Spen Valley Greenway (A Guide To Walking Yorkshire’s Route 66)

The Spen Valley Greenway is Yorkshire’s own route 66. Well, it is the National Cycle Network Route 66 (NCN 66) anyway! But it is also one of the best walks in West Yorkshire. Keep reading for your guide to walking the Spen Valley Greenway.

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Spen Valley Greenway

So while we’ve been stuck in lockdown (again!) I’ve been looking for nice walks in West Yorkshire that we can enjoy close to home. And that’s when I discovered the Spen Valley Greenway.

Coincidentally, we have walked part of the route before, without really knowing much about it. But after learning more about the history, I wanted to go back and appreciate the route fully.

So here is my introduction to the Spen Valley Greenway, an overview of its history, and everything your need to know about walking the route!

About Spen Valley Greenway

The greenway is a 7-mile route that connects Dewsbury to Oakenshaw. The route follows the track of the disused Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.

Today, the spot attracts cyclists and walkers from miles around. Plus, it makes a great local escape while we’re unable to travel too far afield! Not only is the route a popular cycle and walking track, but it also features an arts trail and some stunning views.

Keep reading for a preview of the highlights of the Spen Valley Greenway!

Getting To Spen Valley Greenway

Spen Valley Greenway is easily accessible from a number of surrounding towns, including Oakenshaw, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Dewsbury, and Ravensthorpe. Many of these towns offer free on-street parking or pay and display car parks.

Depending on how long you want to spend on the trail, you can choose to start anywhere on the path.

Spen Valley Greenway has a number of access points to join the route. However, if you look up ‘Spen Valley Greenway’ on Google Maps, it isn’t particularly helpful when you’re looking for locations to join.

Fortunately, you can get a handy map, which marks all of the access points for you.

Things To Do At Spen Valley Greenway

You’re most likely to stumble upon Spen Valley Greenway if you’re looking for walks around West Yorkshire, but there is a whole lot more to enjoy than just walking!

Here is a guide to all of the things to do at Spen Valley Greenway.

Walking

So, let’s start off with the obvious, and probably why you ended up here in the first place! The greenway is a great route for walkers if you’re looking for places to walk in West Yorkshire.

The route is ideal for a gentle stroll since it is paved and flat. As it follows the old railway line, the greenway is relatively straight, well-paved, and has no steep inclines. This makes it an ideal walk for all ability levels and is a great walk for families in West Yorkshire, as the terrain is ideal for pushchairs!

When walking Spen Valley Greenway, you decide how challenging you want it to be by deciding the distance. Walking from Dewsbury to Oakenshaw would take you approximately 3 hours. But don’t forget to factor in your return journey.

If you wanted to, you could spend the whole day walking the full thing, there and back.

Cycling

If you prefer to adventure on two wheels, grab your bike! This route makes the perfect gentle ride that is ideal for all ability levels. The smooth, flat surface means that you are able to cycle the path with ease.

You’ll be in good company if you choose to cycle NCN66. Many visitors choose the location for a gentle ride daily.

As it is such a popular route, you’ll find it handy to have a bell for alerting pedestrians as you’re approaching them. Don’t forget your helmet!

Geocaching

You may not have heard of geocaching before. It is a global treasure hunt in which participants (geocachers) hide small boxes containing a log and occasionally, small trinkets. The aim is to find the box using GPS co-ordinates on the geocaching app and sign the log without passersby (muggles) knowing what you’re up to!

Spen Valley Greenway is home to a number of geocaches along the route. It’s a great location to try out geocaching if you’ve never done it before! And if you’re a seasoned geocacher, some of them will require you to apply all of your geocaching knowledge to locate!

If you are new to geocaching and don’t know where to start, check out my beginners guide here.

Follow The Arts Trail

Spen Valley Greenway is home to an art trail. Along the route you will find various sculptures and pieces created by local artists.

While there are many pieces on the route to admire, here are some of my favourites.

Rotate by Trudi Entwistle

‘Rotate’ by Trudi Entwistle is an impressive piece made up of 40 giant steel hoops set in a circle. You can walk or cycle (if you don’t get dizzy!) through these rings, which feel like a vortex to another world.

 We All Walk the Same Way by Sally Matthews

Shortly after you pass Cleckheaton as you head towards Low Moor, you will encounter Sally Matthew’s flock of Swaledale Sheep. The sheep are constructed from recycled industrial scrap.

The almost life-like characters made up of scrap metal are another reminder of the heavy industrial past of the now rural area.

Spring Along the Greenway by Pauline Monkcom

Sculptures aren’t the only artform being celebrated along the route. Keep an eye out for some fun signs that make up the poem ‘Spring Along the Greenway’ by Pauline Monkcom.

If you’re not paying close attention, you’re in danger of passing these fun signs by without a second glance! If you passed without much thought, you could easily mistake these for regular road signs. But when you take a closer look, you’ll discover they are much more creative and entertaining!

In fact, the whole Spen Valley Greenway route feels a bit like a treasure hunt! These inconspicuous signs are dotted throughout the walk. Some are pretty well hidden like the one below, hanging on an overhead bridge. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Try Out The Interesting Benches

Even the benches are in on the act! Along the route, you will spot plenty of benches that appear to be made from old machinery and buckets from diggers. If you’re passing, be sure to test one out while you pause to admire the view.

These fun benches are a great addition to the art trail. They were created by artist Jason Lane, using metal sourced from a local scrapyard.

Appreciate The Signposts

But the fun signs don’t stop there! Each access point to Spen Valley Greenway is clearly marked with the road name, so if you do decide to venture off the path, you know exactly where you are. These signposts are just as fun and creative as the rest of the art trail, so keep an eye out for all of the unique designs!

Admire The Street Art

If you’re a street art fan, there are plenty of opportunities to see this urban creativity. Some of the biggest sections are near the Tesco access point in Cleckheaton, and on the bridge crossing the M62.

The street art is another creative addition to the art trail. When we visited, the highlights included some topical pieces about the ongoing pandemic.

Admire The Views

Even though Spen Valley Greenway passes through many towns, the route has a surprisingly rural feel. Along the path, you will be treated to plenty of picturesque green views. Make sure you find a moment to pause and admire them.

And while the rural views are beautiful, you will spot plenty of industrial views along the way too. This diverse trail highlights the surprising beauty to be found in more industrial settings, alongside the picturesque countryside.

Meet The Locals

We might be in lockdown but us Yorkshire folk are still a friendly bunch! You’ll likely hear a passing ‘morning’ or ‘hello’ from fellow walkers you cross paths with. You might even find that you strike up a conversation with a few of them!

On our journey, we happened to bump into Jake, a local resident who was running 10k every day in February to raise money and awareness for the local charity The Speak In Club.

Throughout lockdown, many of us have felt isolated and overwhelmed. The Speak In Club knows the power of human connections and conversations. They offer services for men, women, and youths who need a safe space to talk about mental health issues and to get the most appropriate support.

You can see more about their services here:

Follow The Speak In Club on Facebook to keep up to date with their latest news and services.

Discover The Railway History

Dotted along the greenway, you can still see remnants of the history of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Keep an eye out for plaques, old signals, and impressive tunnels that were once essential parts of the railway.

Tunnels

As you pass Liversedge, you will encounter an impressive tunnel that remains from the old railway. Walking through the tunnel gives an incredible sense of the scale of the trains that once passed through here. It also has a rather loud echo!

Railway Signs

Close to the tunnel, you will also cross a bridge, which bears a marker to commemorate the 1848 opening of the railway, and the millennium transformation to the greenway as we know it today. This unassuming marker is one of the only signs on the greenway that highlights the rail history.

Signals

At several points on the route, you will pass by towering signals. These once vital pieces of equipment now stand disused, nestled among the trees. But act as an indicator of the area’s previous use, for visitors who might not know the history.

These small nods to the origin of the greenway act as a gentle reminder of the industrial origins of this route, which is now steeped in nature.

Grab A Bite At The Spen Valley Greenway Cafe

If you find yourself getting peckish on your walk, you can grab a bite to eat at the Spen Valley Greenway cafe. The Sunflower Pot is located in the Liversedge section of the greenway.

This delicious cafe is open every day serving breakfast, hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, paninis and toasties, jacket potatoes, and hot and cold drinks. It is the ideal place to rest your feet and grab a bite to eat!

Other Nearby Sites

While the greenway is a beautiful walk in itself, you have several opportunities to jump off the main path and explore some other beautiful spots.

Jo Cox Community Wood

Jo Cox was an MP for Batley and Spen, who was tragically murdered in 2016. To honor her memory and to celebrate her love of Batley and Spen, the Spen Valley Civic Society undertook the mammoth task of creating the Jo Cox Community Wood.

Located between Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton, the wood is designed to honor Jo’s strong compassion for the members of the community who could be easily overlooked, isolated, or lonely. It is built as a place to bring communities together and celebrate Jo’s values.

If you’re passing, be sure to visit this peaceful retreat to reflect and unwind.

Dewsbury Country Park

Towards the other end of the greenway, you will find Dewsbury Country Park. The park was once a landfill site, and is now one of the largest new areas of tree planting in the north of England!

If you visit today, it is difficult to believe this picturesque woodland was once a landfill. When you’re walking the Spen Valley Greenway, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit the largest new woodland created in West Yorkshire.

Calder And Hebble Navigation

If you continue along the route past Dewsbury Country Park, you will reach the Calder and Hebble Navigation. This pretty inland waterway is a great route to extend your walk. You can take a peaceful walk along the canalside and admire the wildlife including swans and herons.

Etiquette At Spen Valley Greenway

If you are planning a visit to Spen Valley Greenway, there is some general etiquette you should know. Following this guide ensures that all visitors and local residents have a fun and safe experience of the greenway:

• Give way to cyclists – as the greenways is a popular cycle route, you will be sharing your adventure with many of them. To ensure everyone’s safety, please be observant and keep an eye out for cyclists. If you see one coming, move to the side so they can pass with ease. If you are a cyclist, please alert walkers to your presence with a bell so they have time to step aside.
• Walk single file – if the route is especially busy, you might be required to walk in a single file in places. Generally, people walk to the left of the path, close to the edge so cyclists have space to pass you. You may find it beneficial to wear walking boots because at times, it might be safer to step off the path.
• Keep dogs on a lead – dogs are welcome on the greenway but are best kept on a lead so they don’t accidentally injure themselves or a passing cyclist. There are areas you can enter from the greenway where it is safe to let them off the lead.
• Respect the wildlife – there are a number of fields along the route that are home to animals such as sheep and horses. Please remember that this is their home and you are visiting. Never try to pet or feed the animals. You may also encounter horses on the greenway. When passing them, walk quietly and slowly, or stand to let them pass so as not to spook them.
• Don’t litter – there are bins at regular intervals along the greenway so please make use of them. Your litter could be deadly if consumed by the wildlife. Also, if you see litter in the area, please help to keep the greenway beautiful and safe by picking it up and putting it in one of the bins.

Thank you!

Ready For More?

If you’re ready to explore West Yorkshire by foot or bike, check out these great resources:

• If you want to discover more surprisingly rural routes in the heart of West Yorkshire, check out West Yorkshire Countryside: Country Walks on City Fringes to unearth some more brilliant hidden gems!
• If you’d prefer to cycle the region, this West Yorkshire Cycle Map is a must! It highlights all of the best routes and shares all of the valuable information you need before heading out on your bike.
• If you want to discover more of my favourite walking routes, check out my guide to 7 beautiful circular walks in West Yorkshire.

Visiting The Spen Valley Greenway

So, if you’re looking for places to walk in West Yorkshire, you should absolutely add the Spen Valley Greenway to your list! Be sure to bookmark or pin this page using the pins below so you can revisit the guide!

Until our next adventure,

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P.S. Love it? Pin it!

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