Todays walk in detail

On a cold, yet bright, early‑spring morning, 24 walkers gathered at Hade Edge near Holmfirth. We set off along Dunford Road before crossing a playing field and descending via a lane and an unmade track that led us past Holmestyes Reservoir. From there, we began the steepest climb of the walk: a narrow, wooded path rising sharply beside the valley. A brief pause at the top allowed everyone to catch their breath before we continued for a short stretch along the Kirklees Way. After skirting the head of the valley, we began the long, steady ascent through the woodland section of the route. Once across the road, we stopped for a welcome coffee break before heading out onto the moor. The occasional call of Grouse accompanied us, though no Curlews were heard today. With the sun glistening on Harden Reservoir to our right below us, we enjoyed several opportunities to take in the superb 360‑degree views. Leaving the moorland behind, we followed a short roadside section before branching off onto the long, straight Snittle Road, where Lapwings were seen in flight. We continued past the Hade Edge Football Club ground and, after reaching Penistone Road, it was only a short walk back to our starting point. Refreshments were enjoyed at the Boshaw Trout pub, with some walkers also staying on for lunch. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Peter Acton for back‑marking, to Keith and Angela Booth for assisting with the initial recce and to Simon Fisher for joining me on the follow‑up recce.