Walking the Calderdale Way on Bronte Bus B3

Get on-board Bronte Bus B3 at Keighley Bus Station

It’s a languid scenic sojourn on this delightful bus across the beautiful Bronte countryside to Pecket Well, passing through the idyllic Haworth, on the edge of the paradisical Penistone Hill Country Park.

Alight at Pecket Bar and soak up the sumptuous scenery!

The village of Pecket Well really is picturesque, perched just above Hebden Bridge on the steep slope of the Pennine Hills. The views are breathtaking and will have you in raptures – of Stoodley Pike, the Smeekin Hill War Memorial and Heptonstall Church – all in a line on their separate hillsides. Fabulous!

Start your walk along the Calderdale Way at the junction leading to Ackroyd Lane

Follow the route using the waymarking signs, the digital route on AllTrails or the written directions at the Heart of the Pennines.

The first part of the walk is along the moorland edge from Pecket Well to Luddenden Dean and with moorland views of the Calder Valley. A particular highlight includes Churn Milk Joan, a 2.1m gritstone boundary marker on Midgley Moor. It bears prehistoric cup-mark carvings and was named after a milkmaid lost in a blizzard. It marks the junction of three townships and is steeped in local folklore and symbolism.

Arrive in Luddenden Dean

If it’s a weekend, be sure to check out Bob’s pop-up tea and cake shop. You’ll soon pass Jerusalem Farm, a lovely local nature reserve, maybe enjoy a paddle in the stream that cuts through the heart of this enchanted wood!

Continue your walk from Jerusalem Farm to Brockholes

Take the track down and cross Wade Bridge, possibly pop in at the Cat i’ th’ Well – a magnificent country pub with fine views. Continue on through various farm dwellings, along deeply atmospheric moorland paths and enjoy great views of Mixenden Reservoir on your right.

Arrive into Brockenholes

Pass the serene Mount Zion Chapel until you reach the end of your fab welk at Keighley Road (A629). If you fancy a hearty meal, then turn left for 100 metres to the Moorlands Inn, where you can devour traditional home cooked food.

Catch the Great Northern Line (502) bus on Keighley Road, back to Keighley

The scenery continues to captivate as the bus makes its way across eye-catching countryside before nestling at 18:25 in the charming, convivial Keighley, through Cullingworth and close to the Great Northern Rail Trail, along the old railway line, through delightful countryside. It’s an enthralling bus ride, providing a fitting finale to a scenic exploration that’s been a real breath of fresh air!