Marsden & Dean Cloughs

A scramble up Marsden and Dean Cloughs above Digley and Bilberry Reservoirs. Summary verdict: an enjoyable but long scramble with three grade 1 waterfalls

Route in: park at Digley Reservoir. Walk round Bilberry Reservoir and then down into Marsden Clough

Start point: enter Marsden Brook well away from the reservoir where it forms a single continuous channel e.g. at OS ref SE 09817 07117

Grading: there are three grade 1 waterfalls (one in Marsden, two in Dean) that are an enjoyable challenge; other than that a large number of cascades and particularly appealing after a period of rain when the brook is in full spate though additional care and maybe a buoyancy aid and helmet are needed in that case

End point: where Dean Clough meets the Pennine Way

Route out: walk North along the Pennine Way and cut across to the Kirklees Way or South to pick up Issues Road depending on which side of Digley Reservoir you parked

Time: about 25 mins from CP to start point; then 3-4 hours to the Pennine Way; then about 70 mins to walk back down

Verdict: a satisfying scramble but likely a lot more interesting though also trickier when the brooks are full

Video guide: