The centre is run by the Halifax District Scouts, providing accommodation for its members and other organisations throughout the year. Accommodation is provided on a self-catering basis for mixed parties of up to 44 and 30 persons in two separate hostels. There is also a day centre for up to 30 people, and several small campsites around the estate.
The centre is situated in the beautifully wooded hillside opposite and overlooking the picturesque National Trust Estate of Hardcastle Crags, as well as the newly refurbished nearby Gibson Mill.
The centre occupies 37 acres of grass and woodlands beside Hebden Water. This provides plenty of play areas for games, outdoor activities and field studies. The site itself is surrounded by large woodlands owned by the National Trust and open to the public. This provides an abundance of opportunities for countryside activities along the heavily mixed wooded valley and the high moors. There are miles of unspoilt walking country with the Pennine Way and the Calderdale Way passing close to the Centre. Climbers can find useful exercises at Widdop and Heptonstall quarry, whilst the historic trails of Hardcastle Crags can be of help with programme planning.
Access is along 1½ miles of private tarmaced road, which is
unsuitable for coaches.
Click here for map & directions.
Calderdale is a mine of activities: with the Piece Hall, Bankfield Museum, Eureka (the museum for children), Shibden Hall and park in Halifax; Walkley Clogs in Mytholmroyd; and Calderdale canals, with boat hire and regular trips in Hebden Bridge.
Further information about the area can be obtained from:
Hebden Bridge Visitor & Canal Centre,
Butler's Wharf, New Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AF
Tel: 01422 843831
The centre was bought by Halifax District Scouts in 1964 the original single building was previously used as a cafe for local walkers. In 1976 this building was retired after a purpose built hostel was built next to it, 10 years later a second hostel (Tom Bell) was built on the site of the original cafe.
Gibson Mill is a 19th-century cotton mill that sits at the heart of Hardcastle Crags.
The Mill has been brought back into use as a facility for visitors and for the local community. This ground-breaking project has renovated the Mill as a model of sustainable development, being run with minimum impact on its environment...