Adopting the persona’s of ‘Foggy & Clegg’ our intrepid duo parked up in the large layby just outside Holmbridge.
Locating the small footpath, we ventured across Brownhill reservoir at the East end and quickly made our way to the, somewhat covert, footpath heading east located just off the minor road, on the south side of the reservoir.
A gentle wander through the overgrown grassy field quickly put us onto the HVC walk route heading towards Hade edge via the Kirklees way, passing along the way numerous fields of sheep, miniature ponies and alpaca (yes, alpaca, Holmfirth has gone all continental).
Wistfully observing the closed pub on Dunford road, we wandered for approx’ 200m and located the little path on the left that would take us towards Lower Langley and the marvellous farm set up there, (plenty of great dairy products available via click and collect)!
Avoiding the, thankfully passive, cows on route, we travelled through Choppards bank and down into Washpit, where I experienced what I can only describe as a fabulous little gem of a place, ‘The Carding Shed’ Holmfirth, featuring a classic car display and plenty of other nostalgic memorabilia. I particularly liked the gorgeous Red Jaguar keenly priced for your average multi-millionaire collector at £76,000.
A busy late Sunday morning and there was no way we were going to get a seat for a snack and a brew, so we promptly left and made tracks for the last of the summer wine mecca, Holmfirth.
Next stop, Sids café, Towngate where many an episode was filmed, where a bacon butty and mug of tea was the order of the day .
A quick photo stop at the gift shop and Nora Batty’s self-catering holiday rental, was followed by a trudge up the minor road towards St John Parish Church, Upperthong where the graves of Cleggy (Peter Sallis – also the voice of Wallace in Wallace & Gromit) and Compo (Bill Owen) are located.
After this fun packed tour, it was time to head back to the cars, picking a route via Nether House, Liphill Bank and Log Walls to land conveniently at the Pickled Pheasant in Holmbridge, where of course, its compulsory to re-hydrate with a well-earned pint of the locals finest ale!
At this point ‘Foggy Dyson’ had actually figured out the solution to this travelling duo’s everyday problem, more beers!!
In summary, it’s a lovely gentle day out well within the grasp of any regular hiker, the ‘Carding shed’ is well worth the visit but do make sure you book to avoid disappointment, and of course if you enjoyed last of the summer wine with all of its characters, Holmfirth is a must!!
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