Thong Holmfirth RFM Blue Line Walking with Mary

 

Thong Holmfirth

 RFM Blue Line

Walking with Mary

24/11/25

This figure of 8 journey around the Holme Valley is like a tour of the architectural and industrial history of the West Riding. There is actually too much to see, too much to take in.

The river under the bridge was fast flowing and high but not in flood. Plenty of water running down the steep culverts into the river. 

A short sharp hill, after crossing the busy main Huddersfield Holmfirth road, got us to Hagg Wood. The Wonderland sign post probably referred to a house. Hagg Wood derives from the Norse word meaning a place where trees are felled {coppiced) not a witch, which would be much more interesting.

Travelling through Hagg Wood was difficult as the path took some steep slippery slopes and there were many buried masonary blocks. I think this must have been a quarry but I am not sure.

We descended through the wood towards the river and again the underfoot conditions were far from ideal. 

The riverside industrial archaeology was not even explained by an information board that did not know what the pool next to the river was for. 

Through Mytholm Bridge we again came into Thongsbridge. The river was a dominant feature of the walk. We had passed a couple of walkers.

Thongsbridge cricket ground was familiar to me as I had visited whilst watching JP play.

I liked the church with its Xmas decorations visible through the window.

We followed the river up the valley along another woodland path very slippy and even pock marked with a badger sett on one down slope.

As we got closer to Holmfirth the path was an all weather surface and followed the river. We saw a kingfisher flashing twice along the river.

Its good to walk with Mary and we were dressed for the weather.

Then we passed Holmfirth cricket ground another I have visited often watching JP play.

The ladybird needs to find some winter shelter. Mary thought this branch looked like a deer but I'm not really seeing it.

Crossing the river on the footbridge just before the town centre we started coming across many more people going about their business. As ever they were friendly and willing to exchange greetings though I think some were not expecting to be wished a good morning.

A torrent in the town centre next to the bus station.

Sids cafe was empty so we had a coffee break. It was full when we left. Nice coffee. Its tiny but the lady was very friendly, chatting away, and I enjoyed it.

Climbing the ginnels and lanes up from the cafe towards the aptly named Cliff was the highlight of the walk for me. So fascinating to walk these old ways. It was quite steep though and the steps were painfully high so we took our time.

The view across the valley was typical West Riding. The path on the right seemed to go through someone's garden and we debated whether it was a path or not, but it was so we took it garden or no garden.

Looking backup the valley I could see the moors where Peter and I have taken several walks expanding the blue line network.

This high level path was interesting and must have had a greater significance as the walls retaining it were of stone.

We followed the path throgh the woods back down to the car at Thongsbridge. We passed several dog walkers with some very classy friendly dogs. We petted many and Mary chatted with the owners, exclusively ladies.

This was a really good walk and the threatened showers kept away, though it was chilly.

61/2 miles and 806 feet ascent is not to be sniffed at, well done Mary. The underfoot conditions were poor, as well, very leafy and slippy. Another blue line and another good walk with my sister, how lucky am I.

os map

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/29681903/holmfirth-thong-rfm-blue-line?lat=53.57519&lon=-1.78295&zoom=14.9019&style=Leisure&type=2d