Stoodley Pike November 2016

Towering over the Calder Valley, Stoodley Pike is more than just a hill overlooking the town of Todmorden, West Yorkshire; it's a monument; it's a beacon, a challenge, and a gateway to breathtaking panoramas. I embarked on my own Stoodley Pike adventure, and let me tell you, it was an experience in stunning vistas.

There are several routes to the summit, each offering its own unique charm. I opted for the Shaw Wood Road trail, starting from the A646 Burnley Road. The trail leaves Burnley Road almost immediately, crossing over the Rochdale Canal alongside Lock No. 15 Shawplains. The road winds through woodlands before reaching a housing estate at Lee Bottom Road, which runs eastward, offering glimpses of the imposing Pike as you ascend. Be prepared for a good workout, as the trail steadily gains elevation.

Finally, after conquering the final incline, the reward arrives. The 39-step spiral staircase beckons, leading you up another 40 feet to the balcony of the monument. Remember, a torch is recommended, as the narrow passage plunges into darkness, despite a grill that is meant to offer a light source.

The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent. The hill, at a height of 1300 feet, shows rolling fields in every direction, dotted with villages, reservoirs, and the distant Pennine peaks. On a clear day, you can even see Manchester and the Irish Sea! Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and feel the sense of accomplishment wash over you.

But Stoodley Pike is more than just a scenic overlook. It's steeped in history, dating back to the Iron Age. Explore the monument's intriguing inscriptions and weathered stones, whispering tales of the past. A monument was originally built to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars and then rebuilt to remember the Crimean War.

The monument features the following faded inscription above the north facing door:

STOODLEY PIKE

A BEACON MONUMENT

ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION

COMMENCED IN 1814 TO COMMEMORATE

THE SURRENDER OF PARIS TO THE ALLIES

AND FINISHED AFTER THE BATTLE OF

WATERLOO WHEN PEACE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1815.

BY A STRANGE COINCIDENCE

THE PIKE FELL ON THE DAY THE RUSSIAN

AMBASSADOR LEFT LONDON BEFORE THE

DECLARATION OF WAR WITH RUSSIA IN 1854.

WAS REBUILT WHEN PEACE WAS RESTORED IN

1856.

RESTORED AND LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR FIXED IN

1889.

 

The pictures below were taken on the 19th November 2016 with a Nikon D3300; they can be seen un-watermarked on my Clickasnap portfolio. Click any image to view it there.

The path up to Stoodley Pike, the monument visible at the summit.

I think the snow clinging to the side of the structure gives the monument a completely different feel to its usual look.

The Calder Valley and beyond towards Lancashire, taken from the base of the monument.

Looking west away from the monument, I have always liked this picture as it's gives the impression the clouds will shortly fall over the edge of the hill.

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Whispers of Wind and Stone: Stoodley Pike (October 2013)

Imagine standing atop a windswept hill, the vast expanse of the Calder Valley stretching out before you like a rumpled green carpet. The air is crisp, the silence broken only by the rustling of heather and the distant bleating of sheep. This isn't just any hill; it's Stoodley Pike, a sentinel of the South Pennines, and its crown jewel is the imposing monument that pierces the skyline, a testament to history and resilience.

Stoodley Pike, rising approximately 1300 feet (400 meters) above the villages of Mankinholes and Lumbutts, isn't merely a geographical feature. It's a living chronicle, a place where time folds in on itself. The monument, visible for miles, whispers tales of Napoleonic battles and Crimean conflicts.

But let's rewind a bit. This isn't the first monument to grace this lofty perch. The original, erected in 1815 to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon, succumbed to the harsh Pennine weather and a dramatic lightning strike. It’s even speculated that a monument was present before this. The replacement, designed by James Green and completed in 1856 as the Crimean War ended, stands further from the edge, a lesson learned from its predecessor’s demise.

And what a replacement it is! A formidable stone structure, it houses a spiral staircase that ascends to a balcony, offering panoramic views that will steal your breath away. The climb, however, is not for the faint of heart. 39 steps plunge into near-total darkness, a stark contrast to the brilliant landscape outside. A torch is an absolute must – the "light-enhancing" grill is, as I've found, more of a decorative feature.

As you stand at the entrance, facing north, a faded inscription etched in stone tells a story of war, peace, and strange coincidences:

​STOODLEY PIKEA

BEACON MONUMENT

ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION

COMMENCED IN 1814 TO COMMEMORATE

THE SURRENDER OF PARIS TO THE ALLIES

AND FINISHED AFTER THE BATTLE OF

WATERLOO WHEN PEACE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1815.

BY A STRANGE COINCIDENCE

THE PIKE FELL ON THE DAY THE RUSSIAN

AMBASSADOR LEFT LONDON BEFORE THE

DECLARATION OF WAR WITH RUSSIA IN 1854.

WAS REBUILT WHEN PEACE WAS RESTORED IN1856.

RESTORED AND LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR FIXED IN1889.​

This inscription is more than just words; it's a tangible link to the past, a reminder of the turbulent times that shaped our world. The fact that the original monument fell on the eve of the Crimean War is a chilling example of history's uncanny echoes.

Despite its exposed position and frequent lightning strikes, the monument stands strong, a testament to the skill of its builders and the addition of a lightning conductor in 1889. It's a symbol of enduring strength, a beacon in the wild landscape.

My own visit, captured in the photos taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on October 19th, 2013, only scratched the surface of Stoodley Pike's allure. This isn't just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience, to feel the wind whip around you and to imagine the countless generations who have stood on this very spot, gazing out at the same breath taking view.

So, if you find yourself in West Yorkshire, take the time to explore Stoodley Pike. Climb the dark staircase, read the faded inscription, and let the whispers of wind and stone transport you to a different time. You won't just see the Calder Valley; you'll feel its history, its resilience, and its enduring beauty.

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Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.