Cycle routes and facilities
Pennine Bridleway: Mary Towneley Loop
The Mary Towneley Loop is a 47 mile loop following an excellent bridleway network maintained by Calderdale MBC and Lancashire County Council.
The 17 mile Calderdale section of the off road route also known as the Pennine Bridleway|
begins at Warland following an old pack horse route over steep sided moorland linking Lumbutts and Mankinholes on the outskirts of Todmorden. The route continues on the South side of the Calder Valley bypassing Stoodley Pike Monument before descending through Callis Wood to Charlestown on the outskirts of Hebden Bridge.
From Charlestown the route climbs rapidly from the valley floor to Blackshaw Head making a number of twists and turns around Colden Village.
Refreshments can be purchased just off the trail, before descending past Gorple Lower Reservoir and onto a short road section before going off road again at Widdop Reservoir. From here the route follows Gorple Gate track a technical climb to challenge even the most skilled mountain biker. The Calderdale section of the Mary Towneley Loop finishes at Gorple Stones and on a good day the views are fantastic.
It is however worth venturing into Lancashire as the descent to Hurstwood Reservoir is that good!
