Marsden and Black Hill

Welcome to Freshwalks. This classic hike event is part of our own vibrant business community programme and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of hiking and networking in the great outdoors. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company.

Route description

This invigorating circular hike from Marsden climbs steadily along the historic Standedge Trail, offering sweeping moorland vistas tinged with autumn hues. Passing the wild expanse of Featherbed Moss, the route leads to the exposed summit of Black Hill, where panoramic views stretch across the Pennines. From the trig point, descend via the Pennine Way, a rugged ribbon of stone slabs guiding you through windswept heather. The return leg skirts the tranquil reservoirs of Wessenden and Butterley, their still waters reflecting October’s shifting skies. Expect bracing air, rustling grasses and the golden glow of late-season light on this rewarding moorland trek. The warmth and fine ales of the Riverhead Brewery Tap await the returning adventurer.

Route: Marsden - Standedge Trail - Featherbed Moss - Black Hill - Pennine Way - Wessenden Reservoir - Butterley Reservoir - Marsden

Distance: 21km

Grade: Very Hard (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 582m / Total ascent: 589m

Proposed schedule:

09:00 - Meeting, SASS Wellbeing Studio, Marsden

09:30 - Walk starts

12:30 - Picnic, location TBC

16:00 - Walk finishes (estimated)

Walk leader: Michael Di Paola

Meeting location: Sass Wellbeing Studio, 35 Peel St, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BW https://w3w.co/glider.butterfly.chain

Parking: On-street car parking is available in Marsden. Please park with consideration to local residents.

Public transport: Please take the 08:30 train from Manchester Piccadilly to arrive in Marsden at 09:01. It's 7 mins walk to the meeting point.

Toilets: No public toilets in Marsden. Customer toilets at meeting location.

Pre walk: You're welcome to join other walkers ahead of the event at Sass Wellbeing Studio. https://www.sasswellbeingandcoffee.co.uk

Lunch: Please bring an appropriate packed lunch and we'll stop somewhere en-route.

Post walk: We expect to arrive back in Marsden around 16:00 and head to the excellent Riverhead Brewery Tap for drinks and food. www.theriverheadmarsden.co.uk