Bradford Beauties – Hog Holes & Viaducts
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Another exploration of the beauty of the Bradford district to celebrate Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture. This invigorating circular hike blends moorlands, the tranquility of woodlands, and industrial heritage including a spectacular viaduct and wonderful waterfalls. This is a journey through time and terrain.
We're heading out from the Bingley area over the north end of the St Ives estate to reach Druid's Altar, a dramatic gritstone outcrop offering panoramic views over Airedale. We'll reach Hog Holes Clough, a secluded valley with a woodland and babbling brook.
As we pass over Cullingworth Moor, we'll visit open moorlands that speak of solitude. One of the highlights of this walk is our crossing over the Hewenden Viaduct, a stunning 17-arch railway viaduct that's one of the tallest in Britain - now part of the Great Northern Railway trail.
Our return follows the idyllic waterfalls known as Goit Stock and the Harden Beck. Depending upon timing as we get back into Bingley, we'll either catch the train back to our starting point or follow the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
Dogs: Well-behaved, socialised and under-control dogs are welcome on this event.
Dogs should be kept on a lead whenever this is signposted and whenever we are in the vicinity of livestock, and at the event leader's request. Goit stock is a dangerous area, so dogs must be kept on a lead and close by at that point of the walk. If you're unsure, contact the leader for guidance.
If the event is fully booked: Please join the waiting list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place on the walk.
If this is your first OutdoorLads walk event: If this is your first event, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed. Please check out the My First Event page, and don’t hesitate to drop me a message if you have questions or want to know more about this walk.
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this once and before your first event.
Image / photo credits:
- Druid's altar - Photo © John H Darch (cc-by-sa/2.0)
- Hewenden Viaduct - Photo © Chris Heaton (cc-by-sa/2.0)
All other images are those of OutdoorLads leaders - with permission for OutdoorLads to use.
What to bring
Water: Bring at least 3 litres if possible. Hot drinks recommended, it gets cold quickly on the exposed moorland section.
Medicines: If you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Rucksack: A 20l day backpack or similar. They are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Footwear: This is a longer walk, you'll need to wear boots designed for hiking. We may encounter boggy/muddy conditions at points depending upon the weather.
Socks: Proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters.
Layered clothing: Lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid-layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece).
Trousers: Ideally not jeans which become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and easier to dry. On warm days shorts are ok but be prepared for wind when we reach the summit of our walk.
Waterproof jacket: Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and drier.
Hat or cap: Hats will keep you warm and protect you from the wind, and give you shade if the sun is shining down on us.
Sunglasses: For any sunny day.
Sun cream: You need to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Snacks: Bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and hot drink. Plenty of water/juice too.
There are no shops or cafés nearby to Crossflatts station, so please make sure you bring everything you need. We're going across moorland areas, so there won't be access to buy anything.