GADDINGS DAM : HOW TO FIND THE SECRET TODMORDEN BEACH
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This post is all about where Gaddings Dam is and how to find the highest beach in England
Did you know that West Yorkshire is home to the highest beach in England? It’s not a beach as you know them, it’s more like a small patch of dirty, golden sand in one corner of the dam. But it’s a cool place to visit.
Up in the moors of the South Pennines between the little Yorkshire villages of Walsden and Todmorden lies a special place for locals and visitors who are in the know : Gaddings Dam.
It’s a bit of a hike up there but you are rewarded with gorgeous views, a cute little sandy stretch of beach and a truely fantastic wild swimming spot!
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This post is all about the highest beach in England : Gaddings Dam and how to get to it.
WHAT IS GADDINGS DAM?
Gaddings Dam was originally built in 1883 as a way to supply water to the thriving mill industry of Lumbutts.
Over time Gaddings Dam fell into neglect as factories began making the transition towards steam power.
The government planned to drain the unused but historic Victorian embankment in 2001, but a group of locals didn’t want this to happen so they clubbed together to purchase the reservoir.
They worked hard to repair it and even continue to maintain it to regulation standards for us all to enjoy today.
TODMORDEN BEACH
After the walk up to Gaddings Dam you’ll find a small strech of golden sand in one corner dubbed Todmorden Beach. This beach is 80 feet above sea level and 60 miles in land which I guess makes it the highest and perhaps the oddest place for a beach in the whole of England.
It’s open to anyone who wants to visit as long as they can make the climb up to it. As I was visiting I heard a family wishing there was a cable car up to it! Personally, I don’t think it’s that bad of a walk but you do have to have a reasonable fitness level to get up there.
The vistas of the Yorkshire countryside from the top are simply magnificent and on a clear day you can see for miles. You can even see Stoodley Pike monument in the distance rising high from the hills.
HOW TO GET TO GADDINGS DAM
Get your hiking boots on if you want to head to this secret beach as you’re going to need them!
There’s no parking near Gaddings Dam as it’s at the top of some pretty steep hills.
There are several routes to reach the beach. The most popular route is a walk from Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lambutts Road. (Here’s the location). There is a small laybay here that fits around 5/6 cars. Don’t use the Inn’s car park if you’re not eating in their place - it’s rude!
Parking is pretty difficult here especially at weekends or school holidays when the weather is good.
There is now a sign at the bottom of this steep climb to try to discourage walkers from taking the trail from Lumbutts Road, partly due to the difficult parking situation and reports of inconsiderate parking in the past causing road blockages for buses and emergency vehicles and partly due to erosion on the hill having caused a few accidents.
There is another, lesser known route from Walsden that you can take and I’d recommend it if you’re visiting during a peak time (weekends, school holidays, hot weather).
GADDINGS DAM WALKING ROUTE
Difficulty: Easy/medium
Distance: 7.3km (4.5 miles)
Time: 2 hours
Start in Walsden & park in a side street. Go across the canal bridge and turn right up Birks Lane.
Keep to the country road, walking up Hollingworth Lane. Left onto Salter Rake Gate.
Walk to the end of Salter Rake and there is a gate to get you onto the moorlands - Pennine Bridleway.
Keep to the trail until you see this signpost. Turn right towards Gaddings Dam.
Once at the top, relax and enjoy the beautiful views or if you’re feeling adventurous head in to the water for a spalsh around or a swim. If you’re going in the water you might want to swap your hiking boots for water shoes as it can be a little rocky for delicate feet.
WHERE DO YOU PARK FOR GADDINGS DAM
You could park in the layby by the Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road. (Location here). However, this gets full quickly and you’ll be lucky to find a spot there.
A really good alternative is to park in Walsden. There are plenty of quiet side streets where you should easier be able to find a spot. Please do be considerate of the residents though and don’t park anywhere that could cause a nuisance.
CAN YOU SWIM IN GADDINGS DAM?
Yes, absolutely! Gaddings Dam is a wonderful wild swimming spot and you should definitely get in for a dip if you fancy it. The water can get pretty cold even in the summer due to the high altitude.
Once you’ve enjoyed your time at Gaddings Dam I recommend walking over to Stoodley Pike if you have any energy left. It’s about an hours walk and you’ll be treated to more beautiful views over the Yorkshire moors.
VIDEOS FROM GADDINGS DAM
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