WalksFront PageThings to do in Brighouse

Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve

šŸŒæĀ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts Rejoice!

Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve (LNR), nestled betweenĀ BrighouseĀ andĀ Elland, is a sanctuary of reclamation and rebirth.

Formerly a quarry, ash tip from the old Elland Power Station and a landfill, this areas has been transformed into a mix of woodland, wetland, and grassland hosting rich plants and wildlife.

Starting Point

Head to the visitor center where you’ll meet the Robin perched on the fence waiting for a snack. The visitor centre is open 10am top 4pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are snacks available and an accessible bathroom.

Find your starting point either at the gravel car park off Elland Road or take the 25 min canal side path walk from Brighouse town centre. The reserve is wheelchair friendly and suitable for wheelchairs.

The Oasis: Portakabin CafƩ and Trail Maps

As you make your way from the car park, you have several paths to enter the sanctuary. The main gateway lies across a quaint bridge leading towards the Portakabin CafĆ©. Here, youā€™ll encounter a comprehensive map outlining an array of trails, as well as areas accessible for wheelchairs and pramsā€”a fantastic resource to plot your adventure.

The Grand Loop: Riverbanks, Weirs, and Wildlife Spots

Embarking on the journey, we recommend following the long loop that takes you on a journey along the riverā€™s edge. Make your way toward the weir, pausing spot the Sand Martin hife and Beehives on the far bank. Continue onto the pond-dipping platform, a spot brimming with life and seasonal colors. Loop back to visit the dedicated bird-watching area, keeping a sharp eye out for Bullfinch, dunnocks, woodpeckers, robins, kingfishers and more. Your trek will guide you next to a tranquil lagoon, a final natural spectacle before reconnecting with the canal to meander back to the starting point.

Duration and Accessibility

This route spans just under 3 km and roughly 40 minutes of walking time. With all the stops and nature, this can easily add up to a two hour visit.

What to look out for

Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive kingfishers, oystercatchers, and curlews that call this reserve home. The wetlands and meadows also include many butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies.

For more information, visit the Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group, where youā€™ll find;

Reviews

  1. You Lead says:

    ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā˜† ā˜† A Peaceful Retreat with Scenic Beauty ā€“ Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve My partner and I recently took a walk through Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve in Brighouse, and it was truly a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. One of the highlights was the unique setting, with the River Calder and the Calder Canal running so close to each other, creating a stunning backdrop for a long, therapeutic walk. We opted for the longer route, which led us through serene woodlands and along the riverbanks. Even though it was drizzling, the gentle rain only added to the charm, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. The path was peaceful, and we encountered many friendly and respectful walkers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The canal itself is a beautiful feature, offering lovely waterside views that make the walk even more enjoyable. However, the towpath and surrounding areas could benefit from some improvement and care. The paths felt a little neglected, and the canal could use some de-weeding to maintain its full potential as a picturesque part of the landscape. The river is absolutely beautiful, and Iā€™ve made a mental note to come back and try fishing here one day, provided itā€™s allowed. Thereā€™s something incredibly tranquil about the water, and I can imagine it being a perfect spot to unwind with a fishing rod in hand. While the reserve is lovely, there were signs of neglect in certain areas, particularly along the woodland paths. The vegetation appeared a bit overgrown, with Himalayan balsamā€”an invasive speciesā€”taking over much of the route. Itā€™s a bit disappointing to see such a stunning area overtaken by this, but on a positive note, I was happy to see that the section containing New Zealand pygmy weed was well-managed, fenced off, and clearly marked with informative signage. Itā€™s good to know thereā€™s an effort to control at least some invasive species here. Overall, Cromwell Bottom is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk, and despite some minor maintenance issues, it remains a gem in Brighouse. If youā€™re looking for a calming outdoor experience with picturesque river and canal views, itā€™s definitely worth a visit.

  2. Hannah Maxwell says:

    Lovely day here my 9 year old loved it ā¤ļø squirrels and birds and ducks x lovely small drink cafe for snacks like buscuits friendly staff

  3. Debs says:

    Absolutely stunning place surrounded by nature . We had a guided tour and it was so informative and my son age 7 was able to ask so many questions and learn so much. A treasure practically on our doorstep

  4. ilona rigo says:

    A great reserve to walk round, the volunteers are doing a grand job tidying, repairing, planting. Check when the cafe is open and what's on, there's reserve walks and I've been to the otter talk very interesting. Dogs welcome on lead (have recall) as it's a nature reserve and trying to bring back and welcome the wildlife, poo bin there but gets full. Free car park other side of the canal

  5. Chris Steel says:

    Excellent place to visit with with two toddlers, and the cafe is really great with lovely people who made a big fuss of the kids. Thank you to the staff and visitors who made us feel very welcome. The walks round the reserve aren't too long for little legs and plenty of nature was excitedly observed. Fantastic couple of hours out in a well maintained, safe, area.

You may also like