PHOTOS & POSTCARDS FROM GADDINGS DAM AND STOODLEY PIKE, YORKSHIRE
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This post shares my pictures from visiting Gaddings Dam and Stoodly Pike near Todmorden, Yorkshire. If you’d like to find out more about Gaddings Dam read this
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!
If you carry on walking for another hour or so you will also reach Stoodley Pike - a 400m hill with a 37m monument atop of it.
These are my photos from my visit. If you’d like to know more abot Gaddings Dam you can read this article.
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This post shares my pictures from visiting Gaddings Dam and Stoodly Pike near Todmorden, Yorkshire. If you’d like to find out more about Gaddings Dam read this
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.
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.
You might want to swap your hiking boots for water shoes if you’re going in as it can be a little rocky for delicate feet.
WHAT IS STOODLEY PIKE?
Stoodley Pike is a 1,300 ft (400m) hill in the South Pennines in West Yorkshire in northern England. Atop the hill stands a 121 ft (37m) Stoodley Pike monument. The monument dominates the moors of the upper Calder Valley and the market town of Todmorden.
The monument was designed in 1854 by local architect, John Green and completed in 1856.
WHERE DO YOU PARK FOR GADDINGS DAM & STOODLEY PIKE
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.
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.
If it’s been raining a bit the fields can get quite boggy. I had a few moments where I nearly fell in the mud as it was deeper than I thought. Hiking boots are definetly needed and please watch your step.
It’s pretty windy up there so make sure you’re prepared with the correct clothing. Even on sunny days you may need a jacket and as it is England, rain may come at any time!
VIDEOS FROM GADDINGS DAM
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