Upper Holme Valley: Paths, Tracks and Reservoirs

Leaving the car park at Winscar Reservoir we have a little road walking to take us past Harden Reservoir before taking a track to Ellentree Brow and then a track through forested plantation taking us past the lost village of Hades, then onto Elysium, Ramsden Road and Crossley’s Plantation. We leave Ramsden Road, descend Crow Hill and arrive at the car park and picnic area at Tinker Well.

We then take a path across the dam wall of Ramsden Reservoir, pass through mixed woodland, cross the footbridge at Rake Dike and arrive at the village of Holme, where we will take our lunch break.

Leaving Holme we descend to Gill Hey Bridge and once more cross Rake Dike. Here we ascend steeply by steps (take extra care, the steps can be very slippery) towards Netherley. We cross access land before a steep descent to cross Netherley Clough and a more gradual ascent to Yateholme. We join a track that will take us across the dam wall at Riding Wood Reservoir where we join an old quarry track across access land below Ramsden Edge. If the visibility / weather is good we should have magnificent views of Ramsden Clough.

After passing through the abandoned quarry we take a path and ascend Ruddle Clough eventually passing a line of grouse butts and arrive at Snailsden Pike End. We follow the path along Snailsden Edge with good views across Winscar Reservoir and Grains Moss and return to the car park.

Note: Due to access land restrictions, dogs will not be allowed on this walk.