Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
Train-based walk
Leader: Imelda
Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform, at Victoria station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Todmorden station. There is car parking available at the station.
Transport to Walk Start: 09:57 train from Manchester Victoria (final destination Leeds).
Suggested Ticket: Off Peak Day Return to Todmorden £11.20 - it may be cheaper to book two advance singles.
Walk Start: Todmorden Railway Station at 10:25.
Waypoints: Stones,Buckley Woods, Centre Vale Park(toilets), Delph, Whirlaw Stones, Great Bride stones, Orchan Hs Farm, Hudson Bridge, Stannally farm, Centre Vale Park.
Return Services: x:03/04/09, x:21, x:37 & x:56/57 until 22:03. Last trains at 22:16, 22:38, 22:56, 23:03, 23:38, 23:55.
Extra: No toilets at walk start. Possible toilets shortly after setting off at Centre Vale Park. Optional pub visit at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from registered assistance dogs).
Due to damp conditions underfoot, I have chosen to use mainly recreational trail routes, bridleways and byways open to some traffic - so care will be needed when walking. A pole would be useful for unavoidable muddy sections.
This fairly strenuous nine-mile walk takes us from Centre Vale Park up to the rocks imaginatively known as ‘The Bride Stones’ at 438 metres. Todmorden is set in a valley so there is always lots of variety - climbing, dropping down again and then a bit more uphill! The route undulates through woodland, fields, moors and mud, springs and stones. The colours of autumn should be on show for us to enjoy.
We begin by walking uphill, over the railway-bridge, to the lovely village of Stones and glimpse the house known as Dobroyd castle. We come down via the woods and through the park to begin climbing again, mainly on good paths with beautiful views of the autumn tinged trees. It may be windy up by the fantastical Bride stones so do bring hats. A walking pole may also be useful to help in unavoidable muddy and steep sections. Our return route undulates with a bit of up, but mainly down, passing over the railway twice! Steps down to cross the A646 brings us back to Centre Vale park and to the station.
Although only nine miles long, this walk involves ascents and descents of around 650/700metres, so it is not a beginners walk.
Boots and waterproofs are needed for this walk.
