Disused Mines, Tunnels, Buildings and Tears.

The other weekend we decided to head into the dales to get some miles under our feet, we didn’t want to venture too far as we have had a busy few weekends, but still wanted the feeling of isolation and adventure. So I quickly looked at the map and spotted Hebden which sits 2 miles to the East of Grassington. We have done a circular walk from grassington years ago which took us through Hebden, and I have also ridden through on the mountain bike a few times, I remembered the mining area had many interesting features dotted around. So we decided to go explore here for the day, I had also heard there was a popular cafe here which I have been wanting to try for a while so the day trip was looking better by the minute !

The weather was pretty cold that morning and we drove through freezing fog on the way there which was an experience. We knew the route wasn’t too long and we could make it shorter if it turned too cold for Coben so we carried on and arrived in Hebden and found a spot on the side road to park the van, we wasted no time and got our boots on, bags packed and got Coben wrapped up nice and warm and set off.

As we crossed the main road and headed up the small track opposite towards the mines the sun was trying to make an appearance, there was a chiff chaff somewhere in the distant trees, its call echoing in the valley which brought a slight feeling of spring to the morning which was wonderful. At the end of this road we went through a gate the road turns to a rough track here where you cross over a bridge, the stream running under here was in full force and a sight to see which Coben loved and kept shouting ‘Water, Water’ which his popular word at the moment.

A bit further up there’s an impressive entrance to a mine tunnel, this is gated off but you can still peer through and look for the trolls down there. ! Following the track which was a bit wet underfoot but due to the amount of rain we had had recently this was expected. We ascended upwards past more ruins and then we spotted an interesting building up on the hill to the right of us which was calling to be explored. So we clambered up to it to take a closer look, in my mind I was also scoping out this area for my next wild camp and this building looked promising, for its advantage point, shelter and windows with a view !.

However once we got closer it was obvious this not wouldn’t be suitable for my camp. The roof had fallen in, and the inside was full of rocks and with no flat area to be seen. Still it was worth a climb up to for a nosey and a few pictures.

Back down we went and continued upwards, Our original plan was to get to the very North of the mines area but as it was still cold instead of continuing up we took a right turn and climbed up a gully to explore a little down here. As we were climbing the hill another building was coming into site and little by little became more exciting the closer we got. This was another entrance into the mines im guessing ? As we approached it the next few seconds were like something out of a horror film ! There was a confusion of noise inside and before I could realise what it was a pigeon flew out hitting the bars of the gate sending feathers all over. This made us jump and laugh a little then as we got right upto the entrance another one flew from the back and excited through the bars just above me causing me to duck down to avoid getting a pigeon in my face ! More laughter between us. This tunnel entrance was very impressive and looked more like an entrance to a tomb, there were well made steps leading down into the darkness beyond. Even if this wasn’t gated off I am not sure we would have gone down them steps.

There were a few more remains of buildings and old entrances around here as we continued venturing further up. Eventually the path fizzled out and we had to turn around and back down the way we came. It was getting close to dinner time and Coben started to let us know he was getting hungry so we looked out for a nice spot to stop for some dinner. The wind had picked up a bit and was bringing in a wind chill so we had to find a sheltered spot a bit lower down.

We got to the bottom and took a footpath leading back towards the car, this was the return loop planned. Luckily not far on we spotted a rock which would provide shelter from the wind and was set back away from the path so this is where we stopped for dinner.

After dinner was had we set off following a flagged path running alongside a drystone wall, due to the recent rain parts of this path were like a stream and we were glad we had decent waterproof boots on as in parts there was no option but to just walk through the water (This all adds to the adventure though )

Sadly at this point Coben was upset it may be he was possibly too cold so we tried to rush back but he wasn’t settling and becoming very upset indeed ! We ended up getting him out for a bit and carrying him and letting him walk where he could which helped a bit, but he was still crying and getting upset. Now this is all part of having a baby or young children things don’t always go smoothly and can turn stressful at very short notice, which this situation did for us, and by not mentioning it here in our blog wouldn’t be an honest account of our adventures. So for the last mile or so we took it in turns carrying him which proved more difficult by our jackets been the same material as his little out door suit so there was no friction whatsoever and it was difficult to stop him slipping so you had to hold him tighter which put more strain on our arms and back. That was a long mile !!!

We made it back to the van but remembered about the cafe, so walked the extra 50 metres only to find it was closed due to refurbishment to say we were disappointed is an understatement but as they say ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. Next to the cafe sits a playground which cheered Coben up no end spending some time wandering about and swinging on the swings. After he had had enough we made our way back to the the van and made some hot chocolates to warm us up before we hit the road home.

Find more details of this walk HERE

As we always say ‘Just Get outside ‘ You’ll always be glad you did and You’ll feel better for it. We guarantee it.