Walking On Water

Terry Fletcher leads a walk from Marsden which passes six reservoirs, all of which have a story to tell

MARSDEN, on the western fringe of the moors just before Yorkshire tumbles downhill into Lancashire is one of those sturdy Pennine villages which still carry the supremely selfconfident stamp of their Victorian inhabitants. It grew wealthy on weaving and still boasts some impressive buildings from those days. Though not as tourist-dominated as its Summer Wine neighbour, Holmfirth, it nevertheless has a familiar air, thanks to its frequent use as a film location.

This walk sets off from the town centre and makes its way past a procession of no fewer than half a dozen reservoirs strung out across the moors. All have played their part in Marsden’s history for good and ill, powering the mills, feeding the canal and domestic taps but also bringing tragedy to the valley.

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