A spectacular wooded valley with 19th-century Gibson Mill at its heart A beauty spot of the South Pennines with more than 400 acres of unspoilt woodland. As well as being the home of the northern hairy wood ant, there are tumbling streams, glorious waterfalls and stacks of millstone grit, all crisscrossed by more than 15 miles of footpaths. At the heart of the woodland you'll find Gibson Mill, home to the Weaving Shed Cafe. Having no link to the national grid, the mill is unique in the UK and is the Trust's flagship sustainable building.
First time walking here today. Fantastic views & nice place to stretch the legs. Aged cottages to check out, which are free entry - & hold interesting information. The cottages & outdoors are clean & tidy, it's clear staff work hard to keep everything in check. There is also place to get a hot drink or an ince-cream (we didn't purchase but was popular with other people). Toilets are available (free of charge) these were clean & tidy (sensor flusher too) toilet roll available & warm water with hand soap in dispenser. We walked the stepping stones across the river, which was good. The walk can be as easy or difficult as you want (depending on the route you want to take). There are various options to stay on the main path or veer off course, down or up the narrow paths. I would suggest getting there early if you want to use the car park (PS5 for the day) it gets full quick & very limited elsewhere as it's permit parking only away from car-parks). We would go again as other areas we want to explore. It was popular with family's and children sk it can be busy.
We had a lovely afternoon walking from Hebdon Bridge up to and round Hardcastle Crags. There's a variety of walks and we chose to walk the river route to the mill then take the crag route round the top. The cafe is good value and the Cornish pasties delicious. For a dry semi sunny Saturday the place was relatively quiet and though it he car park signs said full we met only a few walkers on the paths and it didn't feel packed. I could imagine the place could feel overrun in the summer. There are toilets at the lower car park and more at the mill. Just a warning the ones at the mill do not allow for much breathing space as the cubicles are tiny. The walks we chose were not easily accessible and if you're unsteady on your feet I would not recommend. The paths take you over sloppy rocks and protruding tree roots. It makes for an enjoyable woodland/river trail and all the kids we passed seem to love the variety. You could take the road path from the car park to the mill to make it easier however this is hilly. All in a lovely chilled out place and very relaxing
Nice walk, paid parking of 5PS for the whole day, no option to pay for less time, which makes it expensive if you just want to be around for like an hour.. which is what we did. Nice views but we were expecting something better.
Great place to visit. Previously I've always parked in the carparks, however, this time I was on a run visiting the nearby Lumb Hole Waterfall and Abel Cross, before dropping into here. Lots of paths in here, some mud type narrow tracks and others wide and accessible. Saw two deer and a heron. Great walking/ running area.
Great place for a walk. The route along the river is best after a slippy flight of steps (It had rained heavily day before) so best make sure you have the right footwear. Great views and photogenic scenery. Cafe at the mill is a bit expensive though so best to take your own. Great walks for all ages (and dogs).
Great place for a number of walks, doing the red and purple takes approx 3 hours and is roughly 6.5 miles. Across a variety of rocky paths and gravel paths. Can be muddy if it's rained so be aware. Parking can be tricky as there are not many spaces. Nice little coffee stop half way round at the mill too.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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First time walking here today. Fantastic views & nice place to stretch the legs. Aged cottages to check out, which are free entry - & hold interesting information. The cottages & outdoors are clean & tidy, it's clear staff work hard to keep everything in check. There is also place to get a hot drink or an ince-cream (we didn't purchase but was popular with other people). Toilets are available (free of charge) these were clean & tidy (sensor flusher too) toilet roll available & warm water with hand soap in dispenser. We walked the stepping stones across the river, which was good. The walk can be as easy or difficult as you want (depending on the route you want to take). There are various options to stay on the main path or veer off course, down or up the narrow paths. I would suggest getting there early if you want to use the car park (PS5 for the day) it gets full quick & very limited elsewhere as it's permit parking only away from car-parks). We would go again as other areas we want to explore. It was popular with family's and children sk it can be busy.
We had a lovely afternoon walking from Hebdon Bridge up to and round Hardcastle Crags. There's a variety of walks and we chose to walk the river route to the mill then take the crag route round the top. The cafe is good value and the Cornish pasties delicious. For a dry semi sunny Saturday the place was relatively quiet and though it he car park signs said full we met only a few walkers on the paths and it didn't feel packed. I could imagine the place could feel overrun in the summer. There are toilets at the lower car park and more at the mill. Just a warning the ones at the mill do not allow for much breathing space as the cubicles are tiny. The walks we chose were not easily accessible and if you're unsteady on your feet I would not recommend. The paths take you over sloppy rocks and protruding tree roots. It makes for an enjoyable woodland/river trail and all the kids we passed seem to love the variety. You could take the road path from the car park to the mill to make it easier however this is hilly. All in a lovely chilled out place and very relaxing
Nice walk, paid parking of 5PS for the whole day, no option to pay for less time, which makes it expensive if you just want to be around for like an hour.. which is what we did. Nice views but we were expecting something better.
Great place to visit. Previously I've always parked in the carparks, however, this time I was on a run visiting the nearby Lumb Hole Waterfall and Abel Cross, before dropping into here. Lots of paths in here, some mud type narrow tracks and others wide and accessible. Saw two deer and a heron. Great walking/ running area.
Great place for a walk. The route along the river is best after a slippy flight of steps (It had rained heavily day before) so best make sure you have the right footwear. Great views and photogenic scenery. Cafe at the mill is a bit expensive though so best to take your own. Great walks for all ages (and dogs).
Great place for a number of walks, doing the red and purple takes approx 3 hours and is roughly 6.5 miles. Across a variety of rocky paths and gravel paths. Can be muddy if it's rained so be aware. Parking can be tricky as there are not many spaces. Nice little coffee stop half way round at the mill too.
