Yorkshire's hidden beach - how to get to the secret beach an hour away from Leeds

With warm weather predicted for the rest of the Easter weekend, the urge to get out in the fresh air is higher than ever.
Enjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny ClarkEnjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny Clark
Enjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny Clark

But a lot of people in Leeds may not have thought about travelling to a beach in LESS than an hour.

With many residents opting for east coast haunts such as Scarborough for years, the main road there, the A64, can become very congested.

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So why not try turning the other way and heading to a little gem of a beach that not many people know exist?

Enjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny ClarkEnjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny Clark
Enjoying the sun at England's highest beach. Pic by Johnny Clark

Gaddings Dam, which is located right in the heart of the Pennines, is situated above Todmorden and because of the relatively shallow water levels, a little bit of sun warms the water up to a temperature that allows a paddle or swim.

There's is also sand and plenty of lovely walks in the area to fill up a day.

From Leeds city centre, the quickest way to Gaddings Dam is down the M62 towards Todmorden.

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It is 80 feet above sea level and 60 miles inland at Lumbutts village.

The path to the beach at Gaddings DamThe path to the beach at Gaddings Dam
The path to the beach at Gaddings Dam

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It is worth noting there is no road access to Gaddings Dam. The site can only be reached by a steep hike on a rough footpath to the top of the moors.

OL14 6JJ is the closest postcode.