There is much of the area's former industrial heritage too to be seen around Lambutts, with four small dams and a delightful piece of woodland - and a fine pub, the 'Top Brink', very well worth seeking out just off the route in the village. After leaving Todmorden and crossing over the Rochdale canal, continue up Kilnhurst Road to regain the route above the new housing estate (still under construction at the time of writing) which, for the time being at least, has obliterated the right of way on the footpath shown on the OS map and also suggested by the Slow Ways map online. For those walking east to west, on passing the third of the dams before coming to the road in Lambutts, the footpath shown on the maps (i.e. a right on to the road, and then almost immediately left alongside the stream through the clough) is nonexistent, and probably has been so having been eroded away for years....

Sneil68

On a dry summer's day this would no doubt be a very nice walk, albeit one with a few boggy patches....

Sneil68

As a direct route between Cragg Vale and Sowerby Bridge (SB) this is OK for Slow Ways purposes, although all but the first km after the climb up out of Cragg Vale is on roads which steadily get wider and busier the nearer you get to SB. To compensate a bit there are great panoramic views over the Calder Valley eastwards once you pass the summit by Aaron Hill. I am slightly mystified as to why the Slow Ways team didn't propose a walk that passed over this piece of access land, instead of bypassing it, and then continue on (mostly) tracks and paths for a further 4km, which would leave only the last km or so down the road into SB....

Sneil68

Several new boardwalks across more of the boggier bits have been put in place, since a previous reviewer's comments on the route, by 'CROWS' the local Community Rights of Way volunteers, in anticipation of increased use of this trail (which also follows part of an excellent walk inspired by the novel with maps and illustrations by Christopher Goddard)....

Sneil68

Too much tarmac...

Pete Thomasson

This is a convoluted way to get down from Erringden Moor and involves some very decrepid stiles around GR999239. I would recommend coming doen via Hill Top at GR 997236....

Pete Thomasson

I walked this route in the opposite direction (from Sowerby Bridge to Cragg Vale) and connected it with other Slow Ways routes to Hebden Bridge and then to Todmorden to make a good day walk. Although this route is almost entirely on roads they are mainly little country lanes with hardly any traffic. The route is lovely, great views into the Calder Valley, passing by some interesting old buildings, and Cragg Vale is a pretty area too....

fruitbat

It has a good variety if walking....

Andyhemsley

I walked this route in the opposite direction (from Cragg Vale to Hebden Bridge) and connected it with other Slow Ways routes to start in Sowerby Bridge and end in Todmorden....

fruitbat