4.6
(3280)
27,121
hikers
68
hikes
Hiking around Ripponden offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, open moorland, and the scenic Ryburn Valley. The area features distinctive gritstone plateaus, such as Norland Moor, which provide panoramic views across the South Pennines. A network of reservoirs, including Baitings, Ryburn, and Scammonden Water, are central to many popular routes, providing picturesque backdrops for walks.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
4.7
(54)
201
hikers
9.88km
02:43
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(61)
221
hikers
9.99km
02:42
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(11)
87
hikers
7.26km
02:04
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(13)
87
hikers
7.45km
02:05
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
45
hikers
5.56km
01:35
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Baitings Reservoir - Wikipedia https://share.google/jWwKbjgBgCcTI2UBP
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Don't look down! This is the Ryburn Dam Wall which feeds the River Ryburn into the reservoir. The dam wall crosses the length of the reservoir and provides wonderful views across the waterway.
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Always good to see a bit of history on the route.
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One fo the three Trig points on the walk
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There are over 70 hiking trails around Ripponden that are accessible directly from bus stations, making it easy to explore the region without a car. These routes range in difficulty from easy to challenging.
Hikes from Ripponden bus stations offer a diverse range of terrain. You can expect rolling hills, expansive open moorland, and paths that follow the scenic River Ryburn. Many routes also feature distinctive gritstone plateaus and well-maintained paths around picturesque reservoirs.
Yes, there are plenty of easy hiking options. Over 30 of the bus station accessible routes are rated as easy. A popular choice is the Baitings Reservoir – Ryburn Dam Wall loop from Baitings Reservoir, which offers a gentle walk around the reservoirs.
The trails around Ripponden are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, the stunning reservoir views, and the convenience of starting directly from public transport.
Yes, many of the bus station accessible trails are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Baitings Reservoir – Ryburn Dam Wall loop from Ripponden is a moderate circular route that offers beautiful waterside scenery.
You'll encounter a variety of natural features, including the scenic Ryburn Valley, rolling hills, and open moorland. The area is also known for its numerous reservoirs like Scammonden Water, Baitings Reservoir, and Ryburn Reservoir. For those seeking more dramatic landscapes, trails can lead to gritstone plateaus and even sections of the Blackstone Edge escarpment.
Absolutely. Many routes offer panoramic vistas across the South Pennines. You might encounter landmarks such as the Blackstone Edge trig point and Robin Hood's Bed, or the impressive Stoodley Pike Monument. Reservoirs like Scammonden Reservoir also provide excellent viewpoints.
Yes, for those interested in waterfalls, the Birchen Clough Waterfall is a notable natural monument in the wider Ripponden area that can be incorporated into longer hikes.
Many trails are suitable for families, especially the easier, well-maintained paths around the reservoirs. These offer relatively flat terrain and scenic views without being overly strenuous. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
Most trails in the Ripponden area are dog-friendly, offering plenty of open spaces for your canine companion. However, always keep dogs under control, especially when passing through livestock areas or nature reserves, and be mindful of local signage regarding leads.
Ripponden village itself is a conservation area with historic pubs, such as The Old Bridge Inn, which are ideal for refreshments after your hike. Many routes also pass through or near other villages with cafes and pubs.
Ripponden offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides longer daylight hours, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter walks can be beautiful, especially around the reservoirs, but be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions on higher moorland trails.
While specific bus routes are not detailed here, the trails are designed to start directly from public transport stops. We recommend checking local bus service websites or using a journey planner app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and route information to Ripponden and surrounding areas.


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