A Journey Through Brontë Country: Discovering Waterfalls and Wuthering Heights

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.

The pictures below are of the ruins at Top Withens. The full set can be seen in my earlier post on Top Withens. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The full set of 12 pictures at Top Withens can be seen on Clickasnap or my earlier blog post.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and check out my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Bronte Waterfalls, Nr Haworth.

The Bronte Waterfall, nestled on the windswept Haworth Moor in West Yorkshire, is more than just a cascade of water. It's a place steeped in literary history, forever linked to the famed Bronte sisters and their captivating tales of love, loss, and the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors.

This picturesque waterfall, where the Sladen Beck tumbles over rocks and under an old stone bridge, is said to have been a source of inspiration and solace for the Bronte sisters, particularly Emily. It's easy to imagine them wandering these moors, their minds brimming with stories, their hearts touched by the raw beauty of their surroundings. The waterfall's presence is palpable in their works, particularly in Emily's masterpiece, "Wuthering Heights," where the rugged landscape mirrors the passionate and tumultuous lives of the characters.

Not far from the waterfall lies Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse believed to have inspired Earnshaw House in "Wuthering Heights." This desolate yet beautiful spot, with its panoramic views of the moors, further fuels the connection between the Brontes' lives, their writings, and the landscape that shaped them.

The stone bridge that crosses the Sladen Beck at the waterfall has its own story to tell. The original bridge was swept away in a flash flood in 1989, a stark reminder of the power of nature. However, the bridge was lovingly rebuilt, ensuring that visitors can continue to experience the same views and atmosphere that the Bronte sisters once enjoyed.

Today, the Bronte Waterfall is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. They come to walk in the footsteps of the Brontes, to soak in the atmosphere that inspired their timeless works, and to appreciate the natural beauty that captivated these literary giants. The waterfall, the moors, and the nearby Top Withens offer a glimpse into the world that shaped the Bronte sisters and their enduring legacy.

The pictures were taken on the 9th March 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Top Withins: The Inspiration for Wuthering Heights

The abandoned farmstead of Top Withins is said to have been the inspiration for Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights. There is a plaque at the ruins that reads,

"This farmhouse has been associated with "Wuthering Heights", the Earnshaw home in Emily Brontë's novel. The buildings, even when complete, bore no resemblance to the house she described, but the situation may have been in her mind when she wrote the moorland setting of the Heights."

• Bronte Society, 1964. This plaque has been placed here in response to many inquiries.

The farm was thought to have been built in the 2nd half of the 16th century and was lived in by the Sunderland family when the novel was published in 1847. The last known inhabitant was Ernest Reddy in 1926.

Top Withins: A Haunting Reminder of the Past

Top Withins is a ruined farmhouse located on the windswept moors of Yorkshire, England. It is said to have been the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, the classic novel of love, loss, and revenge.

The farmhouse is a haunting reminder of the past, its stone walls crumbling and its windows boarded up. But even in its dilapidated state, it still holds a certain magic.

Visiting Top Withins

Top Withins is a popular destination for fans of Wuthering Heights, as well as for those who simply enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors.

The farmhouse is located about 3 miles from Haworth, the village where the Brontë sisters lived. It is a short walk from the Brontë Waterfall, another popular tourist destination.

If you are planning to visit Top Withins, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable on the moors.

The History of Top Withins

Top Withins was built in the 16th century. It was originally a working farm, but it was abandoned in the early 20th century.

The farmhouse is now owned by the National Trust. It is open to the public, but it is not possible to go inside.

The Legend of Top Withins

There are many legends associated with Top Withins. One legend says that the farmhouse is haunted by the ghost of Emily Brontë. Another legend says that the farmhouse is built on the site of an ancient pagan temple.

Whether you believe in the legends or not, there is no denying that Top Withins is a truly magical place.

Conclusion

Top Withins is a must-visit destination for any fan of Wuthering Heights. It is also a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors.

If you are planning a trip to Yorkshire, be sure to add Top Withins to your list.

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid iS2132 camera in March 2014, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.