On Saturday 30th May, we joined with twenty or so friends and acquaintances from the Otley & Aireborough Methodist Circuit to take part in the annual "Missions Walk". Usually in the past this has been round the Washburn Valley area north of Otley but this year instead we went up to Cullingworth above Bingley for an 8 mile walk. The walk took us up through Cullingworth Fields to Cow House Farm, across to Goitstock Wood and up by the side of Harden Beck and its spectacualr waterfalls to Harecroft where we had lunch. From there it was across Hewenden Viaduct following the line of the old railway and back into Cullingworth to finish. The pictures are accompanied by sub titles where appropriate.


The group ready for the off at the start of the walk.

Up through Cullingworth Fields.

The old railway line continuing up the valley to Queensbury.

Crossing the fields to Cow House Farm.

The old Lead Mill chimney at Rough Plantation on the approach to Goit Stock Cottages.

Crossing the bridge over Harden Beck.

Meg, one of the dogs, cooling off in the stream.

Roger watching Meg's antics.

The waterfalls in Goitstock Wood.

A very picturesque garden at the end of the wood.

Footpath sign to Hewenden, but we turned left instead up to Harecroft.

As the signs on the post shows, we were following part of the Millennium Way.

First view of Hewenden Viaduct which we were to cross after lunch.

Further views of the viaduct.

Lunch stop at Harecroft Methodist Church Hall.

The interior of the Chapel.

Scale Model of the Chapel.

The old miner's cottage opposite the Chapel where our friend Joyce lived as a girl.

Mimosa round the door on a neighbouring cottage.

Sheep grazing in the fields.

View back up to Harecroft and Bents Head Farm where Joyce was born.

Approaching the viaduct.

Onto the viaduct itself.

Hewenden Reservoir from the Viaduct.

View down to Hallas Bridge and Goit Stock Cottages

The reservoir from the Cullingworth end of the Viaduct.

Details of the Hewenden Viaduct. These show that the Viaduct is 376 yards long and stands 124 feet above the valley.

Bench erected by the Bradford Council Countryside Department with the reservoir in the background.

Leaving the viaduct and continuing along the old railway track towards Cullingworth.

The road bridge over the old railway.

Joyce & Pauline coming under the bridge.

Lilac time!

At the end of the trail crossing under the archway where the first photo was taken.

Peter's dog, Tyrone, resting with a well earned drink at the end of the walk.

An excellent walk, some beautiful countryside, and fabulous weather and views throughout the day.