Littleborough to Walsden

 Wednesday 16th July 2025.              Littleborough  to. Walsden

Today’s adventure for the Lads would see them take a train journey to the Lancashire town of Littleborough and then walk back along side the Leeds to Liverpool Canal to the village of Walsden, this should cover a distance of just over 4 miles according to some sources! But for Derek, John, Malcolm, Dave, Brian and Mark this distance seemed to be twice as far.

Their journey began aboard a train from Leeds at 10:20 calling at Dewsbury and Hebden Bridge along the way . It was a pleasant sunny day as the lads arrived at Littleborough station at about 11:30, from here it is just a few minutes walk to the canal and the start of their walk, before not too long we are embracing  the peacefulness of our surroundings etc.

The occasional glimpse of wildlife both on and off the water are a pleasure to see, we also pass a few anglers on route hoping to catch the odd fish or two much to their dismay. We take the opportunity now and then to take photos to add to our vast array of memorable moments we have all shared in our adventures together, great stuff.

Half way through our journey we take a break from the walking and find a suitable spot to sit and consume our picnic lunches, Mark and Brian take the opportunity to purchase a drink from the nearby Summit Pub to accompany their lunch, 30 minutes later we resumed our journey past the numerous Locks along our way which brings back memories of previous occasions we have ambled along this towpath hoping to reach Grandma Pollard’s and enjoy fish and chips, sadly this restaurant no longer exists, much to our dismay.

As 2pm arrives we start to think how much further away is Walsden, some local fishermen suggest it’s another mile or so, doesn’t seem right somehow, nevertheless we keep on going and finally reach our intended destination , not before taking advantage of a honesty box with a supply of goodies to select from , Brian took advantage of this as his hunger pains returned. A few more hundred yards and we left the canal side behind and headed for the railway station just over the road, feeling rather weary we climbed the steps taking us to the other platform in order to catch our returning train heading homeward bound.

This train arriving some 15 minutes later, held up by a rather lengthy slow moving goods train, we climbed aboard at almost twenty past 3 able to have a sit down and relax, John was first off the train at Hebden Bridge, Derek and Dave followed at Dewsbury the rest continued on to Leeds . 

Upon Reflection today’s adventure was maybe a step too far, nevertheless it was a pleasurable just to be out there.

Cheers Everyone.