A Stay at Rose Cottage, Mytholmroyd
- Michael Palmer
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A Traditional Weaver’s Cottage
On our recent trip to Mytholmroyd, Lyn and I stayed at Rose Cottage, a charming old weaver’s cottage that immediately felt like home. With its warm and cosy atmosphere, two comfortable double beds, and constant hot water and heating, it was the perfect retreat. Thoughtful touches included complimentary food—bread, butter, milk, eggs, fruit, cereals, coffee, and a range of teas—alongside aromatherapy oils, creams, soaps, shampoo, and conditioner.
There’s no shower, but the option of taking a long, relaxing bath was a welcome change of pace. With a large selection of books and DVDs, and no Wi-Fi, the cottage encouraged us to truly switch off. A good 4G signal meant we weren’t cut off completely, but the slower rhythm was refreshing.
A Stay at Rose Cottage, Mytholmroyd
Canal Walks to Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge
Rose Cottage is perfectly placed for walking along the Rochdale Canal towpath. A gentle stroll of about 2 miles (3 km) takes you west to Hebden Bridge, a town known for its artistic spirit and independent shops. Heading east instead, you can follow the canal to Sowerby Bridge, which is around 6 miles (9.6 km) from Mytholmroyd. Both directions offer scenic views, historic canal locks, and plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the Calder Valley.
The Scout Rock Circular Walk
We also tackled the Scout Rock circular walk, a local favourite that rewards you with wonderful views across the valley. The climb is steady but manageable, and the vantage points give a real sense of the dramatic Pennine landscape that surrounds Mytholmroyd.
A Glimpse into Local History
Mytholmroyd sits at the confluence of Cragg Brook and the River Calder, and its history is deeply tied to the textile industry. As an old weaving village, cottages like Rose Cottage were once home to families who worked at handlooms before the rise of mills in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town is also famously the birthplace of poet Ted Hughes, whose work often drew on the rugged Calder Valley landscape.
The Meaning of “Royd”
The name Mytholmroyd itself tells a story. “Mytholm” refers to a place where two streams meet, while “Royd” means a clearing in woodland. This Old English term is common in Yorkshire place names, reflecting how early settlers described the landscape they lived in.
A Place to Unwind
Our stay at Rose Cottage was more than just a getaway—it was a chance to connect with the history, landscape, and slower rhythms of the Calder Valley. Whether you’re walking the canal to Hebden Bridge, stretching eastward to Sowerby Bridge, or climbing Scout Rock for sweeping views, this old weaver’s cottage is a perfect base to explore and unwind.
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TThe Historical Aire and Calder: A Journey Through Timehe Historical Aire and Calder: A Journey Through Time
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