Tower gives excellent views on 13-mile walk
HOLMFIRTH, in the heart of Last of the Summer Wine country, marked the start of a 13-mile moderate walk for East Cheshire Ramblers.
Leaving from Holmfirth leisure centre, we followed an undulating route northwards on hidden paths to reach the village of Netherthong before following field paths to Honley, a large village that has changed little since Victorian times.
Passing through Mag Wood before crossing the River Holme at the historic Armitage Bridge, a steady ascent on field paths took us to the summit of Castle Hill, surmounted by the 106ft-high Victoria Tower, which was the focal point of the walk and the stopping point for lunch before climbing to the top for a small fee.
The tower is open each afternoon at weekends from spring to autumn.
It was opened in 1899 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.
During the Second World War there were plans to demolish it in case it became a landmark for German bombers.
Thankfully it was spared and today the East Cheshires were rewarded with excellent views, not only over Huddersfield but stretching as far as the Yorkshire Wolds.
We returned to Holmfirth through the villages of Farnley Tyas and Thurstonland before taking an afternoon break at New Mill.
From there were more fine views on the winding descent back into Holmfirth where the group relaxed over afternoon tea and cakes in the courtyard of the Old Bridge Inn and Coffee House.