CROWN BOTTOM

H — STOP 9

You’ve reached the final stop and made it your Holmfirth!

Where the trail meets the river

Crown Bottom may be best known for its car park, but beside it you’ll discover one of the few places in the town centre where you can get close to the River Holme.

Known locally as the Duck Feeding Area, this riverside spot has been shaped by floods, wildlife and years of community effort. Pause by the water and discover how local people have helped give this much-loved corner of Holmfirth a new lease of life.

Three things to discover

Get closer to the river – Follow the path beside the River Holme and enjoy a different view of the town.
Look for riverside wildlife – See what birds, insects and other wildlife you can spot around the water and native planting.
Discover the community artwork – Look closely at the specially designed benches and information board beside the river.

Caring for Crown Bottom

The riverside at Crown Bottom has weathered many storms. During the floods of 1944, several walkways beside the River Holme were washed away. Volunteers and local businesses restored the area during the 1990s, creating a popular place to visit and watch the ducks.

Over time, the riverbanks began to erode again and the path became muddy, overgrown and prone to flooding. In 2017, River Holme Connections began a two-year improvement project costing more than £100,000.

With help from volunteers and local partners, the riverbanks were rebuilt, the bridge was improved and a new all-weather path was created. Native plants were added to support wildlife and help hold the soil together. Two benches and an information board designed by local metal sculptor Mick Kirkby-Geddes were installed in 2019, incorporating ideas from local young people.

Did you know?

Around 40,000 people were estimated to visit the Duck Feeding Area each year when the improvement project was planned.

Make it yours

Take a final moment beside the river.

Listen to the water, look for wildlife or find your favourite detail in the community-designed benches.

Then take one last trail photograph, you’ve found all nine letters and made it your Holmfirth.

You’ve completed the trail

Nine letters. Nine different sides of town.

You’ve followed the river, climbed the streets and explored landmarks, quieter corners, independent businesses, green spaces and places made famous on screen.

There is the Holmfirth of Last of the Summer Wine and Bamforth and Co, the Holmfirth of mills and rivers, and the Holmfirth of artists, musicians, makers, shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Then there is the Holmfirth you have just discovered.

The trail may be finished, but there are always more streets to wander, places to visit and reasons to return.