Walking the Full Length of the River Holme

The River Holme winds its way through some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque landscapes, from its source high in the Pennines to its confluence with the River Colne in Huddersfield. Walking the full length of the river offers an ever-changing journey through moorland, woodland, villages, and urban landscapes—each section telling a story of natural beauty, history, and industry.

Starting Point: Digley Reservoir

My journey begins at Digley Reservoir, a peaceful spot nestled in the hills above Holmfirth. This is where the River Holme’s tributaries gather, feeding into the valley below. The first stretch of the walk follows the river as it meanders through rugged countryside, with the distant peaks of the Pennines providing a dramatic backdrop.

Through the Holme Valley

As the river flows south towards Holmfirth, the landscape becomes more pastoral. Rolling fields, dry stone walls, and traditional Yorkshire farmsteads frame the route. Holmfirth itself, famous for its connections to Last of the Summer Wine, is a charming town with a rich history of textile milling. The river played a vital role in powering the mills that once lined its banks, and remnants of this industrial past can still be seen along the way.

Into Brockholes and Honley

Continuing downstream, the river passes through Brockholes and Honley, two villages with a strong sense of community and some excellent spots for a rest or refreshment. This section of the walk features some lovely riverside paths, with opportunities to spot kingfishers, herons, and even the occasional otter if you’re lucky.

Approaching Huddersfield

As the river nears Huddersfield, the scenery shifts again, blending green spaces with urban development. The River Holme eventually merges with the River Colne, marking the end of the journey. Huddersfield, with its grand Victorian architecture and historic canals, is a fitting place to conclude the walk.

Additional Challenge: Photographing 20 Bird Species

To add an extra element to the walk, I set myself the challenge of photographing 20 different bird species along the way. With the diverse habitats found along the river, from moorland to woodlands and urban waterways, there were plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of birds. Goosander, Dippers, and Grey Heron were highlights, along with lots of Robins and waterfowl near the towns and villages. This challenge made the journey even more rewarding, encouraging me to observe my surroundings even more closely.

Final Thoughts

Walking the full length of the River Holme is a fantastic way to experience the diversity of West Yorkshire’s landscapes. From the wild moors near Digley to the vibrant streets of Huddersfield, this route offers a little bit of everything—nature, history, and the simple joy of following a river from source to confluence. Whether you tackle it in one day or split it into sections, it’s a journey well worth taking.

Have you walked along the River Holme? Share your experiences in the comments below!

To share my walk experience, why not watch the YouTube video that I made https://youtu.be/lBl4L7OYl4I