Holske one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I did this walk in reverse, starting in Skelmanthorpe and heading west. It was OK, but there were a couple of areas where the path didn't seem the best choice, and one area where the OS map path goes through a field that the farmer definitely does not want you crossing! There's no stile or gate, so you would literally have to climb over a dry-stone wall (pictured) to follow the route. Previous walkers probably didn't notice this, because the alternative route is more obvious if you're going Holmfirth-Skelmanthorpe and they wouldn't have thought it was important.
I have created a second route which gets rid of this problem, as well as providing another diversion elsewhere in Wooldale that avoids a section that is very overgrown and difficult to traverse.

I'll still review this so the route is "established", but I recommend you do the alternative.

Some 5 star sections, especially in the first half but a bit too much on the road around Shepley which brings the score down.
The steep climb out of Holmfirth (which is itself pretty, with some cobbled back streets) is worth it for the views over the valley. There's a "wow" moment as you turn between stone walls on the footpath and cross over from the Holme Valley to Wooldale, with another big view appearing in front of you.
There are allotments on the right before you drop down into New Mill. The path looks as if it goes up through them, but it's better (for you and for the allotment holders) if you continue on just for a little way and turn right at the end of the allotments beside a stone wall.
New Mill has a co-op shop if you need it, and some pubs. You climb out of New Mill on a road, but it's very quiet and a good way of gaining height. The views on the ridge road and subsequent footpath are fabulous.
It's then a bit of a trudge along the road into Shepley. If you have a map - and a little more time - there is a footpath alternative just to the north, following the route of the Kirklees Way.
From Shepley it's pleasant enough, but nothing special. What is shown on the OS map as Shelley Station is actually the end of the Kirklees Light Railway (a miniature steam railway that runs from Clayton West) and is not accessible from the route. Keep close to the edge of the field here alongside the train line to stay on the footpath (rather than through the farm buildings as the map seems to suggest). It's then straightforward into Skelmanthorpe.

We walked this route having started at the adjacent village of Clayton West. It took us about 5 hours with a lunch stop. It was fairley well signed, although we took a wrong turn in the village of Shepley. We did rely on the gpx route on my phone, which was challenging during a period of heavy rain. There are some great views of the Pennines whilst walking down into Holmfirth and a wonderful community garden in New Mill.

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