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Wessenden Head
A wild moorland reservoir at the top of Wessenden Valley, the launch pad for some of the Peak District's quietest waterfall walks.
Loop
About
At 386 metres, this is the highest of four reservoirs in Wessenden Valley, with the Pennine Way threading through below and an art installation framing views across the water.
Wessenden Head Reservoir sits at 386 metres above sea level, the highest of four reservoirs strung along the Wessenden Valley on the northern edge of the Peak District National Park. The land is managed by the National Trust as part of the 5,000-acre Marsden Moor Estate, and the Pennine Way threads straight through the valley below, meaning the trails are well-trodden but rarely crowded. The lay-by car park near the old quarry on Wessenden Head Road is the natural starting point, with the reservoir visible from the moment you arrive and the picture-frame art installation by Ashley Jackson framing views across the water as you head down towards the moors.
The classic circuit from here drops onto the Pennine Way and winds alongside the chain of reservoirs, crossing cloughs and footbridges with waterfalls tumbling into the valley on either side. The terrain shifts between firm reservoir tracks and rougher moorland paths that become boggy after rain, so boots are essential. A deer farm sits mid-valley, and the return leg can be made either via the high moor above Binn Moor or along the lower reservoir-side path back towards Marsden. Longer variations take in the summit of Black Hill or the SSSI outcrops at West Nab.
The valley has a lived-in history: the reservoirs were built from 1836 onwards to supply the mills of West Yorkshire, and ancient packhorse routes linking Lancashire and Yorkshire crossed the moors long before that. There is no visitor facility on site, but Marsden village, a short drive or walk downhill, has cafes, pubs and a railway station for those arriving without a car.
Why go
- Four reservoirs line the valley floor, each with waterfalls spilling into the cloughs between them, making this one of the most rewarding waterfall walks in the northern Peak District.
- The Pennine Way runs straight through, so the paths are well-signed and easy to follow even in low cloud.
- Paths turn boggy quickly after rain and the stepping stones at the Wessenden Reservoir weir can submerge, so check conditions before setting off.
- The upper moor rewards with big open skies and, on clear days, views stretching across the Yorkshire Moors.
- Marsden village is a short distance downhill at the end, with good pubs and cafes to finish the day.
Before you go
- Starts at the Wessenden Head Road lay-by. Cross the road and descend the Pennine Way track alongside Wessenden Head Reservoir. Follow the valley path past the deer farm and over clough footbridges with waterfalls visible to both sides. Cross the dam wall at Wessenden Reservoir and head onto the moor to find the upper waterfalls. Note: the stepping stones at the weir can be submerged in high water. Climb to the air shaft, bear left and follow the moorland path skirting Black Moss back to the lay-by car park.
- Paths become boggy after rain; stepping stones at Wessenden Reservoir weir may submerge in high water; dogs must be kept on a lead March to July.
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Lovely place to visit. The falls, streams and Greenlands, were very picturesque. Would definitely go again.
Absolutely beautiful place...go find the waterfall 😉
Tips
0Is this trail suitable for children or beginners?+
The route is rated moderate and involves steep sections, uneven rocky terrain, and potentially boggy moorland paths, so it suits older children and adults with some walking experience. Shorter and longer circuit options exist, so families can choose a length that suits them. Pushchairs and very young children are not well catered for given the rough underfoot conditions.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to visit?+
Wessenden Head is one of the quieter corners of the Peak District, with the Pennine Way meaning trails are well trodden but rarely crowded. Drier weather generally makes for easier underfoot conditions. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter; the small lay-by car park can fill up on sunny weekend days.
What should I wear or bring?+
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential, paths turn boggy after rain and the route crosses cloughs and footbridges. Bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket, as the moor sits at 386 metres above sea level and Yorkshire weather can change quickly. A map or downloaded trail is helpful, though the Pennine Way section is well waymarked.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Starts at the Wessenden Head Road lay-by. Cross the road and descend the Pennine Way track alongside Wessenden Head Reservoir. Follow the valley path past the deer farm and over clough footbridges with waterfalls visible to both sides. Cross the dam wall at Wessenden Reservoir and head onto the moor to find the upper waterfalls. Note: the stepping stones at the weir can be submerged in high water. Climb to the air shaft, bear left and follow the moorland path skirting Black Moss back to the lay-by car park.
- 1. From the lay-by car park on Wessenden Head Road, cross the road and pass through the gate; Wessenden Head Reservoir is visible immediately to your left.
- 2. Follow the Pennine Way track downhill into the valley, passing the Ashley Jackson picture-frame art installation and the deer farm on your right.
- 3. Continue along the valley track, crossing footbridges over the cloughs where waterfalls drop to either side.
- 4. At Wessenden Reservoir, cross the dam wall and bear onto the moorland footpath; look for the upper waterfall where the path crosses a fast-flowing stream via stepping stones (avoid in high water).
- 5. Climb the hillside to the old air shaft, then turn left and follow the moorland path as it skirts around Black Moss.
- 6. The path descends back to the weir at the top of Wessenden Reservoir before the final section returns along the track to the Wessenden Head Road lay-by.
Trail details
- Route typeLoop
- Terrainmoorland, reservoir, waterfall, moorland path, bridleway
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Paths become boggy after rain; stepping stones at Wessenden Reservoir weir may submerge in high water; dogs must be kept on a lead March to July.
Getting there
- ParkingWessenden Head Road lay-by car park
- Parking costFree
- PostcodeHD9 4EU
Features
Getting there
- ParkingWessenden Head Road lay-by car park
- Parking costFree
- PostcodeHD9 4EU
Reviews
5 on GoogleLovely place to visit. The falls, streams and Greenlands, were very picturesque. Would definitely go again.
Absolutely beautiful place...go find the waterfall 😉
Stunning reservoir, I love the dark peaks feels gloomy and magical on a cloudy day. A pretty photo-frame placed at the top of the landscape ‘Many people look but only a few see’ Excited to explore this place more There’s a heartfelt memorial to pay respects too
Beautiful trail from the wessenden head road car park. You can walk along the trails all the way to Marsden. Clearly signposted, steep in some paths but very beautiful views. Wear appropriate shoes as it can be wet underfoot.
Fantastic area, lovely views and paths are fairly easy to find and use. Even got a swim done.
Tips
0Questions
7Is this trail suitable for children or beginners?+
The route is rated moderate and involves steep sections, uneven rocky terrain, and potentially boggy moorland paths, so it suits older children and adults with some walking experience. Shorter and longer circuit options exist, so families can choose a length that suits them. Pushchairs and very young children are not well catered for given the rough underfoot conditions.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to visit?+
Wessenden Head is one of the quieter corners of the Peak District, with the Pennine Way meaning trails are well trodden but rarely crowded. Drier weather generally makes for easier underfoot conditions. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter; the small lay-by car park can fill up on sunny weekend days.
What should I wear or bring?+
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential, paths turn boggy after rain and the route crosses cloughs and footbridges. Bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket, as the moor sits at 386 metres above sea level and Yorkshire weather can change quickly. A map or downloaded trail is helpful, though the Pennine Way section is well waymarked.
Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?+
No booking is needed, this is open access National Trust managed moorland on the Marsden Moor Estate, and entry is completely free. Simply turn up, park, and head out on the trail. There are no timed entry slots or permits required.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?+
The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. The track is uneven underfoot throughout and features steeper sections, and moorland paths beyond the reservoir tracks are rough and boggy after rain. Visitors with limited mobility may find the firmer reservoir-side track passable for a short distance from the car park, but the full circuit is not accessible.
Where do I park, and is there public transport?+
There is a free lay-by car park on Wessenden Head Road, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4EU, right at the start of the trail, though it is small and can fill quickly on busy days. Marsden railway station and bus services into Marsden village are the nearest public transport options, from where the valley walk can be joined.
Can I bring my dog, and is there anything to eat or drink nearby?+
Dogs are welcome on the trail but should be kept on a lead, as livestock is present in the valley. There are no on-site cafe or toilet facilities at Wessenden Head itself, but Marsden village, a short drive or walk downhill, has cafes and pubs for a post-walk stop.