To experience some of the best walks in West Yorkshire, you must take a trip to Marsden Moor. This sprawling expanse of moorland has several circular walking routes. And if you’re ready to experience the absolute best Marsden Moor has to offer, here is a guide to walking the Standedge Circuit.
This guide will outline the 10-mile Marsden Moor circular walking route known as Standedge Circuit. It also includes essential information to know before you go, plus suggested other sights to enjoy in the area.
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About Marsden Moor
Before we delve into the guide to walking the Standedge Circuit, here is everything you need to know about Marsden Moor.
Where is Marsden Moor?
Marsden Moor is in the South Pennines, sitting on the border between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It is a huge expanse of moorland that stretches more than 5000 acres.
The moor has many walking routes for people to enjoy the incredible views. There are circular walks which take in different sections of the moor or long-distance walks for day hikes that include sections of the Pennine Way.
How do you get to Marsden Moor?
Marsden Moor is just a short walk from Marsden, making it extremely easy to access. By car, simply navigate to the main car park (HD7 6AX).
The main car park is next to the train station, so if you arrive by train you will be in the ideal spot to start the walk. Direct trains to Marsden are available from Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester stations.
Marsden Moor Parking
There are plenty of car parks dotted around Marsden Moor. However, most of the walking routes start from the main car park in Marsden, where the visitor centre is located. The main car park is free to use for all visitors.
Here are all the postcodes for the car parks:
- Main car park HD7 6AX
- Buckstones (layby parking) HD3 3FT
- Pennine Way car park (layby parking) OL3 5HS
- Brun Clough Reservoir car park OL3 5LT
- Wessenden Head Reservoir car park (layby parking) HD9 4EU
Marsden Moor Map
It is helpful to have a map on hand when you are visiting Marsden Moor. You can download maps for the individual walking routes here. You will also find a paper copy of a map containing all the walking routes under the information board in the car park.
If you choose to pack an Ordnance Survey map as a backup for your safety, you need Landranger 110 Sheffield & Huddersfield.
Things to know before you visit Marsden Moor
If you are planning a visit to Marsden Moor, here is some vital information to keep in mind for your visit.
- The rugged moorland does not offer any suitable places for picnics so please don’t bring one with you.
- If you bring snacks for on your hike, please help to protect this beautiful place by taking your litter home.
- There are no toilets on this route.
- Dogs under close control are welcome. Dogs must be kept on a lead during nesting season from 1st March-31st July.
- Fires and BBQs are forbidden on the moor as the environment spreads fire quickly. In 2019 a fire destroyed 700 hectares of vital habitat, and in 2021 a fire blazed for 3 days before it was successfully extinguished. Setting fires on the moors will result in a significant fine. If you see a fire on the moors please call 999 immediately.
- The weather can be unpredictable year-round so make sure you pack these important hiking essentials to be prepared for all eventualities.
Marsden Moor Walks
There are several different walks you can follow on Marsden Moor. Most of the routes are not waymarked, but you can pick up a map outlining all the routes outside the visitor centre at the start of your journey.
Here are the most popular Marsden Moor walks:
- Easter Gate Return – An easy, waymarked 2.8-mile walk from the car park to Easter Gate and back.
- Deer Hill – A moderate 4.5-mile circular route for sweeping views from the top of Deer Hill.
- Pule Hill – A moderate 4.5.-mile circular route that skirts around the most recognisable hill on the moor, Pule Hill.
- Standedge Circuit – A challenging 10-mile circular route that includes some of the most popular sights on Marsden Moor, including Ester Gate, Pule Hill and dramatic views from Standedge.
Marsden Moor Circular Walk – Standedge Circuit
If you want to see most of the Marsden Moor sights on one trip, the best route to take is the Standedge Circuit. This route is challenging, but the incredible views are so rewarding!
As this route is 10 miles long, you will want to allocate around five hours to complete it. Make sure you pack all your hiking essentials for this trip. They might come in handy!
Here is the Standedge Circuit route broken down step by step.
Easter Gate Return
The first section of the walk follows the same route as the Easter Gate Return walk. This route is waymarked and easy to follow, so keep an eye out for the red arrows to direct you.
From the car park, go past the train station and join the canal path. Follow the canal for approximately 15 minutes until you pass beneath some railway bridges. On the other side, you will cross a bridge near Standedge Tunnel.
Take the field path straight ahead, passing by some beehives on your right. The field path will then become more established as it turns left and runs in parallel to the road. Continue to follow this path until you rejoin the road.
Continue to follow the road as you pass the Hey Green Generator, a water generator that brought the first electricity to light a home in the Colne Valley.
At the crossroads, continue with the road straight ahead for a short distance. Then, take the footpath on the left. This footpath will take you down to the River Colne and a packhorse bridge known as Easter Gate.
Easter Gate
Although commonly known as Easter Gate, you will find this spot labelled Close Gate Bridge on maps. This pretty packhorse bridge was once used to transport wool between Huddersfield and Rochdale.
To March Hill
From Easter Gate, cross over the bridge and pass through the gate. At this point the paths branch into three routes. Take the middle one straight ahead, that ascends steeply.
After the initial scramble up the steps, you are rewarded with impressive sweeping views! The path is clear and obvious to follow as you make your way across the moor.
As you approach March Hill, the paved path will give way to a more rugged track. Continue to follow it up the hill, before reaching the A640.
The Pennine Way and Standedge
As you reach the road, turn sharply back again as you switch onto the Pennine Way. You will see the route clearly signposted. Cross the small, slatted bridge and follow the path up a slight ascent again.
Follow the Pennine Way up to Standedge. This dramatic escarpment provides impressive views across Lancashire.
You will reach a trig stone at the Standedge viewing point. It is often very blustery here, but well worth pausing to admire the incredible views!
From here, continue to follow the path as it descends through several fields and tumbled walls. You will see Brun Clough Reservoir in the distance, which is where you are heading.
Follow the track downhill towards the reservoir. When you reach the A62, take extreme care when crossing the road. Once you have crossed the road, head toward the car park.
Pule Hill
When you have crossed the road, take the steps to the left of the car park. This will take you along a path which runs parallel to the A62, before it turns away into Marsden Moor.
Follow the path as it passes by Red Brook Reservoir and beyond it, Pule Hill. Pule Hill is one of the most recognisable Hills on Marsden Moor. If your legs are up to it, take a detour and climb to the top of the hill for incredible panoramic views. Be warned though, it is steep!
Return to Marsden
At this point in the walk, you have two options. You can continue on the Standedge Circuit route to experience the full 10-mile walk. But, if your legs are a little tired, you can take a more direct route, which will make the full walk just over eight miles.
Standegde Circuit – Full Route
To continue on the longer route, follow the path until you see a marker stone and the path splits. Rejoin the Pennine Way towards Black Moss and Swellands Reservoirs. The route then takes you between the two reservoirs, leaving the Pennine way briefly to follow the path along the edge of Black Moss Reservoir.
Continue on the Pennine Way. The route will diverge again and take the left-hand fork. This will take you across Wessenden Brook before the route curves left along the edge of Blakeley Reservoir. Beyond this, follow the path alongside Butterley Reservoir.
Continue to follow the Bridleway until it meets Binn Road. Follow Binn Road until you reach the roundabout. Head straight across the roundabout and follow the road through the tunnel beneath the A62.
At the end of the road turn right onto Church Lane, then continue along Station Road. The entrance to the car park is on the right-hand side, shortly before the train station.
Standedge Circuit – Shorter Route
If you would prefer to take the shorter route, at the point where the marker stone indicates the path splitting, bear left. You will dip down and cross a stream before following the path for almost a mile. As the path drops down steeply, follow it over a stream then climb up to a road on the other side.
Turn right onto the road then immediately left onto Old Mount Road. Shortly you will see a sign for Hades Farm on the left, take this track. After half a mile, take the footpath on the right which descends alongside a wall and rejoins Old Mount Road.
Follow the road downhill until you reach Towngate. Head left past the church and left again at the end onto Station Road, which will take you back to the car park.
Other things to do near Marsden Moor
If you want to explore more of the area while you are visiting Marsden Moor, here are some other great local sights you might want to visit.
Standedge Tunnel
Standedge tunnel is England’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel. Built in 1811, this tunnel spans just shy of 5,000 metres from Marsden to Diggle through the Pennine hills.
Today, there is a visitor centre where you can learn more about the canal and its importance. There is also a cafe where you can enjoy a delicious treat. Plus, you can even book your ticket to take a ride into the tunnel on a short, guided tour.
You can read my full guide to visiting Standedge Tunnel here.
Folly Dolly Falls
In nearby Meltham, you can enjoy a pretty waterfall walk to Folly Dolly Falls. This fairytale falls is tucked away from view, just off the Meltham Greenway. Check out this guide to discover how to find it.
Holmfirth
The town of Holmfirth is just a 15-minute drive from Marsden Moor. Holmfirth is full of independent shops, cafes and bars. but, if you want a unique experience, be sure to visit Holmfirth Vineyard for a tour and tasting of their Yorkshire wines!
National Trust Marsden Moor Standedge Circuit
So, if you’re ready to take on the Standedge Circuit at Marsden Moor, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit this guide!
If you want to learn about more of my favourite National Trust sites, check out these posts:
- Complete Guide to National Trust in Yorkshire
- Is a National Trust Membership worth it? National Trust Membership Review
- Hardcastle Crags: Picturesque Woodland Walk in West Yorkshire
- Things To Do At East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley
- National Trust Nostell: Things To Do At Nostell Priory
- National Trust Places in West Yorkshire
- Things To Do At Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire
- Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail
And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!
Until our next adventure,
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If you like this guide to walking the Marsden Moor circular walking route, Standedge Circuit, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great West Yorkshire travel guides.
Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
This is very nice! loved especially the part of Easter Gate, it looks so picturesque and cute! I would love to visit in summer or late spring when it’s not too cold for me ☺️
It is a beautiful walk and Easter Gate is a pretty sight along the way! It is a great walk from spring and summer months, or even a dry autumn day. The walk is very open with no shade so it could be a bit too warm in the middle of summer! I hope you get a chance to try it out!
Being one with nature is probably an exhilarating experience for me, having grown up as a city kid. Love this post!
I love escaping the city to get into nature! Luckily, in Yorkshire, we don’t have to go far outside the city to escape into the countryside! I’m so glad you like this guide to Marsden Moor!
Stunning photos! Would love to take this walking tour of the Standedge Circuit and learning more about Marsden Moor.
Walking the Standedge Circuit is a great way to get to know Marden Moor. The hike is beautiful, I hope you get a chance to experience it!
Nice, comprehensive guide! I’ve always wanted to visit Yorkshire – this is great inspiration!
Thanks Colleen, I’m so glad you like the guide! I hope you get to visit Yorkshire soon, it’s such a beautiful place! If you want any inspiration for you trip just drop me a note, I’m always happy to make recommendations!
The hikes looks so amazing, especially with the bridges and rock fences. And the views are fantastic.
Marsden Moor has some beautiful hikes. The scenery is so picturesque! The view from Standedge is amazing! I hope you get a chance to see it in person!
Wow above all I want to take the tour at the Standedge tunnel! Of course, walking the Standedge Circuit sounds interesting too but the tunnel got me! Thank you for sharing this!
The Standedge Tunnel tour is fascinating! I’ve got a whole blog dedicated to the tunnel coming up soon so keep an eye out! Thanks for reading!
I had never heard of Marsden Moor before, but I love hiking and would definitely check it out some time! I also love how this post was organized and your color scheme. Awesome post! Xx Sara
Thanks Sara! I’m so glad you loved the post! Marsden Moor is such a beautiful place, I hope you get an opportunity to explore it! x
What a lovely spot for a walk! I would love to spend some time exploring this area. Thanks for sharing and the tips you’ve included too.
Marsden Moor is a lovely place. I hope you get an opportunity to visit and enjoy the walks. Thanks for reading!
Oh my, this is so idyllic. Each of the short walks more stunning then the next. I think I would love doing each one. The tunnel is pretty cool too!
Marsden Moor is a beautiful place for walking with so many different routes! You could definitely visit several times and see something new every time! The tunnel is a really interesting place too, there is so much to see in the area!
Stunning views! This is what I imagine a classic moor to look like. Sad to hear about the fires! I’m glad it was able to recover. Great recs!
Marsden Moor is a beautiful moor. I’m so glad that it has established footpaths though, I find moors such disorientating places to walk when you have to forge your own path! The fires were absolutely devastating. Here’s hoping future visitors will be much more considerate of the environment!
This is so pretty! I’d love to visit!
Marsden Moor is such a beautiful place, I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Detailed information & excellent tips!
Thanks Marquita! I’m so glad you like the guide!
What a gorgeous place for a hike with the views and landscape along each section! I like that doing the Standedge Circuit includes all of the top walks. The Easter Gate bridge is so pretty and one I’d want to take lots of photos of. Taking the canal boat ride after looks so fun!
Marsden Moor is a beautiful place for hiking. The views are incredible throughout the whole of the trail! The Easter Gate Bridge is so pretty! It’s a lovely place to explore, I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
What a lovely looking hike. The waterfall is really pretty, and it might be interesting to do the tour into the tunnel. But even just waking the trails seems like a great way to spend a day
Marsden Moor is such a pretty place with incredible scenery! I really enjoyed hiking the Standedge Circuit to see a lot of the moor. I was pretty tired afterwards though! The tunnel is well worth a visit though, I’ve got a blog post about the tunnel coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled!
That tunnel looks so interesting to travel through! It’s great that this trail is so well signposted and easy to follow. Love those stone steps in the field!
Standedge Tunnel is such an interesting place! I’ve got a blog post about visiting the tunnel coming up soon! Those stone steps were a bit of a killer but the views were incredible!
When I get to Yorkshire, I’ll be ready to take on the Standedge Circuit at Marsden Moor for sure! The views, and that packhorse bridge!
The packhorse bridge is simply adorable, isn’t it? The Standedge Circuit is definitely the best way to see Marsden Moor. I hope you get an opprtunity to visit and take it all in!
I always panic when I’m not sure where to park when I get to new spots, so I loved how you provided all the parking postcodes! I also think it’s incredible how many different walks there are, at various distances. I bet you could visit numerous times and never get bored of the views! Standedge tunnel looks amazing! I’ve heard of it before and would really love to see it.
I agree! I get so stressed out if we’re heading somewhere and can’t get parked! Luckily there is loads of choice when it comes to parking at Marsden Moor! You could definitely visit over and over again and always discover something new – it’s a magical place! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Oh my gosh, I’ve actually done this circuit before! When I lived in Manchester I was part of the local run club and we did a run here once. I remember I also tripped and fell on my face on one of the paths hahaha. Your photos and description sure bring back memories though!
Wow, I’m not sure you’d catch me running the route! What a beautiful place for a run though! The scenery is so pretty but I’m not surprised you tripped on the paths! I hope your experience didn’t taint your thoughts of Marsden Moor, it is such a pretty place!
This sounds like a great circular walk. I like the fact that you have a few options for parking, as most of the time the car parks are limited. It’s also great to have a few different routes to take depending on your level of fitness. I would love to do the 10 mile challenging one for sure 🙂
The Standedge Circuit at Marsden Moor is a beautiful route! The views are incredible! It’s handy that there are lots of car parks nearby, although we’ve visited twice now and both times the main car park was pretty empty so luckily it seems to have plenty of spaces. The 10-mile route is incredible and a great way to see lots of the scenery on one visit!
Great to know that there are several circular walking routes. And several different spots to park to do the walk. A 10 mile walk around the Marsden Moor certainly had a lot to offer. Although I must admit that no picnic or bathroom spots for 10 miles might be a challenge. Good to read that there are shorter options from different points.
Marsden Moor is such a beautiful place! I was anxious about the lack of facilities too, but the scenery was so beautiful we didn’t even stop to think about it in the end. The long hike flew by! I hope you get a nopportunity to explore Marsden Moor one day!
This definitely sounds like my kind of travel! I love exploring the outdoors on foot. Thanks so much for sharing
There are so many incredible places in Yorkshire for walkers and hikers. Marsden Moor is such an impressive one and the views are beautiful! I hope you get an opportunity to explore Marsden Moor in person. Thanks for reading!
Wow, I’m from the US and I’ve never even heard of the Marsden Moor before! It seems like a great place to go for hikes if I’m in the area 🙂. Thank you for making such a good reference guide!
Marsden Moor is such a stunning place and well worth a visit if you’re in the area – or if you’re looking for an excuse to visit! I hope you get an opportunity to see it in person!
What a lovely little place to take a hike! It seems so quaint and charming there. If I’ve learned anything recently, it’s that the UK has some AMAZING countryside. Thanks for sharing!
Aah the UK is definitely perfect for picturesque countryside! Marsden Moor is such an impressive place. It is a wonderful place for hiking. Thanks for reading!
Your photos are sooo dreamy. I dream one day of getting lost (on purpose) in the Marsden Moor. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Thanks so much Monica! Marsden Moor is a beautiful place! It is the ideal place to get lost! Thanks for reading!
Beautiful! This wild and rugged scenery is so homey to me. I love moorland and woodland. A walk to put on my Yorkshire list for sure!
The scenery is incredible, isn’t it? I love how remote and isolated you feel on moors…they’re always so silent! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Marsden Moor soon!
wow these are some really spectacular views!!!😍😍 transport meeee!!
The views from Standedge are incredible! Marsden Moor is such a beautiful place!
This looks like a beautiful place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Adding this to my list of places to visit. Thank you for the amazing pics!
Thanks Ann, I’m so glad you like the guide! Marsden Moor is a beautiful place to explore. I hope you get a chance to explore it soon!
Marsden Moor look like a lovely place to escape to for a day of hiking! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marsden Moor is perfect for a day full of adventure! It is a beautiful place to hike. Thanks for reading!
What a lovely area, I live in lancashire but love how stunning and peaceful Yorkshire is.
There is some beautiful countryside in Yorkshire! Marsden Moor straddles the Lancashire border, and it was such a lovely place for a walk. It is well worth exploring!
This looks like a beautiful walk. I’d never heard of Marsden Moor but after the last 18 months, I’m always looking for new places in the UK to explore…& walk in. Thank you for all the details!
Haha I agree! Finding a new walking route after so long in lockdown feels like winning the lottery! Marsden Moor is a beautiful place and well worth exploring. The moor is huge with so much to see, I can’t wait to go back and explore more of it!
This looks like a lovely place for a nice hike on a sunny day. I don’t know much about Yorkshire, but I’m enjoying all your articles and love exploring along with you! Thanks for sharing, Hannah!
Marsden Moor is a beautiful place for a hike on a sunny day! We visited in autumn but it was still very warm! I’m so glad you’re exploring Yorkshire virtually! I hope you get an opportunity to see the area in person one day! Thanks for reading!
This looks like a beautiful walk! I love that it’s a circular one so you don’t have to retrace your steps and see new scenery instead 🙂
Marsden Moor is such a beautiful place! The Standedge Circuit is a stunning route. It is long but well worth it to admire all of the incredible scenery!
The Standedge Tunnel tour is so damn appealing! I love doing the mystic aura of such tunnels, caves, etc.
I loved taking a tour of Standedge Tunnel! It is such an interesting place and it is so impressive to see it in person! I hope you have a chance to visit.
Looks stunning! I’d love to take this walking tour.
The Standedge Circuit is such a lovely walk and the views on Marsden Moor are spectacular!
We would love to visit Marsden Moors. The walks are lovely and the moorland looks so scenic.
Marsden Moor really is a beautiful place. It is so peaceful and the views are amazing. I hope you have an opportunity to visit!