Recently, while sifting through some old photos, I stumbled upon a collection I took in March 2014. These weren't just any pictures; they were from a memorable walk across the moors south of Haworth, a journey undertaken in search of the elusive Brontë Waterfall and the haunting ruins of Top Withens farmhouse. I've compiled a selection of these images into a short video, which you can now view below.
The Brontë Waterfall: A Hidden Gem
Our adventure began at the Brontë Waterfall, a modest yet captivating cascade nestled in the heart of Brontë Country. This area, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, holds deep connections to the legendary Brontë family. You'll find the falls are part of the picturesque South Dean Beck. Interestingly, the original bridge crossing the beck was swept away by flash flooding in 1989, only to be lovingly rebuilt the following year. A plaque now stands as a testament to its resilience.
Following the Trail to Top Withens
From the waterfall, we followed the Brontë Trail in a westerly direction, leading us deeper into the moorland expanse and eventually to the atmospheric ruins of Top Withens Farmhouse. It's truly difficult to fathom how anyone could have carved out a life in such a desolate and isolated spot, with only a couple of other farms for company – farms that were themselves abandoned in the 1870s and subsequently demolished.
Top Withens met a similar fate, abandoned around the same time. However, it experienced a brief revival in 1920 when a Mr. Ernest Roddie brought it back into use. Alas, its respite was short-lived, and by 1926, the farm was finally abandoned for good, left to slowly succumb to the elements and become the ruin we see today. This poignant shell of a home is widely believed to have been the inspiration for the iconic Earnshaw house in Emily Brontë's timeless novel, Wuthering Heights.
