Stoodley Pike

The day started with a train journey to Leeds and then on to Todmorden.

Our first stop was the Tourist Information Centre where we received good advice on our route and suggestions for future alternatives.

After our packed lunch we set off along the canal tow path to the bridge carrying the road to Mankinholes.

The road was quite steep but there were great views of Stoodley Pike through the trees before we reached the housing estate.

After the housing estate the climb was even steeper, but well worth the effort.

The Stoodley Pike Monument can be seen for miles in the Calderdale area. It stands 120 feet tall, it is the second to be erected as the first one, completed in 1815, fell to the ground in 1854 after being struck by lightning, forty years after it was built to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon’s armies at the Battle of Leipzig. It mustn’t have been a very sound structure.

The current tower was designed by architect James Green who lived locally, in 1854 and the building was completed in 1856 when peace was declared at the end of the Crimean War.

There’s an inscription above the entrance:

A BEACON MONUMENT ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION COMMENCED IN 1814 TO COMMEMORATE THE SURRENDER OF PARIS TO THE ALLIES AND FINISHED AFTER THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO WHEN PEACE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1815. BY A STRANGE COINCIDENCE THE PIKE FELL ON THE DAY THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR LEFT LONDON BEFORE THE DECLARATION OF WAR WITH RUSSIA IN 1854. WAS REBUILT WHEN PEACE WAS RESTORED IN 1856. RESTORED AND LIGHTNING CONDUCTER FIXED 1889

Shortly after we arrived at the tower we sat for a rest before climbing the stairs and an American appeared who asked why the tower had been built, I said as a Monument to peace, he said, it didn’t work!

We spent some time admiring the views of Calderdale and the Pennine Way from the tower before setting off towards Hebdrn Bridge.

The walk along the top of the valley to Hebden Bridge is very pleasant and easy going.

When we arrived our first stop was a local Coffee Bar where we had a refreshing glass of Fentimans Ginger beer that tasted just like Mum used to make.

After a walk round the town we went for an evening meal of Thai food at the Rim Nam Restaurant on Butlers Wharfe next to the canal. The food was delicious, especially the starter.

After our repast we took the train home, via Leeds for me.