Greenwood Lee Clough

Valley in Yorkshire

England

Greenwood Lee Clough

Willow pony A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags. — Willow pony Credit: Kathleen Illingworth

Greenwood Lee Clough is a picturesque valley located in Yorkshire, England. Situated in the heart of the countryside, this tranquil area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. The valley is nestled between rolling hills and is intersected by a babbling stream that adds to its charm.

The landscape of Greenwood Lee Clough is dominated by lush green meadows, dotted with vibrant wildflowers during the summer months. The valley is also home to ancient woodlands, comprising of oak, beech, and birch trees. These woodlands provide a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, mammals, and insects.

The valley offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its idyllic surroundings. These trails meander through the woods, alongside the stream, and up the hills, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot rare birds, such as the kingfisher or the elusive tawny owl, as well as other wildlife like badgers and deer.

Greenwood Lee Clough is also steeped in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and stone circles that date back thousands of years. Archaeological enthusiasts can explore these historical sites and learn about the area's fascinating past.

Overall, Greenwood Lee Clough is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Its enchanting landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination in Yorkshire.

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Greenwood Lee Clough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.764343/-2.0472466 or Grid Reference SD9629. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Willow pony

A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags.

Kathleen Illingworth

The Pennine Way near Clough Head Hill

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near King Common

Dave Kelly

Confluence of Graining and Alcomden Waters

At Blake Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Black Dean

Overlooking the site of a railway trestle bridge built in conjunction with the construction of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs. The masonry of the piers remains and the evident line of the trackbed earthworks across the valley shows the height of the trestle bridge

Kevin Waterhouse

Abel Cross

A pair of wayside marker stones on the slopes above Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Aqueduct in Crimsworth Dean

The aqueduct connects a dam on the west side of Bridge Clough with one on the east. These dams connect with ones lower down the valley and all appeared to service Midgehole Dye Works

Kevin Waterhouse

Hebden Water Footbridge

Just south of the confluence with Rowshaw Clough

Kevin Waterhouse

Shooting Butts in Ling Hollow

The butts lead up to the summit of Standing Stone Hill

Kevin Waterhouse

High Greenwood House

View from Widdop Road

Kevin Waterhouse

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Rock outcrop, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Path on a flat valley Floor, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. In some places the valley is V-shaped with little space each side of the river, and in some places it is quite wide and flat.

Humphrey Bolton

Fallen tree across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This tree makes a 'leaky dam' to help to slow flood flows to reduce flooding in Hebden Bridge downstream. This looks to have occurred naturally, but some trees trunks and poles have been placed across the river that will form dams when floating debris has lodged on them.

Humphrey Bolton

Footbridge across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. The path formerly continued up the west side of the river and is still shown thus on maps. However it appears to have been eroded away and part of it has been re-routed to the east side, requiring two new footbridges.

Humphrey Bolton

New tree-planting amongst tall beeches, Hardcastle Crags

"There are areas of Hardcastle Crags that are densely populated by beech trees. These trees block the light from reaching the woodland floor and have stopped plants and flowers from growing underneath them. The lack of ground vegetation is a problem for wildlife and is also a worry during periods of heavy rain. With no ground plants to slow the flow, the rainwater flows quickly to the streams taking leaf litter and soil with it - this causes blockages which increases the risk of flooding in Hebden Bridge and the local area. We've started work to selectively fell trees across the woodland. As well as increasing the light level to help the vegetation and wildlife on the woodland floor, new homes for bats and birds will be created from the thinned beech trees, and their branches will be used to build leaky wooden dams – natural flood management techniques to help slow the flow of rainwater. The work will be completed by carefully chosen contractors who will inspect each tree for signs of bat habitation before work starts, and new trees, including oak, rowan, birch and holly, will be planted to replace the beech trees." From Link

Humphrey Bolton

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This looks like a flow measurement weir, and there is a small building nearby that might house the equipment. However an internet search suggests that it is no longer in use.

Humphrey Bolton