Thief Clough

Valley in Yorkshire

England

Thief Clough

Pennine Way, Blackstone Edge Taken just to the south of the trig pillar. Looking out over littleborough and Rochdale. — Pennine Way, Blackstone Edge Credit: michael ely

Thief Clough is a picturesque valley located in Yorkshire, England. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility. The valley is situated near the village of Marsden, approximately 15 miles west of Huddersfield.

Thief Clough is known for its stunning natural beauty, boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Walking along the trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, with the soothing sound of the nearby river adding to the serenity.

The valley is also famous for its captivating waterfalls. The cascading waters create a mesmerizing spectacle, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. The most prominent waterfall in Thief Clough is the impressive Standedge Waterfall, which is a popular spot for visitors to capture the beauty of nature through their lenses.

In addition to its natural wonders, Thief Clough offers several walking and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the valley's beauty at their own pace. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Along these paths, one can relish breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy the fresh air.

Thief Clough is a hidden gem in Yorkshire, providing an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty, tranquil ambiance, and enchanting waterfalls make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature's splendor.

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Thief Clough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.647209/-2.0178884 or Grid Reference SD9816. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pennine Way, Blackstone Edge

Taken just to the south of the trig pillar. Looking out over littleborough and Rochdale.

michael ely

Blackstone Edge trig pillar

On the Pennine Way at 472 metres above sea level.

michael ely

Bog trotting on Rishworth Moor

On the concessionary path leading to Green Withens. It's been one of the wettest winters on record and the peat is saturated.

michael ely

Fingerpost at Green Withens

Broad Head Drain

Black Castle Drain

Black Castle Drain

Stone Bridge over Broad Head Drain, Blackstone Edge Moor

David Dixon

Blackstone Edge Moor

David Dixon

'Roman' Road over Blackstone Edge

Blackstone Edge Long Causeway also known as Blackstone Edge Roman is a cobbled ‘road’ surface crossing the bleak moorland for about 2 miles along Blackstone Edge on the Lancashire-West Yorkshire border. The road has a deep groove running down the centre. It is a Scheduled monument (List entry Number: 1003746 Link

Historic England). Initially thought to be of Roman Origin, this road is still marked on Ordnance Survey maps as a ‘Roman Road’ but many historians have argued over whether or not the paved road over Blackstone Edge was built by the Romans, with no firm conclusion ever being reached but nowadays the most widely accepted theory is that it is an early turnpike road from circa 1735. Indeed, in 1965 James Leonard Maxim reported the discovery of a medieval pack-horse track that passed under part of the road and that therefore must pre-date it (Maxim, James L., A Lancashire Lion, J.L. Maxim Trustees: Leeds 1965). Others believe that it may be even more modern being constructed in connection with stone gathering or quarrying activity on the moor. It is, however, likely that a Roman road did once cross the Pennines hereabouts before the medieval pack-horse tracks and the 1735 turnpike road were constructed.

David Dixon

The Aiggin Stone

The Aiggin Stone, an irregular block of gritstone approximately 7 feet long, stands alongside the packhorse route marking the county boundary. The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it. Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle an eagle. Some suggest that it is Roman in origin (linked to the nearby “Roman” road, others that it’s merely a waymarker, others that it’s a milestone, and the more common notion is that it’s a boundary marker of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire (its position in the landscape presently sits it in Lancashire). According to a nearby information plate, The Littleborough and District Lions regard it to be “A mediæval guide stone …..some 600 years old” (SD9717 : Aiggin Stone Information). Link

The Northern Antiquarian

David Dixon

Aiggin Stone Information

Small stone tablet positioned near to SD9717 : The Aiggin Stone by the Littleborough and District Lions, declaring the Aiggin Stone to be "A mediæval guide stone for travellers some 600 years old".

David Dixon

Aiggin Stone and Cairn, Blackstone Edge

The Aiggin Stone, an irregular block of gritstone approximately 7 feet long, stands alongside the packhorse route marking the county boundary. The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it. Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle an eagle. Some suggest that it is Roman in origin (linked to the nearby “Roman” road, others that it’s merely a waymarker, others that it’s a milestone, and the more common notion is that it’s a boundary marker of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire (its position in the landscape presently sits it in Lancashire). According to a nearby information tablet (SD9717 : Aiggin Stone Information), The Littleborough and District Lions regard it to be “A mediæval guide stone …..some 600 years old” The cairn is more recent; there is no indication of its significance, it is the largest of several cairns sited on the moorland alongside the Pennine Way in this area.

David Dixon

Aiggin Stone and Cairn

The Aiggin Stone, an irregular block of gritstone approximately 7 feet long, stands alongside the packhorse route marking the county boundary. The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it. Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle an eagle. Some suggest that it is Roman in origin (linked to the nearby “Roman” road, others that it’s merely a waymarker, others that it’s a milestone, and the more common notion is that it’s a boundary marker of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire (its position in the landscape presently sits it in Lancashire). According to a nearby information tablet (SD9717 : Aiggin Stone Information), The Littleborough and District Lions regard it to be “A mediæval guide stone …..some 600 years old” The cairn is more recent; there is no indication of its significance, it is the largest of several cairns sited on the moorland alongside the Pennine Way in this area.

David Dixon

Gate on the Pennine Way

The gate is where the Pennine Way meets the old pack horse route across Blackstone Edge. SD9717 : Aiggin Stone and Cairn can be seen behind the gate and fence.

David Dixon

Blackstone Edge

Blackstone Edge is a gritstone escarpment at 1549 feet (472 m) above sea level in the Pennine hills surrounded by moorland on the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

David Dixon

Blackstone Edge Escarpment

Blackstone Edge is a gritstone escarpment at 1549 feet (472 m) above sea level in the Pennine hills surrounded by moorland overlooking Littleborough and Rochdale on the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

David Dixon