Few would dispute that the Town Hall and Parish Church are amongst the very finest buildings in town. This new walk looks at their exteriors and then takes you inside both buildings to see some of the details and learn more about their history. The walk between them will be used to identify other interesting features of the central area.

Meet Anne Kirker by Halifax Town Hall entrance at 2.00 pm

An ancient village south of Halifax which was a separate township until the mid-19th century. It has an interesting mix of older buildings and then extensive developments from about 1850 onwards. This walk looks at how it was, how it developed in the last 160 years, and what Skircoat is now.

Meet Iain Cameron at Manor Heath carpark, Halifax at 2.00 pm

How both sides of Huddersfield Road developed – especially the housing - between 1860 and 1910. Including many other interesting facts, views and buildings too.

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. in the Spring Hall carpark, off Huddersfield Rd., Halifax.

From the riverside to Hoo Hole exploring the evolution of Mytholmroyd over two centuries - a microcosm of Pennine village development.

Meet Pam Jordan at 2.15 p.m. in the carpark by Mytholmroyd Parish Church.

Celebrating 500 years of the old bridge, this walk shows how Hebden Bridge has always been a focus for communications. We'll cover pack-horse routes, old paths, turnpikes, coaching, canal, railway and a few others too.

Meet Ed Westbrook at 2.15 p.m. by the packhorse bridge in Bridgegate, Hebden Bridge

The outskirts of Heptonstall abound with folklore, history full of character and literary connections ranging from William Dearden to Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. Part on unsurfaced path alongside a steep slope.

Meet John Billingsley at 7.15 p.m. at the Bowling Club carpark, off Valley View Rd, Heptonstall.

Exploring north of Old Town on the moorland edge with long views to tell the story of hill communities and landscapes of the past. Stout footwear needed, some rougher paths. No dogs on this walk.

Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 p.m. by Old Town School, a mile N.E. of Hebden Bridge.

Includes Piece Hall gallery and other elements of the building. Also Square Chapel & Church plus the inside of Square Chapel and the surrounds of that area.

Meet Anne Kirker at 2.15 pm at the corner of 'Square' and Woolshops: near the M & S corner entrance

It's said there are 100,000 burials in Heptonstall. Discover unexpected tales, family sagas and fascinating lives as we explore the stories beneath the headstones.

Meet Liz Watkins at 7.15 p.m. by the Grammar School Museum in Heptonstall churchyard.

A walk through these picturesque twin villages on the moorland edge looking at their history, and particularly the 500 years of textile here. But much more happened here too !

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. by Lumbutts Chapel on the road linking the two villages.

One of 2 new walks in this valley. This takes in the lower part to see various types of former industrial activity and several interesting buildings. One steep ascent is involved. Stout footwear and outdoor gear recommended. No dogs on this walk.

Meet Anne Kirker at 2.15 p.m. at Ryburn Reservoir carpark off A.58, signed 'Swift Place' approx 1¼ miles S.W. of Ripponden.

Monday 31 May: MILLS, MORAVIANS & MORE

For 135 years carpets were made here; then it all ended. Highlighting the changes in this urban fringe area from 1750 right up to today. Plus an extension to Lower Wyke.

Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. outside the Punch Bowl Inn, on A.641 in Bailiff Bridge.

Spread across the high hillside above Hebden Bridge, Old Town is the central settlement of Wadsworth township with a history stretching from the Bronze Age to the post-industrial present. Some rural footpaths and steep slopes. No dogs on this walk.

Meet John Billingsley at 7.15 p.m. by the school, at the east end of the village. Please park with consideration.

Midgley Moor has been a hive of human activity from the earliest times. There's archaeology, legend and customs in this 3 hour moorland walk. Some hills, stiles, unmade paths, and heather. For regular walkers, booted and suitably equipped. No dogs on this walk.

Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 p.m. by the Hare & Hounds P.H., just beyond Old Town School .

Last year's walk "Stand up and be counted" has been revised and expanded with more Victorian census information.  This year we'll focus on just the west end of the village to see who lived there, and what they did.

Meet Mary Twentyman at 7.15 p.m. at the Cobbett Centre (former Chapel) on Village Str., Norwood Green.

Part two of the upper Ryburn duo (see 30 May). We continue upstream taking in farming, early industry, old roads, the moors and more of those interesting buildings. Outdoor gear as for 30 May please. No dogs on this walk.

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. at Ryburn Reservoir carpark off A.58 signed 'Swift Place' approx 1¼ miles S.W. of Ripponden.

The social and industrial history of the former coal industry N.E. of Clifton and exploring the old narrow gauge rail tracks (by special permission). Stout shoes needed. No dogs on this walk.

Meet John Brooke at 2.15 p.m. in Armytage Arms' carpark ½ mile north of Brighouse on A643.

An attractive mix of village, moor, woods and views with the early textile trade, magnificent old houses and over 7 centuries of recorded history. Stout footwear needed.

Meet Anne Kirker at 7.15 p.m. by the War Memorial opposite Norland Parish Church.

A village with 900 years of recorded history and a heady collection of coiners, hard mill-owners, wealthy gentry, interesting buildings, frauds and scandal.

Meet Pam Jordan at 2.15 p.m. on B6138 in Cragg Vale by its junction with the road to the Church.

A shorter 'evening walk' version of the 30th of May walk in the lower part of the valley below Ryburn Reservoir. Still includes many of the important features and some fine views. We'd suggest stout shoes. No dogs on this walk.

Meet Anne Kirker at 7.15 p.m. at Ryburn Reservoir carpark, signed 'Swift Place' off A58, approx 1¼ miles S.W. of Ripponden.

Visit the private Kirklees Estate near Clifton, by special arrangement. See the Nunnery site, Gate House, 15th to 17th century Home Farm buildings, and Robin Hood's Grave. The Guides are Margaret & David Nortcliffe. There is just one day here this year, but there'll be up to four walks during the day. Sorry, but no dogs on these walks.

These walks must be pre-booked and are £4 per head. Book at Hebden Bridge Visitor & Canal Centre, Butler's Wharf, New Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AF in person; by phone on 01422 843831 (fee for card transactions); or by post with full payment (cheques to 'Calderdale MBC'). Specify a.m. or p.m. preference. It will not be possible to just turn up on the day ! Details of times and directions are sent with tickets. Booking opens 6 th April.

The walk is about 1¼ miles, partly on woodland paths and strong shoes are advised. Unfortunately, there are no buses to Clifton on Sundays.

A four mile country walk on the moor's edge needing boots and outdoor gear. There are late Stone Age aspects here, mediaeval elements, old hill routes, early textiles, water-gathering, grouse shooting and more. No dogs allowed on this walk.

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. at Clough Foot parking area on Widdop Road, five miles NW of Hebden Br. (½ mile beyond the Packhorse Inn).

As we went to press METRO did not know if bus 906 will operate there this summer.

We'll explore an area which went from fields to almost solid buildings in about 40 years. Victorian developments of houses, pubs, chapel, school, almshouses and a fine library and Art Gallery, and still with some evidence of its earlier history.

Meet David Nortcliffe at 7.15 p.m. at Rydings Art Gallery & Library, Halifax Road, Brighouse.

This walk will look at the importance of the North Bridge area as a crossing point down the centuries and the fortunes of the Dean Clough site from its origins to the world's largest carpet makers to today's centre for the business and the arts. No dogs on this walk.

Meet Ed. Westbrook at 2.15 by the entrance to North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax.

A walk north of Todmorden town centre looking at sites with Fielden connections, including Centre Vale Park, plus tales of agitation, murder and riot.

Meet Ed. Westbrook at 2.15 p.m. at the railway viaduct by Todmorden Bus Station.

This starts with a tour of the Victoria Theatre - 'front of house', back stage, the ornate exterior and learning about its history. Later we switch to consider other nearby theatres/cinemas of 20th century. 2¼ to 2½ hours. No dogs on this walk.

Meet David Nortcliffe and Tim Fagan at 7.15pm in the foyer of the Victoria Theatre, Commercial St, Halifax.

An exploration of history on the south side of Shelf. Mainly rural along country lanes with old farms and Halls. Some unmade paths and stiles. Stout footwear recommended.

Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. at Shelf Hall Park carpark, off Bridle Stile.

The village has more tales to tell than any of its size in the North with John Wesley, Churches, Chapel, early textiles, coiners and the Civil War (and that's just the first ½ mile !).

Meet Ed. Westbrook at 2.15 p.m. by the Museum in Heptonstall churchyard.

Visit the settings of Ted Hughes' poems and biographical memories in the context of the history of the village where he was born and spent his early years.

Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 p.m. by the steps to the eastbound platform of Mytholmroyd station. Park at public carparks in the village, or come by bus /train.

Sunday 22 August: DOMESDAY TO COMMUTERS.

Almost the whole history of this part of northern England is reflected in this fascinating hill village. It has more facets than one would suppose and lots of quiet corners with an old village atmosphere.

Meet Pam Jordan at 2.15 p.m. by Midgley School carpark at the S.E. end of the village. Turn north off A.646 at Luddenden Foot for Midgley.

This attractive village in a beautiful setting contains much more of historic interest than its size might suggest ! This walk is included now by popular request after a gap of 3 years.

Meet Anne Kirker at 2.15 p.m. at Rishworth turning circle on A.672. Parking, at owners' risk, in carpark next to Heathfield School, by kind permission.

Visit sites associated with both families and in particular we'll cover the dispute between Sir Henry Edwards and John Edward Wainhouse. Involves a significant ascent and descent.

Meet Ed. Westbrook at 2.15 p.m. by the statue at Sowerby Br. canal basin entrance alongside A58.

This is the third in our series on the Elland area. In 1750 this area was almost all open land and we'll see how the canal, railway, roads, industry and housing dramatically changed all that – sometimes more than once !

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. by the top entrance to Southgate carpark, Elland.

Rastrick was a separate authority until 1893 with its own distinctive history. We'll look at 19th and 20th century developments to see how radically the area changed in those 2 centuries.

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. at the Sports Centre carpark, Rastrick High School, Field Top Road.

An exploration of the history of the south side of Shelf. Mainly rural along country lanes with old farms and Halls. Some unmade paths and stiles. Stout footwear recommended.

Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. at the Shelf Hall Park carpark, off Bridle Stile.

The Brookes, Titus Salt, J.J. Foster, Anne Walker (and her friend Ann Lister), E.C. Sutherland-Walker, J.F. Walsh and H.P. Jackson were notables with Lightcliffe connections. Find out more about them, their impact, and what they left behind.

Meet John Brooke at 2.15 p.m. outside the Sun Inn, Wakefield Road, Lightcliffe.

Explores Hebden Bridge, the diverse bridges over different features in town, and how one gets a different perspective about the town from some of them.

Meet Liz Watkins at 2.15 p.m. by the Visitor & Canal Centre, Butler's Wharf, Hebden Bridge.

As the chill starts to set in, this walk will introduce some of the darker and stranger stories in Halifax's long and eventful history, from severed heads to ghostly revenants.

Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 p.m. by the top gate of Halifax Piece Hall.

The town has a wealth of fine ornate buildings of mid/ late 19th century in its central area. We plan to see many of the best of them on this walk. Lasts 2½ hours

Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. on Northgate, Halifax - across the road from Dews' car showroom.

Ripponden's history seems to be bound up with topics that start with 'C' : Church, conflict, catastrophe, co-operation, Chartism and quite a few more. Ripponden has them all. Anne will explain !

Meet Anne Kirker at 2.15 p.m. by the Parish Church gates in Ripponden.

Two walks, each about 1¼ hours, with John Billingsley including tales of the dark and dismal, gruesome and ghostly, shadowy and shocking sides of the downtown area. Walks must be pre-booked at the Piece Hall offices. Price £3 each. Costume optional, an open mind obligatory. Probably better to leave the dog at home ! Presented in conjunction with Halifax Piece Hall.

5.00 p.m. for younger people (with parents) and those who prefer a shorter, calmer walk

7.00 p.m. for the 'full-blooded' version - not for the sensitive or hard of hearing.

Winter programmes are emailed to those on our list in early October each year. To be added to that list, please email us.

Guides can also be booked for private groups – we have more than 75 walks available right across Calderdale.