the large free-to-all car park.

Parking:  Free parking at Marsden village Car Park, The Old Goods Yard, Station Road, Marsden, HD7 6DH, which is next to the National Trust Estate Office.

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Public transport :  Our start and finish point is next to the Marsden Rail station, which has direct trains from and to Manchester. There is a train from Piccadilly at 12:01 arriving at 12:31. Return journeys are at 37 minutes past the hour.

Contact number on the day :  

Booking : Book your walk here

Changes and cancellation :  Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.