Introduction

The buildings now in use as Scammonden Activity Centre were originally a 17th century listed farmhouse (New Hey) and barn, both of which were derelict for many years. The Centre is now a residential centre situated on the edge of the Pennine moors about six miles west of Huddersfield. Scouts, Guides, youth groups, school parties and other organisations use it as a base for a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. These include orienteering, rock climbing and hill walking.

The Centre is let exclusively to groups, organisations and occasionally families seeking a venue for a residential gathering or simply a day visit, and will accommodate up to 42 people. It is used throughout the year, with an estimated total of over 2,500 people staying at the Centre per year.

Huddersfield South West District Scout Council manages the centre, and holds a long lease on it. All of the work at the centre is carried out by hard working volunteers and any operating profits are reserved to pay for continuing repairs, renewals and improvements to the Centre.

New Hey was a derelict farmhouse and barn situated on the side of Scammonden reservoir. It is a building of great character and dates from at least 1693.

The Holdsworth family and later the Baker family www.thebakersofscammonden.co.uk  farmed the surrounding land for many years before it was taken over by the Water Authority during the construction of Scammonden Dam in the 1960’s.

Since the building of the M62 Motorway and Scammonden Dam in the 1960's it had been disused, and was formerly included in the lease of Scammonden Water Sailing Club from its owners the Yorkshire Water Authority.

Scammonden Water Sailing Club surrendered New Hey from its lease, and a lease of New Hey was taken by Huddersfield South West District Scout Council.

The property was successfully converted into a unique centre to accommodate 42 people. The range of activities available in the area is unlimited; walks on the Pennine moor land, down into the pleasant Deanhead Valley or further a-field. The new Kirklees Way passes the building and the Pennine Way is only a short distance away. There are many suitable local venues for rock-climbing, including Pule Hill at Marsden. 

The centre is also well placed as a study centre for map study, industrial and social archaeology, country care, local history, canal study, plus an endless list of other subjects. It is situated in the centre of West Yorkshire's developing tourist area, midway between Holmfirth and Haworth. The Colne, Holme and Calder Valleys are all close at hand with several excellent Leisure Centres and Swimming Baths within a few miles.

The centre helps to introduce young people to a whole new range of activities and benefits not just scouting but the whole community.