Tag Archives: Hardcastle Crags

September Hikes

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Landscape and wildlife photographs taken during September in the hills and dales around the Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge. A walkers’ paradise and wildlife haven in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire, on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage at Pecket Well, above Hebden Bridge, near Hardcastle Crags, Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson

Summer Saunters

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July jaunts in the Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire, on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse.

Photos copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

June Jaunts

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June jaunts in the Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire, on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse.

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

May Meanders

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May meanders in the Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire, on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse.

April Peregrinations

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April Peregrinations in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire

March Meanders

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March hikes in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

February Forays

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February hikes in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

January Jaunts

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January hikes in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley, a wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

Yorkshire through the Seasons

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Elmet Farmhouse Photos of the Month: 2019

Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.

October 2019

Drystone walls on the slopes of Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean in the early morning October sunshine
Mistlethrush in Crimsworth Dean
Footpath sign for Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson

September 2019

View from Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall above river of mist
View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with river of mist
Heptonstall village on the hill with swathes of mist below in Hardcastle Crags
Heptonstall church disappearing in the mist but Stoodley Pike still prominent
The famous river of mist at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Crimsworth Dean Beck from the old packhorse bridge Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean
View across Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw
Jacob sheep in Crimsworth Dean
Dunnock in Crimsworth Dean
Dunnock in Crimsworth Dean
Roe deer peeping our from behind a tree in Crimsworth Dean
Large gritstone boulders by Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well Mill
Pecket Well Clough near Kitling Bridge
Stream in spate in Pecket Well Clough after heavy rain
Waterfalls in Pecket Well Clough, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
The stream becomes a river in Pecket Well Clough after heavy rain
Kitling Bridge on the packhorse track through Pecket Well Clough
The hidden ravine of Pecket Well Clough in the woods below Elmet Farmhouse
Mist in Crimsworth Dean beyond Pecket Well War Memorial
Wraiths of mist in Crimsworth Dean
Old Town Mill chimney above the mist in Crimsworth Dean
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on a fine September day
Stoodley Pike in the September sunshine on Langfield Edge
Heptonstall village perched on the hill opposite from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
View across the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the tops and Hardcastle Crags in the valley

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson

August 2019

Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly in the herbaceous border at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Small Copper butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Small Copper butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Painted Lady butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Speckled Wood butterfly on the bracken
Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall
Waterfall on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall
Hebble Hole bridge on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall on the Pennine Way
Hebble Hole bridge on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall on the Pennine Way
Luddenden Dean with heather in bloom
Magnificent expanse of heather up on Midgley Moor
Heather and bracken on the upper slopes of Luddenden Dean
Reservoir with heather blooming above Luddenden Dean
Damselfly on reservoir above Luddenden Dean
Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean
Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean
Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean
Heather, bilberries and bracken on the upper slopes above Luddenden Dean
Bilberries galore on the moor above Luddenden Dean
Climbing up to Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
One great step for man…
One great leap for mankind… on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Rocky gritstone outcrops on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Looking along Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Looking up to Great Edge from Widdop Reservoir
Weathered craggy rock formations on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Billowing clouds above Great Edge
Heather and bracken on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir
Gorple Reservoir with heather on the hills above

Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson

July 2019

View over the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags in the valley below
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstal on hte horizon opposite Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
Heptonstall village
Stoodley Pike on the Pennine Way above Hebden Bridge
Roe deer doe and her two young kids in the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
Roe deer in the long grass at dusk at Elmet Farmhouse
View through the veronicastrums in the garden at Elmet Farmhouse
Greenfinch in the garden at Elmet Farmhouse
Greenfinch feeding on hte hardy geranium seeds
Female house sparrow at Elmet Farmhouse
Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well reflecting blue sky
Golden plover chick on Wadsworth Moor making its plaintive cheeping cries
Beautiful plumage of golden plover on Limers Gate above Pecket Well
Hare lolloping along track above Pecket Well
Hare in the early morning sunshine above Pecket Well
Hare in field below Wadsworth Moor
Fledgling meadow pipit in Crimsworth Dean
Fledgling swallow at Laithe Farm in Crimsworth Dean
Soft downy feather of newly fledged swallow in Crimsworth Dean
Fledgling swallow sitting on a gate at Laithe Farm in Crimsworth Dean
Juvenile pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean
Looking along Crimsworth Dean from near Grain Water Bridge
Patchwork of fields in Crimsworth Dean
Haymaking in Crimsworth Dean
Summer sunshine on Crimsworth Dean
Foxlgove on the hillside above wooded valley in Crimsworth Dean
First sighting of a siskin in Crimsworth Dean
Siskin in Crimsworth Dean
Foxglvoes in Crimsworth Dean
Reed buntinh perched on a foxglove in Crimsworth Dean
Bracken-covered slopes of Crimsworth Dean
    Heron in the early morning sunshine in Crimsworth Dean
    Flowering grasses by a drystone wall at Walshaw
    Ripening hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    Meadow grasses in the hay meadow at Elmet Farnhouse
    Meadow grasses in the traditional hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
    Barn owl hunting over the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
    Picture perfect summer’s day at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    White hay meadow contrasting with the dark green foliage of the woods in Hardcastle Crags
    Roe deer family in the long grass of the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
    Roe deer doe with her two kids in toe in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse
    Swirl of mist in Hardcastle Crags
    Crimsworth Dean from near Nook
    Sheep in Crimsworth Dean
    50 shades green in Crimsworth Dean
    Lane from Nook up onto Walshaw Moor above Crimsworth Dean
    Ruined farmhouse at Coppy above Crimsworth Dean
    Little owl in Crimsworth Dean
    Drystone walls on Walshaw Moor
    Cattle in hilltop meadows at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags after the hay has been cut
    Sheep above Crimsworth Dean

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    June 2019

    River of Mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well at 9pm on 9 June 2019

    River of Mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well at 9pm on 9 June 2019
    Little owl in Crimsworth Dean, a wildlife haven in the dale near Elmet Farmhouse
    Willow warbler amongst the bracken in Crimsworth Dean
    Willow warbler amongst the bracken in Crimsworth Dean, one of many different types of birds in this beautiful valley near Elmet Farmhouse
    View from Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
    The colours in the sky and in the valley are equally striking
    Redshank perched on a wall on the moor
    Lanky long-legged redshank, one of many ground-nesting birds on the moors
    Yellow-breasted Grey Wagtail by the river
    Goosander on Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
    Goosander with a bevy of ducklings heading upstream
    Early evening midsummer view from Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall on the horizon
    Skylark singing on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Golden plover near Limers Gate on Wadworth Moor

    Golden plover chick emitting its poignant peeping cry on Wadsworth Moor above Elmet Farmhouse
    A lovely spring morning in Crimsowrth Dean, looking along the valley towards the distant monument of Stoodley Pike
    Graining Water at Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags
    Hebden Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
    View from Widdop Gate towards Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags
    Roe deer buck with antlers on Shackleton Hill above Hardcastle Crags
    Meadow pipit in Crimsworth Dean, one of the most common birds on the fringes of the moor near Elmet Farmhouse
    Glorious summer view over the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike in the distance
    View of Elmet Farmhouse from the hay meadow
    Vegetable gardn and herbaceous border in front of the barn next to Elmet Farmhouse
    View from the dining terrace at Elmet Farmhouse
    Cottage garden at Elmet Farmhouse brimming with flowers
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on a beautiful summer’s afternoon at the end of June
    Racing pigones lined up on the roof of their loft on Shackleton Hill above Hardcastle Crags
    Golden plover chick with beauitful iridescent plumage peeping plaintively on Wadsworth Moor
    Curlew perched on a wall against a backdrop of buttercups
    Sandpiper, another long-beaker wader which heads inland to the Yorkshire moors to breed
    Fluffy Sandpiper chick camouflaged against the rocks on the river bank
    View of Hardcastle Crags from Blake Dean near Widdop Gate
    Blake Dean at the top end of Hardcastle Crags, with Hebden Water at the bottom of the steep-sided valley
    Sculptural sandstone stack above Alcomden Water near Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
    Sheep sheltering under a tree next to track above Alcomden Water near Hardcastle Crags
    Four views of a vociferous lapwing chicknear Walshaw Reservoir at Walshaw Dean
    Sandpiper on the rocky banks of Walshaw Reservoir at Walshaw Dean
    High-stepping Greylag Goose on the banks of Walshaw Reservoir in Walshaw Dean
    Greylag duckling dipping its toe in the water at Walshaw Reservoir in Walshaw Dean
    View from Walshaw towards Blake Dean along Hardcastle Crags

    Photos copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    May 2019

    Wild garlic and bluebells in Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
    The ‘secret’ valley of Crimsworth Dean just below Elmet Farmhouse
    Crimsworth Beck in Crimsworth Dean
    Sun-drenched bluebells in Crimsworth Dean
    Dry stone wall near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean
    Heron in Crimsworth Dean
    Pecket Well War Memorial on Smeekin Hill with Heptonstall Church and Stoodley Pike
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
    Curlew on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
    Curlew on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Roe deer in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse
    View over hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags
    ‘The Crags’ in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
    Hardcastle Crags
    View from ‘The Crags’ at Hardcastle Crags

    Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags
    Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
    Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
    Bluebells at Wddop Gate above Hardcastle Crags
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    Pecket Well Clough below Elmet Farmhouse
    Crimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse
    Skylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Skylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Skylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    Golden Plover chick near Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Golden Plover chick near Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Lapwing above Pecket Well
    Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge
    Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge
    Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge
    Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike
    Curlew in Crimsworth Dean
    Curlew in Crimsworth Dean
    Curlew in Crimsworth Dean
    Curlew in Crimsworth Dean
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags in the valley below
    Crimsworth Dean
    Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean
    Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean
    Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean
    Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags below and Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon
    View from Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall on the horizon
    View from Elmet Farmhouse with Pecket Well War Memorial above Hardcastle Crags
    Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall
    Hebble Hole Bridge over Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall
    Red campion in Colden Clough near Heptonstall
    Heptonstall Church from Colden Clough
    Wild flower meadow near Heptonstall above Hebden Bridge

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick


    April 2019

    Pair of new-born lambs at Shackleton above above Hardcastle Crags
    \New-born lambs in early April at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags
    Walshaw Dean Reservoir
    Bleached moorland grass on the banks of Walshaw Dean Reservoir
    Courting curlews at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags
    Curlew close-ups – spindly legs and rapier-like beak
    Northern Wheatear in Crimsworth Dean
    Lapwing above Crimsworth Dean displaying its delicate crest
    Forked crest of lapwing
    A trio of oystercatchers at Leeshaw Reservoir near Oxenhope on the Haworth Old Road
    Oystercatchers with their impressive long leg beaks and red eyes
    Meadow pipit perched on barbed wire in Crimsworth Dean
    Leafless trees in Hardcastle Crags
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in early April with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall on the horizon
    Lower Gorple Reservoir from the moorland above on the Pennine Bridleway to Colden
    Standing stone above Lower Gorple Reservoir
    Crimsworth Dean from Grain Farm with Stoodley Pike in the distance
    New season lambs
    Limers Gate above Pecket Well in Easter heatwave
    Swaledale sheep on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Swaledale sheep with lambs on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well, as hort walk from Elmet Farmhouse
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags in the valley overlooked by Heptonstall with Stoodley Pike beyond
    Reservoir above Luddenden Dean
    On the banks of the reservoirs above Luddenden Dean
    Frosty April morning at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    Stoodley Pike looking majestic perched above the Calder Valley
    Heptonstall from Pecket Well War Memorial with Hardcastle Crags just starting to green up
    Meadow pipit on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Pony in the field at Pecket Well near Elmet Farmhouse
    Blackthorn in bloom in Pecket Well
    Wild garlic in the woods in Crimsworth Dean
    Crimsworth Dean in the April sunshine
    Crimsworth Dean near Wheat Ing
    Crimsworth Dean near Abel Cote
    Looking towards Stoodley Pike from Shackleton Hill across Hardcastle Crags
    New season lambs near Walshaw
    Mallard with ducklings at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags
    A clutch of mallard ducklings at Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well
    Looking across Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw with leaves coming out on the trees
    Bleached moorland grass above Walshaw
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge with leaves coming out on the trees
    Standing stone on Wadsworth Moor
    Mound of stones on Wadsworth Moor
    Northern Wheatear on Wadsworth Moor
    Skylark on Wadsworth Moor
    The first bluebells in Hardcastle Crags in late April
    Rocky outcrops in the woods in Hardcastle Crags
    Old packhorse track running up the hillside in Hardcastle Crags

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    March 2019

    Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
    Crimsworth Dean looking along the valley from near Grain Water Bridge
    Crimsworth Dean with a dusting of snow on the hillside
    Roe deer in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse
    The first lambs of the year above Hebden Bridge
    New-born lamb on the hillside below Stoodley Pike
    Starling hitching a ride on the back of a sheep near Horsehold above Hebden Bridge
    Murmuration of starlings near Stone Booth Farm in Crimsworth Dean


    Chaffinch
    Lapwing newly returned to breed on the moorland above Crimsworth Dean
    Oystercatchers on a wall at Walshaw Dean Reservoit above Hardcastle Crags
    A copse of trees ringed by a drystone wall at Walshaw
    Crimsworth Dean
    Crimsworth Dean in the March sunshine
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with snow on the tops at Stoodley Pike
    Early daffodils at Elmet Farmhouse
    A host of golden daffodils at Elmet Farmhouse
    Forsythia in full bloom at Elmet Farmhouse
    Grass greening up in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    February 2019

    Stoodley Pike from Deer Stones Edge above Pecket Well
    Path across Wadsworth Moor from Deer Stones Edge to Luddenden Dean
    Ventilation shaft for underground watercourse running beneath Wadsworth Moor carrying water from Widdop Reservoir to Halifax
    Snow on Wadsworth Moor between Pecket Well and Luddenden Dean
    Luddenden Dean from Wadsworth Moor
    Snow on dry stone wall above Luddenden Dean
    Frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean

    Frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean
    Tree shadows reflected in the ice of frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean
    Luddenden Dean looking towards Castle Carr

    Frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean photographed from opposite corner
    ‘We Two Together’: our shadows silhouetted in the frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean
    Second reservoir above Luddenden Dean, fuller and only partially frozen

    Ice flow on reservoir above Luddenden Dean

    Ice flow on reservoir above Luddenden Dean

    Patterns in the ice on reservoir above Luddenden Dean
    Sun on the snowy hillside near Stoodley Pike
    Stoodley Pike with pattern of drystone walls in the snow photographed from above Old Town
    Drystone walls and trees on snowy hillside above Hebden Bridge
    Vew from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in the snow with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall
    Stoodley Pike from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in the snow
    Heptonstall above Hebden Bridge in the snow
    Stoodley Pike and the hilltop village of Heptonstall above Hebden Bridge in the snow
    Pecket Well in the snow from Plumpton Farm
    View from Deer Stone Edge above Pecket Well with Heptonstall in the distance
    Swaledale sheep on snowy hillside above Horsehold and Hebden Bridge
    Hardy Swaledale sheep in the snow near Stoodley Pike
    Snowscape with rushes en route to Stoodley Pike
    The ascent to Stoodley Pike via the Pennine Way from Hebden Bridge
    View towards Pecket Well from Pennine Way leading up to Stoodley Pike
    Rows of drystone walls slicing through the snow above Horsehold and Hebden Bridge
    Drytstone walls near Stoodley Pike
    View towards Todmorden from the summit at Stoodley Pike

    Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, Old Town near Hebden Bridge
    Graveyard at Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, Old Town near Hebden Bridge
    Hardcastle Crags from Akroyd Lane between Pecket Well and Old Town above Hebden Bridge
    Snowy vista from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall
    A beautiful gate in Pecket Well after heavy snow
    River of Mist from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall

    River of Mist in Hardcastle Crags with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall floating above
    Stoodley Pike with River of Mist in Pecket Well Clough
    Swathes of mist on the hillside above Hebden Bridge below Stoodley Pike
    Mist drifting through Pecket Well Clough after freezing fog
    River of Mist in Pecket Well Clough below Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike on the horizon
    Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall Church floating above River of Mistin Hardcastle Crags
    River of mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge on 5 February 2019
    Church in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags

    Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags
    Winter beech trees in Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate near Hebden Bridge

    Winter trees in Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate near Hebden Bridge
    Sheep in Crimsworth Dean
    Sunny February morning in Crimsworth Dean
    Early morning mist in Crimsworth Dean

    Early morning mist in Crimsworth Dean with Old Town Mill on hillside
    Thrush in Crimsworth Dean near Hebden Bridge
    Sheep grazing at Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean
    Kestrel in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage
    Crimsworth Dean with Haworth Old Road ascending Stairs at the end
    Grain Farm and Cross Ends in Crimsworth Dean
    Looking towards Widdop from Walshaw Moor

    Looking towards Widdop from Walshaw Moor
    Trees near Walshaw Lodge above Hardcastle Crags
    View across Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw
    Treeline above Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw
    Donkeys at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean

    Donkeys at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean

    Goat at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean

    Goat at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean
    Mist rising on a warm February morning in Crimsworth Dean

    Mist on the hilltop meadows above Crimsworth Dean
    Stoodley Pike from Crimsworth Dean
    Sheep near Grain Water Bridge in Crimsworth Dean

    Sheep in Crimsworth Dean
    First lapwings of the season newly arrived at Thurrish in Crimsworth Dean

    First lapwings of the season newly arrived at Thurrish in Crimsworth Dean
    Dunnock in Crimsworth Dean

    Starlings in Crimsworth Dean
    View from Deer Stones Edge across Wadsworth Moor

    Misty morning on Deer Stones Edge across Wadsworth Moor
    Greylag geese on Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well
    Lonk sheep on farm above Pecket Well

    Highland Cattle near Plumpton Farm above Pecket Well
    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge

    Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well

    Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall in the early morning sunshine
    Pheasant at Elmet Farmhouse, Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    Pheasant with stunning plumage

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    January 2019

    View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge on a frosty January morning
    Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags in the valley below
    The ancient village of Heptonstall on the hilltop opposite Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
    Stoodley Pike monument to the Battle of Waterloo on Langfield Edge above Hebden Bridge
    Turneresque sunrise with moon sinking over Wadsworth Moor
    A dusting of snow on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well

    Sunrise over Stoodley Pike from Deer Stones Edge on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Sunrise at High Brown Knoll on Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor at Pecket Well
    Snowy view across Wadsworth Moor towards Widdop at sunrise
    View across Hardcastle Crags to Slack Heptonstall from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Snow-dusted Heptonstall village bathed in pink early morning sunshine
    Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well at sunrise
    Lower Gorple Reservoir from Heptonstall Moor
    Fieldfare at Colden near Heptonstall
    Coal tit on birdfeeder by the Rochdale Canal near Hebden Bridge
    Four pheasants on the wall at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge
    Winter view from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall Church and Stoodley Pike on the horizon above Hardcastle Crags
    Roe deer grazing on the hillside in Crimsworth Dean near Hardcastle Crags
    Roe deer in Crimsworth Dean
    Ruins of Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough below Blackshaw Head
    Remains of Staups Mill, an early 19th century textile mill in Jumble Hole Clough
    Stone steps up steep hillside in Jumble Hole Clough, one of the spurs off the Calder Upper Valley
    Beautifully crafted dry stone wall on the hillside above Mytholmroyd
    Ancient packhorse track bounded by dry stone walls on the hillside above Mytholmroyd
    Sunny winter’s morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
    Hebden Water running through the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
    Shadows cast by leafless trees in the winter sunshine in Hardcastle Crags
    Chapel of St Thomas a Becket next to Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Heptonstall
    13th century Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall with tower dating from 15th century
    Inside the ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in the ancient village of Heptonstall

    Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall dating back to the 13th century
    The grave of poet Sylvia Plath in Heptonstall Churchyard, with a posy of fresh flowers from the garden at Elmet Farmhouse on 17 January 2019
    Crimsworth Dean in January with Stoodley Pike on the far horizon
    Crimsworth Dean at dusk with full moon rising
    Full moon over Crimsworth Dean
    Snowy panorama from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on 30 January 2019
    Snow-covered trees at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
    Elmet Farmhouse – frozen outside, toasty indoors

    Snow-laden trees near Sprutts Farm in Pecket Well

    Swaledale sheep negotiating the snow on Deer Stones Edge above Pecket Well
    Swaledale sheep in the snow on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
    Foggy frosty morning in Crimsworth Dean
    Snow-encrusted trees near Mididgehole in Crimsworth Dean
    Snow-covered beech trees above one of the dams in Crimsworth Dean
    Foggy frozen treescape in Crimsworth Dean – looks like someone has sifted flour on the woods
    Looking up the steep snowy hillside near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean
    Every branch and every twig encrusted with ice crystals in Crimsworth Dean
    Entering the woods near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean to take the path up to Pecket Well
    Crystallised beechnuts in Crimsworth Dean 31 January 2019

    Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick

    Looping the Loop

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    Looping the Loop: Crimsworth – Walshaw – Hardcastle Crags

     

     

    Walkers are spoilt for choice in the countryside around Elmet Farmhouse, with its dramatic and varied landscape and the dense network of paths. On a fine clear day, there’s no better hike than the Crimsworth Walshaw Loop, a high level walk up on ‘the tops’ with glorious views of wooded valleys, hilltop hay meadows and rolling heather moors. Spring, summer, autumn or winter, if the sun is shining, this is the place to be.

    These photos record an extended version of the Crimsworth Walshaw Loop in mid August when the heather moorland is in full bloom and turns a rich deep purple. The walk begins at Grain Water Bridge at the far end of Crimsworth Dean, then veers off up the hill over to Walshaw. After dropping down to Walshaw Lodge, it climbs up over Walshaw Moor to the string of reservoirs at Walshaw Dean, where it joins the Pennine Way. 

    On meeting Alcomden Water, the route follows a track for several miles from Blake Dean to Shackleton Hill, with ravishing views across Hardcastle Crags towards Slack Heptonstall, with Stoodley Pike in the distance. Eventually it meets a footpath which curves back round through Crimsworth Dean. 

    Inspiring and invigorating, this has got to be one of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

     

    © Text and images copyright Lesley Jackson