Breathless Hikers

Stoodley Pike Circular

Jun 13, 2026

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Today’s hike was Louise’s choice, which meant one thing, it was going to be an adventure. We headed to Hebden Bridge for the Stoodley Pike Circular.

The river by the station

I made absolutely sure this time that Zara had her walking boots, because I did not want to deal with this question again, “Did you pack them?” in a car park. Waterproofs were also packed, because the MET Office, in its infinite optimism earlier in the week, had promised us 25‑degree sunshine. Thankfully I checked again this morning to see rain and wind was forecast, more on par with the weather we’ve been having recently.

In the woods above Hebden Bridge

We parked in a little car park near the station and set off. We were immediately thrown into a climb. No gentle warm‑up, no polite introduction, just straight past the station and up into the woods.

Goodbye Hebden Bridge

The woods were muddy, of course, because of all the rain we’ve had recently. But it was fun and a quick way to leave the valley.

Stoodley Pike in the distance

It wasn’t long before Hebden Bridge disappeared behind us and Stoodley Pike appeared ahead, perched on the hill. It was at this point I decided that this monument was designed by a man. Only a man would build a giant phallic shape in the middle of nowhere.

Getting closer

When we finally reached Stoodley Pike, the wind hit us like it had been waiting all morning just to launch a personal attack. It was so windy that even a squirrel had taken shelter, plastered to the side of the monument like it had made several poor life choices and was now reconsidering everything.

Poor Squirrel

The monument itself is quite cool. You can head inside and climb the 40‑ish steps up to the viewing platform. Thankfully the steps weren’t too narrow as well, it would have been unpleasant to get stuck in there.

Zara hiding from the wind inside

The stairs back down.

The view from the top? Worth every step. Even with the wind trying to yeet us off. After a good wander around it was time for snacks.

Zara’s chill out rock

We then followed the path down from the monument and joined the Pennine Bridleway. This is where Zara attempted to make friends with some cows.
The cows were not interested.
In fact, they looked at her with the same expression she gives me when I ask her to empty the dishwasher.

The cow that didn’t want to be Zara’s friend

From there, we dropped back into the woods, enjoying that soft underfoot feeling after the rocky bits higher up. Eventually the path ended and we came to a road, which led us back into Hebden Bridge, and it was just a short stroll beside the canal until we reached the car park.