04/09/2026
What an adventure Thursdays ride was. We started with a trip in the Focus4Hope minibus allowing us to go a little further afield than normal - this was a first for us so guided by Steve our driver we had to rearrange seating and load/secure our bikes to fit us all in. Today we were starting in Mirfield, notable for being mentioned in the Doomsday Book but also as the birthplace of notable actor Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Next Generation, X-men and lots more besides) and home to Brian Robinson (first Briton to win a stage of the Tour de France).
Leaving from Lidl we passed under the railway and turned along Back Station Road past the c18 Ledgard Bridge Mill and across Ledgard Bridge to pick up the Calder Valley Greenway at Lower Hopton. Passing Hopton Primary School we followed the Greenway as it ran parallel to the railway heading towards Huddersfield. All was well until we reached Helm Lane at which point temporary signs related to the ongoing transpennine rail upgrades told us the CVG was closed ahead and to follow the diversion from the nearby railway bridge. Unfortunately the diversion signs pointed up Wood Lane and so up and up and up we went. After stopping to see just how far we might have to continue uphill, Jon went ahead on his e-bike to scout out a possible shorter route along North Moor Lane. On Jon’s return we rode a little bit more uphill before turning along the initially overgrown but (mostly) rideable path along North Moor Lane before it widened out into a surfaced track. Despite the headwind adding to our efforts, the track gave great views all across Kirklees. End of the lane and we followed Bog Green Lane downhill to where we could rejoin the CVG once again. Calm, easy downhill followed as we rode through the woodland and onto the Whiteacre Mill Viaduct that once carried the Kirkburton Branch line across the River Colne and the Huddersfield Broad Canal - again stunning views up and down the valley. Spiralling down from the viaduct we reached the towpath on the Broad Canal. It was here that Andrew decided a lie down was called for after our earlier efforts however he was soon back up and leading the way back towards Colne Bridge Lock.
Over the steep little bridge and we were once more on the banks of the River Calder. Under Cooper Bridge and heading towards Brighouse on Lower Quarry Road. Turning off the road onto the track leading to Kirklees Top Lock 14. We left the track before the lock to join the towpath a little sooner and avoid the narrow flight of steps down to the canal. Back on the towpath we had a steady ride in very tranquil surroundings back towards Anchor Pit Flood Lock and some smoother tarmac. Feeling the effects of our diversion and headwinds we were all happy to be riding more easily and rolled along into the centre of Brighouse using the old Blakeboroughs Bridge and Armytage Road to avoid most of the traffic and reach the canal towpath at Brighouse Marina. From here it was a steady ride back along the towpath to Project C**t and a very well deserved coffee (and cake for some).
Well done to all our riders today (Noreen, Jon, Jonathan, Andrew, Steve and Steve our driver) for having a great sense of adventure as well as being excellent company and making the day a lot of fun.
Staying Active Calderdale with Project C**t supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Sport England and Cycling UK Yorkshire and the Humber encouraging Staying Well Calderdale
