Ripponden – 15/07/2026 – Leader Judy

The weather forecast for Ripponden said full sun all day and rising to 26 degrees, so we all took loads of water and lathered on the suncream.  Several people chose not to go, fearing it would be too hot. In the event, 9 arrived at the car park, switched off car head lights, and hurriedly put on fleeces and, in some cases woolly hats, as we stood in the chilly low cloud.

We set off early to follow the River Ryburn in the unrequired ‘shady’ but very pretty ancient woodland path. We ascended to Ryburn Reservoir built in 1933, stopping for coffee on the way to Baitings Reservoir built in 1956, both supplying water to Wakefield via an 800 foot long Manshead Tunnel.  As we got to Baitings Viaduct, we were half expecting to see the old road and bridge submerged when the reservoir was built, but the water level was not low enough for that.

We crossed the Roman Road and discovered that the bridge previously half way up the bank, obviously moved by water, had been put back in situ.  We cemented it in place with a bridge photo!

Next we climbed up via Greenwood Clough to Manshead End with a trig point at 417 metres, where the cloud had partly lifted. We continued along the ridge to Manshead Hill with vague views appearing. The breeze made it too chilly to stop for lunch until we reached Operation Starfish, which proved to be a good place offering shelter and increasing views.

We joined the Calderdale Way, descending gradually, and were amazed to join a very quiet lane that was newly resurfaced, while our roads are full of potholes! We had a slight diversion to view a farmhouse used for film making.

The sun finally broke through the clouds at about 1.30, but the earlier cooler weather probably made the walk more enjoyable.  We arrived at the attractive Mill Bank, walking briefly on the Roman Road which linked Yorkshire and Lancashire, before rising sharply to the lovely Soyland Town.

Further descent along old packhorse routes, fields and woodland took us back to the cars.

Many thanks to Stephen D for yet again taking fantastic photos, and to all who helped close gates.

Distance – 9.87 miles     Ascent – 1456 feet    M/h 2.2

Photos – Stephen D    Write up – Judy

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Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture