Up to 2003, Calderdale Council had a small group of 'Tourist Guides' supported by their Tourism Unit which operated a summer programmes of about 18 walks covering some of Calderdale’s towns and villages. That group disbanded in 2003 when local authority funding was withdrawn. Following that, half a dozen people came together, agreed that such walks ought to continue and prepared to start their own group. In the winter of 2003-4 they planned a modest programme for the following summer. That was the start of CALDERDALE HERITAGE WALKS as an independent walks organisation.

The new group has increased the number of walks offered in each of its six years of operation so that in 2009 there were 52 walks spread over the full year and a total attendance of four times the 2003 level.  About 8 or 9 new walks are added to the programme every year. The summer 2010 programme is planned to be at about the same level as 2009.

As well as the printed leaflet, an electronic version of the winter and summer programmes plus an occasional Newsletter are sent to those on the emailing list to keep our 'regulars' up to date.
There are now ten Guides in the group who are all local people. All are passionate about our local Heritage and undertake considerable research for the walks they lead. All are experienced in explaining features seen on the walks and setting those into a wider local or national context. They also have to be capable of organising the actual walk itself, understand Health & Safety rules, and keep smiling whatever the weather!  They enjoy sharing what they've discovered with others who are similarly interested.

The Guides also undertake private bookings for parties. These have included local history societies, exchange parties from twin towns, coach parties visiting the area, school parties, and others who just have a general interest in the area and want an interesting summer evening out. The full list of all the walks we can offer is shown on the Private Groups page.

If you’d like to be on our mailing list and receive our Newsletter twice a year plus an advance copy of new programmes by email, please contact us at CdaleHeritageWks@aol.com

Please use the links to access more information about us and our walks.