Image shared for Spen Valley Greenway from Oakenshaw
Countryside Out & back

Spen Valley Greenway from Oakenshaw

West Yorkshire

Distance
12.8 mi
Est. time
5h
Difficulty
Medium
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A long, straightforward walk along the former railway through the Spen Valley. Start at Victoria Park in Oakenshaw, take the park link onto the Greenway and head south through Cleckheaton, Liversedge and Heckmondwike. The old railway alignment carries you over roads and through cuttings, with trees, views across the valley and sculptures along the way.

Turn at the Greenway junction in Dewsbury Moor and retrace the same route. This walk stops before the closed Ravensthorpe railway works, so do not continue onto the fenced southern section. Allow around five hours of walking for the full return route, plus time for breaks, and take water and something to eat. The return has a gradual climb towards Oakenshaw, rather than a steep hill.

The route is mostly smooth tarmac, shared with cyclists and other walkers. Keep dogs close, listen for approaching bicycles and use the left side where practical. Bridges and short tunnels can be damp after rain. Victoria Park has public parking and a playground. Shops and cafes are nearby in the valley towns, though reaching them requires leaving the Greenway.

Walk details

Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
12.8 mi (20.6 km)
Est. time
5h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

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Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.