SD9716 : Green Withens Reservoir from Blackstone Edge

Blackstone Edge

474m Elevation
102m Prominence
England Country
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SD9716 : Green Withens Reservoir from Blackstone Edge

Chris Heaton Photo source

Overview

Blackstone Edge

Nestled in the South Pennines, Blackstone Edge rises majestically to an elevation of 542 meters. This Marilyn, with its distinct rocky outcrops and sweeping views, is a beacon for hikers in the region.

Geology

The landscape is predominantly formed of gritstone, a material celebrated for its durability and unique weathering patterns. The area showcases impressive geological formations that tell a story of natural history spanning thousands of years.

Access

Getting to Blackstone Edge is relatively simple. For those travelling by car, there's a small free car park near the beginning of Cragg Vale road, but don't be shocked if it resembles a game of musical chairs on sunny days! When it comes to public transport, the nearest rail station is Mytholmroyd, about 5 km away, with bus services available to Cragg Vale, ensuring you can wander into this outdoor paradise without too much hassle.

Routes

Two popular routes guide eager walkers to the summit. The Blackstone Edge Circular is a popular choice, spanning about 8 km and taking approximately 3.5 hours to complete. Perfect for those keen on taking in a few more sights along the way. Alternatively, the Cragg Vale to Blackstone Edge route is a straightforward hike of about 5 km (2 hours) that leads directly to the summit.

Terrain and Hazards

Expect a mix of rocky and grassy paths, with charming heather lining the routes here and there. Just a word of caution, though: the terrain can be slippery after rain. A sturdy pair of boots is recommended unless you fancy a spot of unintentional mud wrestling!

Views

From the summit, sights stretch for miles; you may even catch a glimpse of distant Pennine peaks. Spring and autumn provide the clearest views, while the summertime is a feast for the eyes, filled with vibrant wildflowers.

Facilities

Although Blackstone Edge itself is devoid of facilities, nearby Hebden Bridge offers all the amenities you could need, from charming cafes to public toilets.

History

The name 'Blackstone' aptly describes the area's rocky features, while 'Edge' denotes its impressive elevation. Historically, the area served as a significant location for packhorse routes, and ghost stories abound, particularly the peculiar tale of the 'Blackstone Edge Ghost.'

In conclusion, Blackstone Edge is more than just a walk; it’s a chance to traverse history, geology, and perhaps even a ghost or two! So grab your hiking boots, and prepare for a grand adventure.

Explore routes near Blackstone Edge

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Scammonden Reservoir Circuit

5 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Rochdale Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk

7.5 km ~2h Easy

View route

Hardcastle Crags Estate Track to Gibson Mill

3.7 km ~1h 20m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Blackstone Edge Circular

A scenic route starting from the nearby village of Cragg Vale, this circular walk offers stunning panoramas and diverse terrain.

8 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Cragg Vale to Blackstone Edge

A straightforward hike that follows well-marked paths, leading you to the summit with minimal fuss.

5 km ~2 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 400-499m hill Current County/UA Top

Elevation

474m

1,555 ft

Prominence

102m

Coordinates

53.6429, -2.0418

SD973162

OS Map

109

Explorer: OL21S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a series of stone benches that offer respite and reflection while enjoying the surrounding views.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy interspersed with areas of heather and occasional boggy patches.

Predominantly composed of gritstone, Blackstone Edge showcases fascinating geological features, including the iconic craggy outcrops that have been shaped by millennia of weathering and erosion.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch breathtaking views of the surrounding moors, the valleys below, and on a clear day, even see the distant peaks of the Pennine range.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Blackstone' reflects the dark gritstone rocks found in the area, while 'Edge' refers to the elevation at which it rises.

Historical Significance

Historically, Blackstone Edge was an important route for packhorses and has connections to local folklore involving the famous 'Blackstone Edge Ghost'.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is free parking available at the small car park near the beginning of the Cragg Vale road, though it fills up quickly on sunny weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest railway station is in Mytholmroyd, about 5 km away, with bus services running to Cragg Vale.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest facilities are located in Hebden Bridge, which offers a range of cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The rocky terrain can be slippery when wet; it's advisable to wear sturdy footwear. Watch out for sudden changes in weather conditions as they can lead to reduced visibility.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Blackstone Edge?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Blackstone Edge through the maps

Are there other walkers around Blackstone Edge?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Blackstone Edge search or of course create your own walk for Blackstone Edge

Can I organise a walk to Blackstone Edge?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Blackstone Edge.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Blackstone Edge?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Blackstone Edge here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Blackstone Edge location map

Grid reference: SD973162

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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