Top Withens & Haworth Moor
The snowy moorlands of Brontë country
Summary
Snow had fallen heavily the night before, forecasting lots of ice on the roads, so we decided to stay local and explore the snowy moorland of Haworth Moor, knowing that it would make for a grand day out.
The Hike
We began from Pondon Reservoir, the ground beneath was frozen solid and the skies were a bright deep blue with dustings of snow as far as the eye could see. Lost in conversation, we made our way up the steep slope of Pondon Lane, towards the captivating snowy peaks of the expansive rolling moorland. A 360 degree view gave us the enchanting experience of rolling white hills; it was a welcoming change to the landscape we were so used to. Happy, and not a care in the world, we followed narrow paths that snaked their way to the top of the first and only summit of the day, celebrating with a shot whisky! To my friend’s amusement, I was nearly sick as the liquid slowly warmed my insides, what was I thinking, I hate shots!
Onwards, we made tracks to Top Withens, however this was bustling with people and we were solely there to enjoy the solitude and silence of the area. Once we found more quiet grounds, we descended down to Walshaw Dean Middle Reservoir, gazing into the water whilst munching on a quick lunch. Bodies feeling slightly more energetic, we navigated ourselves alongside the reservoir hoping to find a path that led us out of the valley. There were silhouettes of people in the far distance, and were able to follow their tracks, but it wasn’t until then that we realised this is going to be a lot more challenging than expected to navigate back, especially as there wasn’t a path and the snow was extremely deep.
Slowly the silhouettes of people began to disappear, we were all alone in this vast exposed environment. The heavy snow dazzled brightly beneath us, as we slowly ploughed our way back over the moor, it felt like we could have been somewhere in the Alps not Haworth Moor! Towards the end of the hike, we truly relished in the moment as the sun set behind, taking in the views that rewarded us from all angles.
‘ This is Yorkshire!’
Gallery
Explore more about Top Withins, Withering Heights, Haworth Moor & Brontë Way.