A landscape steeped in history, from prehistoric man to historic trans-pennine transport routes. The Old Goods Yard exhibition brings the Moor to life for you – follow a 4, 8 or 10 mile heritage trail to see the key sites. Visit Pule Hill for magnificent 360 degree views; Wessenden Valley for spectacular sunsets; and the scheduled ancient monument Eastergate Bridge which dates back to the 17th century. The rugged landscape and steep climbs are the perfect challenge for keen mountain bikers – bring your own bike to explore trails and valleys, else stick to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath for a flatter family route. Click to find out more
OK, so maybe The Dark Peak doesn’t sound like the most welcoming of places, but for walkers, and cyclists, we promise it’s well worth the visit. There are reports of ghost planes and a magical vista around West Nab on the remote Meltham Moor – can you find the remains of the US B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ which crashed in 1945?
Wander alongside the water's edge of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and retrace ancient packhorse trails, to Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre - the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Click to find out more
Escape to the Pennine countryside and treat yourself from head to toe with heat, ice and mud experiences at the multi award winning Titanic Spa. Stay overnight in deluxe apartments to maximise your experience, taking the opportunity to learn new skills. How about meditation at The Coach House Healing Centre? Wild yeast baking at The Handmade Bakery, or craft workshops at Green Fusions? Get out into the countryside with a leisurely stroll along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, or tackle off-road mountain biking with a guided tour from Albion Cycling.
Their tap and riverside beer garden is just at the bottom of the field, just off the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Slaithwaite and Marsden. We’re in a peaceful, rural location but still very accessible. The Colne Valley is a beautiful place to visit with lovely walks, cycling routes and public transport options.
Are you tough enough for the Colne Valley or Pennine X Mountain Bike challenge, or the King of the Hill duathlon? It’s not for the faint hearted…but fabulous fun!
The Olive Branch Inn, nestled in the picturesque and historic Colne Valley, is one of Marsden’s finest dining establishments.
Burrowed amidst the National Trust Marsden Moor Estate, The Olive Branch boasts views which overlook the peaks and valleys of this heritage village.
From a modest start as an 18th Century drinking inn, The Olive Branch has been a much loved establishment since 1830 when Joseph Sykes, one of the first landlords, ran The Olive Branch as an ‘orderly house with no gambling, swearing or drunkenness’.
Fast forward 160 years and it is now in its second generation of family ownership. Traditions of a warm, family welcome and fine food have continued through to this day and we pride ourselves on impeccable service, attention to detail and our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Whether you choose to dine in the comfortable, atmospheric restaurant with open fires, wooden beams and a relaxed atmosphere or outside on the elevated decking overlooking the rugged and dramatic landscape, we strive to offer you the finest selection of well cooked, local produce washed down with an extensive selection of award-winning cask ales, a superb choice of fine wines and a well-sourced array of gins.
The inn is situated in extensive grounds where we can host weddings, corporate events or private functions with an idyllic backdrop.
Amongst everything we offer, we truly believe it is the warm and friendly welcome and excellent customer service that sees many return time after time. When you visit us, you'll discover a little gem; a delightful country inn that has delivered consistently excellent food and service for over two decades, and which continues to go from strength to strength.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Paul and Charlotte Kewley
