The hidden valley

Goit Stock circular walk
This little valley is known locally as the hidden valley. It is popular with walkers but still very quiet. The path passes right beside these cottages, originally built for mill workers but now knocked into two or three larger and very desirable homes.

Further on there is a farm, and a few beehives nestled among trees.

The sunshine encouraged a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly to soak up the warmth. They are common throughout the summer (though not as plentiful as they used to be when I was a child) but they're still attractive to see.

Ivy House Farm, as far as I can find out, is still a working dairy farm. The main building looks quite old, possibly dating back to the 17th century. It sits in a very attractive position along a track not far out of Harden village, with pleasant views over the surrounding countryside.

The lanes are full of cow parsley or lady lace - my favourite time of year!

Goit Stock Mill

Goit Stock circular walk
Once across the bridge, the walking route turns back and goes up the hillside a little, out of the steep gorge that the river runs through. I was a little nervous walking past the cows as they had calves but they seemed more interested in paddling in the cool water on what was quite a warm day.

The hawthorn blossom is really abundant this year - there will be a good crop of berries later.

On this side of the valley there is an old flue chimney, the last remnant of Goit Stock Mill, which had a very interesting history. Built as a cotton mill towards the end of the 18th century (1700s) it was initially water-powered and then converted to steam but cotton production ceased in 1860. In 1865 it became a pig farm, and then in 1919, the landowner William Ferrand sold the land and it became Happy Valley Pleasure Resort. There was boating on the mill lake, a café and ballroom in the mill itself and all sorts of other entertainment on offer for the enjoyment of people from the nearby towns and cities. It flourished until a disastrous fire at Easter 1927, which destroyed the ballroom. Repairs were made but the Resort never regained its popularity and it closed in 1932.

Hallas Bridge

Goit Stock circular walk
At this point we have to turn and cross a wooden footbridge, Hallas Bridge, over the stream. Beyond this is a mill (below), which I think is called Bents Mill, that reminds us that the area has not always been so idyllic. At one time there were six water-powered cotton mills in the valley. Some are now demolished and others have been converted into accommodation, as have the workers' cottages. I'm sure that if the mill workers could have time-travelled they would be astonished to see the transformation from a busy industrial area to a very tranquil and stylish residential area.

Three waterfalls

Goit Stock circular walk
Harden Beck tumbles over a series of waterfalls on its way down the valley. The most impressive one is the Goit Stock Falls (below), where the stream falls over a rocky ledge some twenty feet high.

The third waterfall cascades into a circular pool. Surrounded by greenery, it is reminiscent of a 'fairy pool'. The valley was once owned by the Ferrand family, as part of the nearby Bingley St Ives estate and access was restricted. It is said that a local poet, John Nicholson, who lived in Harden for a time, was inspired by walks by the river on moonlit nights. He eventually came to an unfortunate end, dying from exposure in 1843, after falling from stepping stones crossing the River Aire in Saltaire.

How green is my valley

Goit Stock circular walk
Fancy another walk? This time it isn't so far, only about three miles, though in parts it is rocky and needs a bit of careful scrambling so it took me longer than I anticipated. The walk starts and ends in the village of Harden, right by the Malt Shovel pub, so that's handy for a beer at the end!

(The Malt Shovel, incidentally, has a place in my personal history as I was having lunch there - egg and chips, I will never forget - the day I went into labour when my daughter was born. I was sitting ram-rod straight on a bar stool and wondering why I felt so stiff and achy!)

The walk follows the stream called Harden Beck, past an estate of what we call here 'park homes', which are small bungalows that are classed as mobile homes, even though they are not actually mobile. They are often communities of retired people. The path then enters Goit Stock woods. It is a lush, green valley, especially after rain but it can get muddy so I hope you are wearing your boots.

I did the walk a few weeks ago when the last of the bluebells were fading and the wild garlic was in full bloom - and fragrance!

ws the little valley