I visited one of Yorkshire's best walking spots with charming riverside cafe
Yorkshire is renowned for its breathtaking walking destinations, and among the most idyllic, frequented by hikers in Calderdale, stands the resplendent Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge.
Nestled in a wooded Pennine valley and under the stewardship of the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags presents itself merely two miles north from the postcard-perfect Hebden Bridge and a mere stone's throw of 10 miles westward of Halifax.
As a beloved trekking haven, Hardcastle Crags boasts an abundance of woodland pathways, historic packhorse routes, and babbling streams.
READ MORE: Stunning dog-friendly Yorkshire walking trail with tearoom, bookshop and cafe stop-offs
A visitor's centre provides the perfect starting point, while a charming riverside cafe offers respite to those seeking sustenance and refreshment amidst nature's serenity. Hardcastle Crags has a 4.5 star rating on Trip Advisor and hundreds of glowing reviews.
One reviewer said: "National trust but only £5 parking to pay in so can be a good cheap day out. We arrived at 2pm as we had gotten side tracked in Hebden Bridge at a vintage car show on the way so didn't have much time for a long walk. The attendant advised us a suitable option and it was easy to navigate. The car park has 2 free EV chargers so that's amazing to find these days!"
Another wrote: "A stunning wooded valley with a river going through it with a few waterfalls as well. A beautiful place to go walking with Gibson Mill at the heart of it if you need to stop for refreshments, highly recommended!"
And a third said: "Car park is small and not that near the mill but the walk along the river to the mill is very picturesque although a bit tricky in places. Definitely need good sturdy walking shoes. The dam behind Gibson Mill is very pretty.
"There's nothing much at Gibson Mill but you probably get fantastic views from the top of Hardcastle Craggs. We didn't attempt the steep climb."
Having never visited and being an enthusiast for the great outdoors, I decided to give it a go on a wet and miserable Thursday afternoon; to my surprise, it was quieter than anticipated.
We parked in the main car park, which incurred a £5 fee, but entry to the Woodland itself was free. The walk up to the mill was clearly marked as one mile away.
The journey was pleasant with lovely riverside scenery, albeit fairly steep in sections, yet still accessible for most people. The area boasts a variety of paths, some more challenging than others. With limited time, we chose a leisurely walk along the valley bottom, a favourite among dog walkers and families with young children.
After roughly 30 minutes, we arrived at Gibson Mill where the riverside cafe is located. We opted for two soups and a sandwich to share, skipping drinks as we had brought our own. The total cost was £16.95, which seemed a tad expensive for the order, but then again, it's somewhat expected in such locations.
The sandwiches were ready-made and the soup was decent. The cafe itself wasn't particularly remarkable, but it did its job, providing sustenance and warmth during a damp and blustery woodland walk. Public toilets are conveniently located just across the bridge, and there's an abundance of picnic benches that would be perfect for sunnier days.
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