This page describes sections 6 to 11 of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route. You can pick up a guide to the entire route including full colour maps free from your local library.
6. Hemsworth to High Hoyland
13 miles/21km Moderate
Another section of picturesque, rolling countryside, with a famous country and Sculpture Park at the end. Enter South Hiendley and turn left in the centre towards Felkirk passing the pretty church of St. Peter. At Old Royston the route crosses the West Yorkshire spur of the Trans Pennine Trail, a "Coast to Coast" cycle route from Liverpool to Hornsea. Undulating countryside makes the route meander through the villages of Notton and Woolley, and from Woolley Edge there are magnificent views across the Pennines to Emley Moor (with its landmark television mast). West Bretton itself is reached over the M1 motorway and is home to the attractive Sculpture and Country Park, with it's distinctive Henry Moore sculptures. Proceed through the park and up an incline to High Hoyland, where you can rest for a while and take in extensive views from the local Public House.
7. High Hoyland to Holmbridge
14 miles/23km Moderate
A rural section that undulates through farmland before reaching the harder edged landscape of the Holme Valley and the sweep down to Holmbridge.The route enters Kirklees District after High Hoyland and follows rolling country lanes to skirt Deffer Woods above Clayton West - home of the Kirklees Light Railway. Your route then crosses the A635 Barnsley Road to pass through Upper Denby village. The village of Denby Dale - the 'Pie Village' - is within easy reach and provides all facilities, including railway station with direct services to Huddersfield.
The route continues through high, exposed farmland with excellent long distance views on a clear day and takes on a more Pennine moorland feel as it fringes Hade Edge and Cartworth Moor before the descent to Holmbridge on the A6024. To the north-east nestles the scenic town of Holmfirth - focus of The Last of the Summer Wine TV programme. Holmfirth is a busy market town with a regular Farmers' Market and lively programme of events at the Picturedrome cinema and Crag Rats Theatre.
8. Holmbridge to Scammonden
15 miles/25km Strenuous
Quite a difficult section with two steep climbs; one out of Holmbridge and another leaving Marsden. The effort is certainly worthwhile, however, in order to gain height to fully appreciate the spectacular Pennine views.
The route climbs past Digley Reservoir, with its picnic site, and across to Meltham - another township with full facilities. Now firmly in the Pennine foothills, the route crests the watershed between the Holme and Colne Valleys and sweeps down the fast stretch of road to Marsden. The route passes close to Marsden railway station, which has direct services to Huddersfield. This is the most western outpost in the district before the Pennine ridge divides Yorkshire from our Lancashire neighbours.
A challenging climb along narrow, rural lanes faces cyclists leaving Marsden to reach the heights of Pole Moor. For the ambitious rider an alternative, more scenic route guides you around Scammonden Water whilst the flatter (but longer) route crosses exposed heather moorland to join the Saddleworth Road crossing the M62 into Caldardale
9. Scammonden to Midgley
18 miles/29km Strenuous
Much of this section provides a rewarding challenge as it skirts the edge of open moorland, crossing the high upland pastures of Upper Ryburn, before descending into the Calder Valley to pass through Mytholmroyd and the busy market town of Hebden Bridge. Entering Calderdale, the route crosses the impressive Scammonden bridge which vaults the M62 and continues past Ringstone Edge, Booth Wood and Baitings reservoirs. The route then winds and undulates as it crosses Soyland Moor towards Mytholmroyd, offering fine views across the Calder Valley. Take care, the descent into Mytholmroyd is steep in places and occasionally busy with local traffic.
From Mytholmroyd take the A646 to Hebden Bridge, this attractive market town makes an ideal stopping point with an abundance of facilities. Leaving Hebden Bridge the route climbs steeply to the village of Midgley perched on the south facing slopes of the Calder Valley. The railway stations at Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge are close to the route and both have direct services to Leeds and Huddersfield.
10. Midgley to Oakworth
17 miles/28km Strenuous
Steep climbs and exposed moorland roads continue to feature throughout this section as the route traverses Ovenden and Oxenhope moors, and skirts the Worth Valley.
The route leaves Midgley passing through Booth and Wainstalls as it climbs towards the summit of Ovenden Moor. This section of the route offers excellent long distance views over Halifax and the Calder Valley, and provides a well-earned rest at the windfarm information point. Continue past Warley Moor Reservoir and enjoy the long descent into Oxenhope, but beware of the cattle grid and some sharp bends on the way down.
Proceed to Haworth home of the famous Bronte Sisters and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Haworth is a popular tourist destination and with a plethora of teashops and eateries is an ideal spot to take a well-earned break. Leave Haworth heading west through Stanbury and along the southern side of the Worth Valley, after passing Ponden Reservoir near the head of the valley, the route doubles back following the northern side of the valley into Oakworth.
11. Oakworth to Ilkley
15 miles/24km Strenuous
Another predominantly moorland section with steep climbs and descents, ending in the Victorian splendour of Ilkley. From Oakworth follow moorland lanes skirting the valley of Newsholme Dean to arrive at Laycock. Climb out of Laycock to Redcar Tarn, offering superb views over Keighley and the moors to the north. The route now descends steeply to Steeton in the valley bottom, leaving Steeton proceed across the flat plain of the Aire Valley to Silsden, passing the railway station and crossing the busy A629 trunk road, (a cycle track is provided for those wishing to avoid the roundabout). Leaving Silsden the route climbs over Rombalds Moor into Wharfedale, joining the A65 into Ilkley town centre.
Ilkley famed as the origin of the Yorkshire National Anthem "On Ilkley Moor Baht'at' is another popular tourist centre with a full range of amenities and attractions. The impressive Victorian architecture reflecting the town's affluent past. Both Steeton & Silsden, and Ilkley railway stations have direct services to Leeds and Bradford.
