The village of Clayton West is next to Scissett and climbs the hill from Wakefield Road towards Barnsley which is 7 miles (11 km) south. Emley moor and the mast can be seen across the valley and the village is surrounding by rural countryside.
There is still a village store, a couple of pubs and a number of hairdressers. There are also a number of Industrial Units with a variety of thriving businesses servicing customers far and wide.
Kayes First and Nursery School is the primary school and nursery, which was built in 1862. Next to the school there is a play area. With football pitch and set of swings and small collection of equipment. There is also a cricket ground and another play area, which can be found behind the Woodman Inn and to the side of the Royds.
The river that runs through Scissett into Clayton West is called the River Dearne and the Packhorse bridge is a pleasant place to sit and watch the water trickle past.
Other pleasant places to sit are the Millennium Green and Cliff Woods. Both places also provide plenty of opportunity for young and old alike to adventure and discover nature. Over the past few years a collection of community groups have come together and run Light Up the Woods, which is a wonderful family friendly event, with lantern displays from groups, schools, individuals and businesses alike.
The village used to have a railway station on a branch of the Penistone Line. However the station along with Skelmanthorpe was closed in 1983. The Kirklees Light Railway now operates trains from the former station and is a lovely day out with the family. You will find a cafe and plenty of well equipped play equipment for younger children.
Clayton West was occasionally used as a location for Britain’s longest running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine, in which one of the previous village’s four pubs, “The Shoulder of Mutton” in Church Lane, featured prominently – however the pub has now been converted into a number of dwellings.
