In the district of Bradford lies a pleasant walk up to a 20ft (6.1m) high waterfall nestled in a shallow valley between Harden and Wilsden in West Yorkshire. The stream is called Harden Beck and starts life at Hewenden Reservoir near Harecroft.

History

In the 80s and early 90s there used to be a couple of mills around here. The first one was Harden Beck Mill that was located near the waterfall on your left near the houses off Wilsden Road on Goit Stock Lane. The second, Goit Stock Mill which was located at the far right top side of what is now known as Harden and Bingley Caravan Park. Goit Stock Mill was destroyed by fire, the other still remains and is used as a paper mill.

The beck was known as Hewenden Beck as it left Hewenden Reservoir. When it reached Goitstock Wood it was then called Hallas Beck, then finally when it reaches near the entrance to the Caravan Park, it was known as Harden Beck.

The wooded area near the houses when you turn off on to Goit Stock Lane, is called Crag Wood, it then changes its’ name to Goit Stock Wood at the end of the Caravan Park.

The word ‘goit’ means a small channel to guide water in to be used for mills

In 2000 the water quality wasn’t up to standard and there were claims that no fish were active in the beck, but someone said they were aplenty. In 2017 the Goit (I believe the goit is where there is a section of wall on the path side with a hole in it. The other section of wall is missing), was demolished to allow grayling to swim up the river. Crayfish are also active in the beck.

The Walk

To reach the main waterfall, park your vehicle in the limited parking area on Wilsden Road near Harden Beck Bridge which is situated down the hill from Stephen H. Smiths Garden Centre. Take the small road (Goit Stock Lane) to Harden and Bingley Caravan Park alongside Harden Beck. Follow this road past the Caravan Park and into Goit Stock Wood.

I didn’t take many photos along the route because it isn’t appealing to the photographer and the only thing that is of most interest are the waterfalls on the walk. The waterfall below is first one you see along the walk and is attractive to the eye. The second is the main waterfall, photo above. Be mindful that when it’s hot weather that kids like to swim in the pool. There are some falls a little further up, and you reach them by taking the steps on your left of the waterfall. I don’t have any photos on here because they’re not as attractive to the photographer.