Stoodley Pike Monument: A Towering Tribute on the West Yorkshire Moors

A towering 19th-century peace monument atop West Yorkshire moors, offering panoramic views and rich historical resonance.

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Perched atop a 1,300-foot hill near Todmorden in West Yorkshire, Stoodley Pike Monument is a striking 121-foot tall obelisk commemorating peace after the Napoleonic Wars and the Crimean War. Built in 1856 to replace an earlier monument destroyed by lightning, it offers panoramic views of the Calder Valley and surrounding moorland. Accessible by hiking trails including the Pennine Way, the monument features a spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

A brief summary to Stoodley Pike

Mankinholes, West Yorkshire, Todmorden, GB
+441706818181
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring a torch to safely navigate the dark spiral staircase inside the monument.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as trails can be steep, uneven, and wet.
Start your hike from Withins Clough Reservoir for free parking and a scenic route.
Check weather conditions before visiting; the moorland can be windy and weather changes quickly.
Carry water and snacks as there are no facilities at the monument.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take a train to Todmorden station, then a local bus or taxi to the trailheads near Mankinholes or Withins Clough Reservoir. The bus journey takes about 15-20 minutes. From the trailhead, expect a 1 to 2-hour hike to the monument. Bus services may be limited on weekends and evenings; check schedules in advance.
Car

Drive to Withins Clough Reservoir car park, which offers free parking and serves as a popular starting point for the hike to Stoodley Pike. The drive from Todmorden or Hebden Bridge takes around 15 minutes. Note there is no vehicle access beyond the car park; the final approach is on foot.
Hiking

Access the monument via well-marked footpaths including the Pennine Way. The hike from Withins Clough Reservoir is approximately 3 miles round trip and takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on pace. Trails can be steep and uneven, so suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

Stoodley Pike location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Stoodley Pike

Historical Significance and Origins

Stoodley Pike Monument stands as a powerful symbol of peace and resilience, rooted in the turbulent history of early 19th-century Europe. The original monument was erected in 1815 to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon and the surrender of Paris, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars. This first structure, however, succumbed to a lightning strike and decades of harsh weather, collapsing in 1854, coincidentally on the same day Russia declared war on Britain, starting the Crimean War. The current monument was designed by local architect James Green in 1854 and completed in 1856, commemorating the end of the Crimean War and the restoration of peace. An inscription above the entrance, though weathered and moss-covered, still conveys its message as a peace monument funded by public subscription.

Architectural Features and Visitor Experience

The monument is an imposing 121-foot (37 meters) tall obelisk dominating the skyline above Todmorden and the Calder Valley. Visitors can enter from the north side and ascend a narrow spiral staircase of 39 steps, some of which are in darkness, so carrying a torch is advisable. The climb leads to a viewing platform 40 feet above ground level on the west face, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding moorlands, valleys, and on clear days, distant cities. The structure includes a lightning conductor installed in 1889, which has protected it from subsequent strikes. The monument’s isolated moorland setting enhances its dramatic presence and provides a serene yet windswept atmosphere.

Natural Setting and Outdoor Activities

Stoodley Pike sits on Langfield Common, a protected moorland area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its unique natural environment. The surrounding landscape features open moors, rolling hills, and expansive skies, making it a favorite spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and fell runners. The Pennine Way, Britain’s first National Trail, passes close by, and multiple well-defined public footpaths connect the monument to nearby villages such as Mankinholes and Lumbutts, as well as towns like Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. The terrain can be steep and uneven in places, requiring sturdy footwear and preparation for quickly changing weather conditions.

Local Culture and Events

The monument is not only a historical landmark but also a focal point for local outdoor events, including fell races organized by Todmorden Harriers. These races celebrate the rugged landscape and community spirit of the Upper Calder Valley. Nearby inns such as the Top Brink and Shepherd’s Rest provide welcoming stops for visitors exploring the area. The monument’s visibility from various points across West Yorkshire, including Halifax, adds to its iconic status and cultural significance.

Practical Information for Visitors

There is no vehicular access directly to Stoodley Pike; visitors must reach it on foot or by mountain bike via public footpaths. Popular starting points include Withins Clough Reservoir, which offers free parking and a scenic route, and Hebden Bridge, known for its more challenging ascent. The climb to the monument and back can take several hours depending on the route chosen. Facilities at the site are minimal—there are no restrooms or food options, so visitors should bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. The site is managed by Calderdale Council, ensuring conservation of both the monument and the surrounding moorland.

Enduring Legacy and Symbolism

Stoodley Pike remains a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the value of peace. Its history, architectural grandeur, and commanding views combine to create a unique cultural and natural experience. The monument’s survival through lightning strikes and harsh weather, alongside its role as a beacon on the moors, embodies resilience and continuity. For visitors, it offers not only a physical challenge but also a contemplative journey through British history set against the dramatic backdrop of the South Pennines.

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Stoodley Pike Monument: A Towering Tribute on the West Yorkshire Moors

A brief summary to Stoodley Pike

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Car

Hiking

Stoodley Pike location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Stoodley Pike

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Stoodley Pike

Historical Significance and Origins

Architectural Features and Visitor Experience

Natural Setting and Outdoor Activities

Local Culture and Events

Practical Information for Visitors

Enduring Legacy and Symbolism

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lumb Viaduct

Sussex Avenue

Tonge Hall

Bradford City Hall

Peel Tower

Robert Peel Statue

Heaton Park Temple

Manchester Old Town Hall Colonnade

Wayoh Reservoir

Heaton Park Papal Monument

Lowry Footbridge

Murrays' Mill

Express Building

Moses Gate Country Park

The Horsfall

Unmissable attractions to see

Top Withens

Healey Dell Fairies Chapel

Singing Ringing Tree

Rochdale Canal

Shibden Hall

Towneley Hall

Extwistle Hall

Brontë Parsonage Museum

St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth

Haworth

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and Lancashire Tri Point

Waugh's Well

The Atom - Panopticon

Charter Walk Shopping Centre

Essential places to dine

Gimbals Restaurant

Bertram's Restaurant

Restaurant Metamorphica

The Cellar Restaurant

Crowded House Restaurant

Grand Cru Restaurant

Northern Crafthouse

Vermilion

The Box Tree Restaurant

Artisan Ribble Valley

The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

RIGATONI'S Ancoats

SUD Pasta Ancoats

mana

Elnecot

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

All Things Quirky 4 U

The Old Rock Home & Gifts Shop

Hidden Wardrobe - Cashmere scarves Leeds | Jewellery Shop | Gift Shop

Witches Galore

Quirky Gifts

All Things Unique

Grove Bookshop

The Mill Outlet & Garden Centre

GRACIOUS APPARELS

Crown HQ

Annea Veleta