March is a wonderful time to explore the Calder Valley. The air is fresh, the hills are beginning to show the first signs of spring, and the landscapes around Sands Farm Cottage feel peaceful and uncrowded after the winter months.
Situated between the vibrant towns of Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Mytholmroyd, Sands Farm Cottage places you at the heart of the Calder Valley. From the doorstep you can access beautiful countryside walks, cycling routes and scenic viewpoints that make this part of West Yorkshire so special.
Here are a few scenic routes and destinations to explore during a spring stay.
Walk a Section of the Pennine Way
One of Britain’s most famous long-distance walking routes, the Pennine Way passes through the surrounding Pennine hills and offers spectacular moorland scenery.
In March, the dramatic skies rolling over the hills can make for particularly memorable walks and photography. Even a short section of the route offers wide open views, quiet paths and the sense of being properly out in nature.
Expect:
- Expansive views across the Calder Valley
- Peaceful moorland trails
- Excellent opportunities for landscape photography
Cycling the Calder Valley
Cyclists can enjoy easy access to National Cycle Route 66, which runs through the valley and connects a network of scenic countryside routes.
The route winds past rivers, mills and hillside villages, making it a great way to explore the area at a relaxed pace. Early spring is ideal for cycling here, before the busier summer months arrive.
Stroll Around Hebden Bridge
The nearby town of Hebden Bridge is known for its independent shops, cafés and creative atmosphere. A walk through the town and along the canal offers a gentle outing for those looking for something a little less strenuous.
Follow the towpath along the Rochdale Canal and you’ll find peaceful waterside stretches, narrowboats and lovely views across the valley.
Visit Haworth – Home of the Brontë Sisters
A short drive from Sands Farm Cottage takes you to the historic village of Haworth, famous as the home of the Brontë sisters and the setting that inspired many of their classic novels.
The surrounding moorland landscapes helped shape works such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and walking across these dramatic hills gives visitors a real sense of the wild beauty that influenced the story.
Haworth is especially topical at the moment thanks to the latest film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which has been filmed in Yorkshire. Visiting the village and walking the surrounding moors is a wonderful way to experience the landscapes that inspired one of literature’s most famous novels.
Explore the Wider Yorkshire Countryside
The Calder Valley is perfectly positioned for exploring further afield too. Within easy reach are the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the dramatic scenery of the Peak District National Park, both offering countless walking routes and breathtaking views.
Return to the Comfort of Sands Farm Cottage
After a day exploring the hills, trails and villages of the Calder Valley, returning to Sands Farm Cottage is part of the experience. With peaceful surroundings and beautiful countryside on the doorstep, it’s the perfect base for walkers, cyclists and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing countryside break.
March might still carry a chill in the air, but the dramatic skies, quiet paths and fresh spring landscapes make it a particularly special time to visit West Yorkshire.
