Receptionist Kimberley: Gaddings Dam to Stoodley Pike.
Holdsworth House receptionist Kimberley has a favourite walk that takes in two of Calderdale’s prominent sites and plenty of views. This walk is popular with visitors who come to sit on Gaddings Dam‘s beach, to wild swim or to trek across to the Stoodley Pike monument.
Start and finish of the walk:
“I parked on Lumbutts Road in Todmorden and followed the well-trodden path from the Shepherd’s Rest pub. Parking is very limited so it’s wise to park in Todmorden itself (use sat nav postcode OL14 7AA). It takes around 35 minutes to drive to Todmorden from Holdsworth House, taking you to the most westerly side of Calderdale, an area well worth exploring.”
Gaddings Dam, Todmorden
Stoodley Pike views
What’s to see?
“Gaddings Dam has a secret beach (not so secret in summer) that is the highest in England. It’s only small but you can enjoy fantastic views. We followed the path from Gaddings Dam to Stoodley Pike, which is a 37m-high monument built in 1856 at the end of the Crimean War. It’s possible to climb the spiral steps inside the monument. I used my phone torch to get to the top.”
How long does the walk take?
“It took us around 2-3 hours. I’d say it is 8-ish miles. It’s a climb up and down, so good trainers or walking boots are best. I’ve taken my flip-flops for the beach before though on a warmer day! We’ve seen people wild swimming up at the dam, but mostly there are people walking with their dogs.”
