Stoodley Pike
An iconic monument atop windswept moors, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding hiking experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Clear skies, blooming nature
Stoodley Pike
Best Time
Clear skies, blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic monument atop windswept moors, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding hiking experience.
"The views from Stoodley Pike are fantastic and wow such a great monument!"
🎯 Park at Withins Clough
Free parking available, a great starting point for the circular walk.
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be uneven, wet, and steep. Good footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stoodley Pike Monument
Summit
An iconic obelisk offering panoramic views, a testament to history and a rewarding summit.
Panoramic Moorland Views
Along the trails
Vast, open landscapes with rolling hills and expansive skies, perfect for soaking in nature's beauty.
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Withins Clough Reservoir
Base of the hike
A scenic starting point for many walks, offering a tranquil waterside path before the ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Ascent Wisely
Weather-Ready for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park at Withins Clough
Free parking available, a great starting point for the circular walk.
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be uneven, wet, and steep. Good footwear is essential.
🗺️ Navigation can be tricky
Paths aren't always well-signed; consider a map or GPS.
💧 Pack water and snacks
No facilities on the route, so be self-sufficient.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park at Withins Clough
Free parking available, a great starting point for the circular walk.
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be uneven, wet, and steep. Good footwear is essential.
🗺️ Navigation can be tricky
Paths aren't always well-signed; consider a map or GPS.
💧 Pack water and snacks
No facilities on the route, so be self-sufficient.
💨 Be prepared for wind
The summit can be very exposed and windy, even on calm days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Stoodley Pike and the rewarding feeling of reaching the summit. The monument itself is a significant draw, offering a sense of history. However, some routes are very steep and challenging, and navigation can be tricky with paths not always being clearly signposted, leading to muddy or overgrown sections.
"Walked from the cemetery at Mankinholes and went straight up the stone path. Must be mad! Hugely steep and seemingly never ending. The stones are uneven and there is running water over them in several places. You need to be very fit to go this way. The flattest option is from the White House at Littleborough but it is nearly 5 miles but much, much easier than the route we took!!"
Jim T
"What a gorgeous site! We hiked from hebden bridge, a large part of the start is uphill and quite steep but it is definitely worth the walk. If you get the chance please do visit, there are lots of beautiful parts to stop and just take in the view, don’t forget to say hi to the cows and the sheep along the way."
Dabira A
"Great walk, fantastic views & wow such a great monument! 👌👌 well worth a visit for sure! Parked at the withens clough car park (free car park! Bonus!) Which fits roughly 15 to 20 vehicles.. from there you can walk around the large reservoir & follow the signs to the top of the hill to the monument, have a picnic & then continue from there & back down to the carpark. Did the stoodley pike circular walk which roughly took around 3 hours but what out.. not greatly sign posted so may end up in farmers fields clambering through long grass & have soggy muddy shoes by the end of it like we did 🙈🙈😄😄 but well worth the adventure!"
liam herrington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stoodley Pike is accessible from several points. A popular starting point is the free car park at Withins Clough Reservoir (postcode HX7 5RH). For those driving, the White House at Littleborough offers a flatter, though longer, route.
Yes, there is a free car park at Withins Clough Reservoir that can accommodate around 15-20 vehicles.
While the monument is at the summit, you can drive to areas near the base, such as Withins Clough Reservoir. The final ascent to the monument is typically on foot.
The hike from Hebden Bridge is a popular choice, offering beautiful views. It's a tough climb with some steep sections, but the paths are generally well-trodden and in good condition. The walk takes about 1.5 hours.
While direct public transport to the summit is limited, you can take a bus or train to Hebden Bridge and then begin your hike from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Stoodley Pike itself is a monument on open moorland, and there is no entrance fee to visit or hike to it. Parking at Withins Clough Reservoir is also free.
As Stoodley Pike is an outdoor monument on public land, it is accessible at any time. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
No booking is required for Stoodley Pike. It's a natural attraction that can be visited spontaneously.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of the natural environment, stick to paths where possible, and respect the land.
While the hike itself takes time, the monument and views are the main draw. A quick visit would involve a brisk walk up and down, but most visitors spend a few hours to enjoy the surroundings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The difficulty varies greatly depending on the route. The path from the cemetery at Mankinholes is described as hugely steep and challenging. The hike from Hebden Bridge is also tough with steep climbs,
while the route from Littleborough is much easier.
Always check your chosen route's difficulty.
A circular walk from Withins Clough Reservoir can take around 3 hours. The hike from Hebden Bridge is approximately 1.5 hours each way.
Shorter or longer routes are possible depending on your starting point and chosen path.
The views from Stoodley Pike are consistently described as fantastic and awe-inspiring, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and moorland. +1
There are no facilities at the summit of Stoodley Pike. You'll need to bring your own water, snacks, and any other necessities.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails around Stoodley Pike. Many visitors bring their dogs along for the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The Stoodley Pike Monument itself is a prime subject, especially with the expansive moorland backdrop.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape.
Drone footage has been captured at Stoodley Pike, showcasing stunning aerial views of the monument and surrounding moors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the distance. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The summit of Stoodley Pike offers the most commanding viewpoints. As you ascend, keep an eye out for elevated spots along the trails that provide unique perspectives of the monument and the valleys below.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on the trail. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven. The open moorland provides space for kids to explore, and spotting sheep and cows along the way is always a hit. 🚶 Solo Adventurers
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially around livestock like sheep and cows that are often seen grazing on the moors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Stoodley Pike
This monument is more than just a structure; it's a symbol of endurance and a testament to historical events. Its location on the Pennine Way also makes it a notable point for long-distance walkers. The surrounding landscape, often windswept and rugged, adds to the monument's imposing presence and historical narrative.
Visitors often reflect on the history as they stand at the summit, contemplating the wars it commemorates and the generations who have visited the site. It serves as a reminder of past conflicts and the peace that followed, all while offering breathtaking views of the present-day countryside.
Hiking Routes and Terrain
Another well-trodden path is from Hebden Bridge. This route is known for being a tough climb with steep sections, taking approximately 1.5 hours each way. Despite the challenge, the well-maintained paths and rewarding views make it a favorite for many.
For a potentially easier, though longer, option, the route from Littleborough via the White House is recommended. Some hikers have noted that the terrain can be uneven, with running water over stone paths in places, and that navigation can sometimes be challenging due to less clear signage.
Capturing the Scenery: Photography Tips
+1Consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for the most atmospheric light. This is when the landscape is bathed in warm hues, creating stunning photographic opportunities.
Even on a misty or rainy day, the atmosphere can be incredibly dramatic and photogenic, offering a different kind of beauty. When planning your shots, think about using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. Don't forget to look for interesting foreground elements to add depth to your images. Drone photography offers a unique perspective, showcasing the monument and its surroundings from above.
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