Hebble Trail

This ride from Sowerby Bridge to Salterhebble and up the Hebble Trail is full of natural scenery among the remains of ancient industry. It starts from the Canal Wharf in Sowerby Bridge where the hire boats are moored and follows the towpath to the junction with the Hebble. From the Lock Keepers cottage at Salterhebble we take the short section remaining of the Hebble canal and then through a tunnel under the main road we climb very gradually up the valley towards Halifax. This is a nature trail, alongside the little river, and we will see the remains of canal bridges as we climb. The trail ends by one of the old mills still operating as a business, and we can have a rest break at the top and enjoy a gentle downhill ride back to the functioning canal, and back along the towpath to the Sowerby bridge basin with its colourful narrow boats, and the delights of Gabriel’s coffee Lounge in the old turnpike cottage. We’ll meet outside Gabriels coffee Lounge across the road from the statue of the Lockkeeper and his little helper. We will make use of the car park by the canal basin to warm up and have a quick bike check. Then we’ll head out along the track up to the Navigation Inn, and cross a small road and the canal bridge to join the towpath clear of the mooring ropes and cobbles. We will pass the Victorian Copley village on our way, and see the controversial new housing development where the Wireworks stood. We’ll take a break at the end of the trail for an energy snack before heading back the way we came, but now it will be downhill so we can freewheel. The trail crosses a few little roads where we will need to take care to cross safely as there is occasionally a car passing. This is a gentle ride on a mostly well-surfaced and traffic free route, partly alongside the canal. The total length of the ride is around three and a half miles each way. It’s perfect for anyone who’s not been on a bike for a while and will show you that there is no need to worry about big hills going into Halifax. This is the first Breeze ride in Calderdale so everybody will be new and we will be very welcoming to all. Nobody will mind if you want to walk over the cobbles you find under the bridges. It’s a good idea to bring some water and you may also want to bring a snack as your energy levels may need topping up along the way. (That’s my excuse.) Wearing a helmet is advisable, though not essential. Please bring some money if you want to join us at Gabriels coffee lounge at the end of the ride. Contact telephone number: 01422 833838 Look forward to seeing you there!