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Monday 1 April
AROUND MIDGEHOLE
The river, bridges, dams, old textile mills, the fustian trade and a dyeworks all on this walk. It's the essence of Calderdale – lots of history in delightful surroundings.
Meet Justine Wyatt at 2.15 p.m. at the Blue Pig (parking there by kind permission). From Hebden Bridge, follow A.6033, then signs for Hardcastle Crags. Bear left just before their entrance, over the next bridge, then turn left. Boots recommended.
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Sunday 7 April
ELLAND CENTRE
In 1086 the town featured in Doomsday Book . It is one of the oldest town centres in Calderdale and we'll see how it has developed down the centuries.
Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. by Elland Parish Church notice board. 
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Sunday 14 April
MAYPOLES, MILNES & McCREA
The village is now only a small part of ancient Warley township which featured in the Domesday Survey of 1086. Our title will mean more to you when you've done the walk !
Meet Iain Cameron at 2.15 pm by the Maypole in Warley village. 
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Sunday 21 April
HOBNOBBING IN NORLAND
This second Norland walk covers areas not seen on the first one. Houses, Hillsides and Heritage might have been the alternate title. It's got them all, and superb views.
Some rural paths, boots etc recommended. Lasts 3 hours
Meet Anne Kirker 2.15 pm by the Hobbit Inn, Norland. 
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Sunday 28 April
BLANKETS, CHICKS & DOCK PUDDING
A look at the history of Mytholmroyd with particular reference to the last two centuries.
The title gives clues as to some of the elements involved !
Meet David Cant at 2.15 pm in the Community Centre carpark off Caldene Avenue. 
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Sunday 5 May
HEPTONSTALL SHADOWS
Explore streets and ginnels around Heptonstall for tales from the shadier sides of its local history with witchcraft, dark deeds and other lamentations !
Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 pm at the main Heptonstall carpark, near the Bowling Club (follow the signs).
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Monday 6 May
POWER IN THE LANDSCAPE
Exploring the Lower Colden valley looking particularly at the early mills, their use of water power, and later steam. There are other stories too – and the setting !
Meet Justine Wyatt at 2.15 p.m. by Hebden Br. Parish Church. Boots required, some steep paths.
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Sunday 12 May
A SHELF FULL OF OLD IRON
Shelf Iron Works are long gone but there's still a lot of evidence of their existence. We'll explore the area between the Bradford boundary and Shelf Moor Rd. looking for clues.
Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. in the Lidl Car Park on A.6036 in Shelf.
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Wednesday 15 May
LITTLE VILLAGE OF STONES
1,000 years plus of Ripponden's history including its fine buildings, long textile history, and more recent changes. A walk last done over 4 years ago.
Meet Anne Kirker at 7.15 p.m. by Ripponden Parish Church gates.
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Sunday 19 May
TODMORDEN – A BRIEF HISTORY
We'll see some of Todmorden's buildings, grand and humble, learn how the town developed over the centuries, and some stories of the families that made it.
Meet Linda Croft at 2.15 pm by Todmorden Town Hall (Burnley Rd. side, opposite Tourist Information).
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Tuesday 21 May
SOWERBY BRIDGE, EAST
The development of this inland port plus the town's rapid expansion. We'll also look at the people who worked here and 19th century chapels, church, mills and pubs.
Meet David Cant at 7.15 p.m. in The Moorings carpark, Sowerby Bridge.
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Sunday 26 May
A TRAIL AROUND HEBDEN BRIDGE
An introduction to this fascinating town at the heart of the Upper Valley. Covers many aspects of its history, which it has in abundance covering many centuries.
Meet Liz Watkins at 2.15 p.m. by Hebden Bridge Visitor & Canal Centre alongside A.646.
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Monday 27 May
THE WAINHOUSE TRAIL
Details in a separate panel at the end.
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Sunday 2 June
CENTRAL BRIGHOUSE
Up to 1700s Brighouse was just a river crossing. The canal arrived in 1760s, then industrial expansion throughout 1800s and early/mid 1900s. Now new roles are emerging.
Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. at Brighouse Library, The Rydings, Halifax Rd (A.644). Lasts about 2½ hours.
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Wednesday 5 June
MINSTER IN THE MIDDLE
Walking through history in the area around Halifax Minster discussing buildings (past and present) plus events and activities there over many centuries.
Meet Anne Kirker at 7.15 p.m. by the top gates into the churchyard (near the stocks).
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Sunday 9 June
A DELVE INTO THE PAST
An exploration of the Bank Top area at the northern end of Southowram with an interesting mixture of six centuries of stone abstraction, farming, textiles, and buildings.
Meet Iain Cameron at 2.15 p.m. by the War Memorial on Pinnar Lane, Southowram.
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Friday 14 June
MIDGLEY & IT'S MOOR
The village has fine old houses, former pubs and quiet corners. Beyond is evidence of extensive quarrying in former years on the moor's edge - with fine views.
Meet David Cant at 7.15 pm by Midgley School. Boots/ stout shoes recommended.
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Sunday 16 June
HARTSHEAD MOOR
Where Calderdale meets Spenborough. It was coal mining country 150 years ago, but there are old routes, a Quaker settlement, interesting buildings ... and more!
Meet John Brooke at 2.15 p.m. by the Old Pack Horse on A649 1 mile east of Bailiff Bridge.
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Tuesday 18 June
SOWERBY BRIDGE WEST END
A look at part of the town's history and the former activities. We'll look at its buildings, around the old bridge, the mils, and both of its railway stations.
Meet David Cant at 7.15 p.m. outside the Station Refreshment Rooms.
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Sunday 23 June
WANDERING ROUND WALSDEN
An eclectic mix from Walsden's past with pack horse tracks, toll roads, chapels, mills, gardening, rival co-ops, and a Nobel Prize winner. Non-slip shoes / boots advised.
Meet Linda Croft at 2.15 p.m. by Walsden Station entrance, Rochdale Rd.
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29 & 30 June
'OUTLAWS & NUNS'
Bookings will open 1st May at the Visitor Centre, Butler's Wharf, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AF. They can be made in person; by phone on 01422 843831 (fee for card transactions); or by post with full payment and a reply paid envelope (cheques to 'Calderdale MBC'). Please specify the day and a.m. or p.m. preference. Details and directions are sent out with the tickets.
These walks are £5 per head and must be pre-booked. It will not be possible to just turn up on the day !
The walk includes the former Nunnery site, Gate House, 15th to 18th century farm buildings, and Robin Hood's Grave. Guides are Margaret & David Nortcliffe. This 1½ mile walk is partly on woodland paths - strong shoes advised. There are no buses to the Estate on Sundays. 
N.B. The walk listed earlier as the possible alternative on June 30th from Spring Hall, Halifax will not now take place.
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Sunday 7 July
MINSTER TO ST. MARK'S
Or should it be 'Churches, chocolates & chuff-chuffs' ? The Hebble valley below town is not picture postcard material, but it is very interesting, varied and has lots of history.
Meet Iain Cameron at 2.15 p.m. by the entrance to the Eureka carpark, Halifax.
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Monday 8 July
'THEATRELAND'
A tour through much of the Victoria Theatre to see how it works and learn about its history. Followed by a short talk about other nearby 20th century theatres/ cinemas.
Meet David Nortcliffe at 7.15 p.m. in the Victoria Theatre foyer, Halifax.
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Wednesday 10 July
MINSTER IN THE MIDDLE
Walking through history in the area around Halifax Minster discussing buildings (past and present) plus events and activities there over many centuries.
Meet Anne Kirker at 7.15 p.m. by the top gates into the churchyard (near the stocks).
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Sunday 14 July
THE COLONEL AND HIS VILLAGE
The story of Colonel Edward Akroyd, his business, his life, his house, the Church and his legacy. Includes a walk through the historic Akroydon village Conservation Area.
Meet David Nortcliffe at 2.15 p.m. by the car showroom at the bottom of Range Lane, off Haley Hill (A.647), Halifax.
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Tuesday 16 July
MIDGLEY MOOR
Midgley Moor has seen human activity from the earliest times with archaeology, legends and customs. Some stiles, uphill and moorland paths. Boots + outdoor gear needed.
Meet John Billingsley at 7.15 pm by the Hare & Hounds P.H. east of Old Town School.
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Sunday 21 July
THE WAINHOUSE TRAIL
Details in a separate panel at the end.
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Sunday 28 July
POETS & POPPLES
Heptonstall's outskirts offer fine views, characterful history, folklore and literary connections from William Dearden to Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. (Part is on rural path alongside a steep slope).
Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 pm at the Bowling Club carpark, Valley View Rd, Heptonstall (follow the signs).
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Friday 2 Aug. (to confirm)
CRAGG VALE
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 7.15 p.m. on B.6138 in Cragg Vale by its junction with the road to the Church.
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Sunday 4 August
HALLELUJAH !!
The amazing architecture of Hebden Bridge's sacred places, their stories and variety. See the diversity of Dissent and ponder about the ‘Particular’ and the ‘Strict’.
Meet Liz Watkins at 2.15 p.m. by the Canal & Visitor Centre on A.646 in Hebden Bridge.
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Sunday 11 Aug
COTTONSTONES TO KEBROYD (and back)
Woods, worms, water and more. See how a landscape was bound and transformed by a skein of silken thread! A 3 hour walk. Boots and outdoor gear advisable.
Meet Anne Kirker at 2.15 p.m. at Cottonstones Church.
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Sunday 18 August
TED HUGHES' MYTHOLMROYD
Visit some of the settings of the former Poet Laureate's poems and biographical memories in the context of the village where he was born and spent his early years.
Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 pm by the steps to the eastbound platform of Mytholmroyd station. Park at public car parks in the village, or come by bus /train.
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Sunday 25 August
CHEERS !!
A stroll around some of Hebden Bridge's hostelries past and present. Come along and enjoy colourful taproom tales and hear a little of the pubs' histories and origins.
Meet Liz Watkins at 2.15 p.m. by the statue in St George's Square, Hebden Bridge.
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Monday 26 August
LOWER JUMBLE HOLE
Ruined mills, reservoirs, an old water turbine house, a chapel and panoramic views across the valley. Exploring the lower part of this beautiful clough and adjoining sites.
Meet Justine Wyatt at 2.15 p.m. by JCB depot alongside A.646 at Eastwood. Boots recommended.
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Sunday 1 September
SIX OF ONE & HALF A DOZEN ...
Showing how a Shelf to Norwood Green link (and back) has always been important. With interesting elements from the fringes of both villages included for good measure.
Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. in the carpark at Shelf Hall Park (off A.6036) .
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Sunday 8 September
LUDDENDEN VILLAGE
A walk round this charming old village looking at its history, Church, Inn, other old buildings, its involvement with the textile industry, Brontë connection, and much more.
Meet David Cant at 2.15 pm by New Road carpark at the Luddenden Foot end of the village.
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Sunday 15 September
HALLS, HOUSES & HAMLETS
The project to build Coley church started 500 years ago. This rural walk to settlements S.E. of there uses old routes to see some interesting houses. Boots/strong shoes needed.
Meet John Brooke at 2.15 p.m. by Coley Church (almost 1 mile north of Hipperholme crossroads).
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Saturday 21 September
FUSTIAN CUTTERS OF HEBDEN BR.
What is Fustian ? What was it like for child workers in that trade ? We'll explain and take you to some of the places where Fustian cutters lived and worked in 1830s and '40s.
Meet Justine Wyatt at 2.15 by Hebden Bridge Visitor & Canal Centre alongside A.646 (Note: it's on Saturday).
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Sunday 29 September
MANKINHOLES & LUMBUTTS
Following the route of the 1838 rioters who protested against the new Poor Law and we'll see the eventual workhouse site. Plus a little of the general history of these two hamlets.
Meet Linda Croft by the Top Brink pub, Lumbutts. Parking there for pub customers only.
Starts at 2.25 p.m. to link with the bus from Todmorden. Strong shoes recommended.
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Sunday 6 October
A DELVE INTO THE PAST
An exploration of the Bank Top area at the northern end of Southowram with an interesting mixture of six centuries of stone abstraction, farming, textiles, and buildings.
Meet Iain Cameron at 2.15 p.m. by the War Memorial, on Pinnar Lane, Southowram.
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Sunday 13 October
WANDERING ROUND WALSDEN
An eclectic mix from Walsden's past with pack horse tracks, toll roads, chapels, mills, gardening, rival co-ops, and a Nobel Prize winner. Non-slip shoes / boots advised.
Meet Linda Croft at 2.15 p.m. by Walsden Station entrance, Rochdale Rd.
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Sunday 20 October
WHITE BEAR TO WHEEL 'OILE
Walking through part of Norwood Green following the mid/ late 19th century census takers to see which houses they visited, who lived there, and what they all did.
Meet Mary Twentyman at 2.15 p.m. at the Cobbett Centre (former Chapel) on Village Street, Norwood Green.
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Sunday 27 October
DARK TALES FOR HALLOWEEN
Spooky walk with tales of the dark and dismal, gruesome and ghostly, shadowy and shocking around central Halifax. (Younger people must be with an adult.)
Meet John Billingsley at 2.15 pm by Halifax Piece Hall's top gate.
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THE WAINHOUSE TRAIL
On two afternoons this summer our walk concentrates on John Edward Wainhouse, the family's mill, his life, his properties nearby and his famous feud with Sir Henry Edwards. He was far more than just a Tower builder - though that's important ! We start from the base of Wainhouse Tower and walk through the local area where he operated.
Access to the Tower is on foot from Wakefield Gate (off Skircoat Moor Rd.) Halifax. The charge is our usual £3.
These 'Trail' walks with Iain Cameron are on Monday 27 May at 2.15 pm. and Sunday 21 July, at 2.15 pm.
ASCENDING WAINHOUSE TOWER
The Tower will be open 11.00 am to 4.00pm on 6 days this summer - but the last time for ascent each day is 3.30 pm.
| Easter Monday |
Monday 1st April |
| May Day weekend |
Monday 6th May |
| Spring Bank Holiday |
Monday 27th May |
| Fathers' Day |
Sunday 16th June |
| July opening |
Sunday 21th July |
| August Bank Holiday |
Monday 26th Aug. |
A charge is payable to Calderdale MBC for the Tower ascent: Adults £2, Children & Passport to Leisure members £1.50, Family ticket £6.
PLEASE NOTE :
Those who plan to ascend the Tower and do the Wainhouse Trail on the same afternoon should do the ascent first, perhaps starting there around 1.15/ 1.30 pm. The Tower will have closed by the time the 'Wainhouse Trail' walk
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= A new walk. = A walk which was new in 2012 . = Sorry, no dogs.
= Suitable for powered wheelchair users, though a short diversion may be needed at times. |
Guides can also be booked for private groups – we have over 90 walks available right across Calderdale.
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