Ah, autumn, one of my favourite times of the year! Not just because of the winter themed hot chocolates coming out at Costa (SO excited for the orange chocolate one!) but because of those certain days which make you say, “This is perfect dog walking weather” – Direct quote from myself looking at blue skies and wishing I had a pair of gloves to hand.
Continuing my Walks In Yorkshire series, Hardcastle Crags in Hebden Bridge has been one of my favourite places to visit since I was a child, especially during the autumn months. I’ve made so many memories there, whether its going paddling in the river with my neighbours, taking the dog for a swim with my mum and dad or taking advantage of a beautiful Sunday and going on a long walk with family and friends, it’s one of those places that will always stick with me and I‘ll always love visiting.
One of the many reasons I adore going for walks at Hardcastle Crags, especially in the autumn, is the gorgeous colours you see as you walk the path towards Gibson Mill. All the greens change their shades to golds and brown which, not only make for the prettiest photos for Instagram, but it also reminds you that winter is coming (can anyone say that without thinking of Game Of Thrones now?) and its time to take advantage of the last of the *warmish* weather before the duffle coats and woolly hats have to make a permanent addition to your daily outfit.
Now, although parking at Hardcastle Crags is a bit of a mare, my favourite day to go is on a Sunday. Mainly because I like to see Sunday as my ‘get shit sorted and relax a bit’ day (and I feel guilty leaving the dog all week because I’m at work – sorry Smudge) but once I’ve done a pretty hefty walk, I always think that’s a decent excuse to scarf down a Sunday roast including at least two Yorkshire Puddings. The route we usually take is about an hour long and takes you along the river (see photos of wet dog for reference), it’s a gorgeous walk that can seriously test your thigh muscles at times but it’s worth it.
If you go to Hardcastle Crags, make sure you pop into Gibson Mill which is the cutest cafe with the most delicious cakes (they also have free biscuits for the dog next to the till FYI) and try one of their luxury hot chocolates (you’ve probably guessed I’m hot chocolate mad but lets just breeze past that addiction), they come with so much cream and marshmallows that it’s actually a task drinking it (not complaining) and how can you say no to a drink that comes with a chocolate flake? What’s so interesting about Gibson Mill is that it’s 100% self-sufficient in energy, water and waste treatment so you can grab yourself a sweet treat with the good thought that you’re saving the planet. It was also one of the first mills of the Industrial Revolution built in around the 1800’s – even though I wasn’t a fan of history, I find that pretty cool.
Hardcastle Crags isn’t just somewhere to go during autumn, it’s gorgeous during every season – see the bluebells in spring, frosty leaves throughout winter and in the summer it’s just a wonderland of greenery and the place to have your fave sandwiches and pork pies sat on your old tartan picnic throw.
So, I know this post turned a bit into a portfolio of my dog (she’s cute, it was hard not to!), but this National Trust woodland is exactly the place you should visit if you’re in the Hebden Bridge area and looking for somewhere to take your pooch, get a good walk in and appreciate some gorgeous sights.
Thank you so much for reading, I’m having so much fun with this series so far and I hope you’re enjoying it! I’ll try to make sure my next post will include less pictures of my dog for all you crazy cat lovers out there (but I can’t promise anything).
Recommended:
Read my first ‘Walks In Yorkshire’ blog post here.