The River Colne rises in the moorlands of the South Pennines above Marsden, within the metropolitan district of Kirklees in West Yorkshire. The River Holme and Fenay Beck together with many smaller streams increase the rivers’ flow until 12 miles downstream, at its confluence with the River Calder, the river reaches a respectable size.

Although the headstreams rise in wild open moorland, the river soon takes on a different character as it descends into the main valley. Here it runs alongside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and is bordered by a mix of old mills, woodlands and fields, many of which retain their historic drystone walls.

The Colne Valley and the valleys of the adjoining tributaries are criss-crossed by a network of footpaths, which served as the main highways of past communities. Increasingly, the old mills are being restored to house present day residents and the River Corridor Greenways Project aims to help provide an access network, which serves modern day communities.