July- October 2023
Below are details of Calderdale Heritage Walks walks for the remainder of the summer of 2023.
Most walks lasts 2 to 2¼ hours and those are fairly easy walking – normally on surfaced paths. A few walks are a little longer, use rural paths or are harder walking – there will be a note in the text about those. Almost all starting points are served by public transport. The majority of walks are circular, finishing at the starting point; however a few walks are linear, and these are marked in the text.
Except where stated otherwise, the charge for our walks is £4 (all ages) and £5 for booked walks. For many walks there’s no need to book, just turn up and pay on the day. However others do need booking through TicketSource – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/calderdale-heritage-walks
If you need help with this, please call at Halifax Information Hub, Woolshops, near the Piece Hall. Walks that require booking are clearly marked.
Calderdale Heritage Walks reserve the right not to take anyone on walks who seems unlikely to cope with the conditions. Every effort is made to adhere to the published programme, but they also reserve the right to cancel or amend any walk if
circumstances make that necessary. These walks are not really suited to under-13s and they are not covered by their insurance policy.
Their website has more information about them and the walks at : https://calderdaleheritagewalks.org.uk.
Unless stated, walks begin at 2pm. Please wear appropriate footwear.
SUNDAY 9th July BOGDEN TO SLITHEROE
Bogden Valley was lost when the beautiful Ryburn Reservoir was built. This linear walk explores the life, work and buildings along a little known part of the Ryburn valley, ending where river and railway meet. Anne will lead the return walk to the start. 2½ hrs. Dogs on leads. This walk involves country style, steepish steps alongside the dam wall, both down to the valley bottom and on return to the carpark above. Stout shoes or boots recommended. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Meet Anne Kirker at Ryburn Reservoir car park [signed ‘Swift Place’] off A58. HX6 4LD
SUNDAY 16th July DOBROYD CASTLE – NOTE, PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
By kind permission of the owners, this afternoon walk goes to, around and inside the striking ‘Brass Castle’ built above Todmorden by John Fielden in 1869. It includes the house and walled garden with details of their history and the family. Timing and meeting point details are issued with the tickets. The Guide is Anne Mealia. PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL and it will not be possible to just turn up on the day. This walk is £5 per head. This walk is 1½ miles, part on woodland paths and strong shoes are advised. Ticket-holders should meet the Guide in Todmorden at 2.15 pm (full details supplied with tickets) for a ½ mile walk up the wooded hillside to the Castle. No dogs allowed. Access to the Castle by car is difficult but if you need to go by car, route information will be supplied when booking.
SUNDAY 30th July MIDGLEY MOOR
More than a moor, this extended walk (3hrs approx.) with John Billingsley takes in aspects of prehistory, folklore, custom, economic function, geography and climate. Rough moorland terrain, around 3 miles: walking shoes and weatherproof clothing & snacks recommended for comfort. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Dogs strictly only on leads. Meet John Billingsley at the crossroads by Hare & Hounds Inn, Old Town. HX7 8TN
SUNDAY 6th August A BREWERY, A WINDMILL AND A LOST SETTLEMENT
Visit the lost settlement of Todd Bottom. Various Shibden Valley properties seen from Northowram hill. Stone quarry failed partnership and an old village house. Some steep pathways through fields. Walking boots essential. Dogs welcome. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Meet Mike Beecham at Northowram Tennis Club car park. The Hough, Northowram, Halifax. HX3 7AP
SUNDAY 13th August ALL ABOUT WAINHOUSE
Often overlooked compared to other big names in Halifax, John Wainhouse is responsible for the creation of one of Calderdale’s most famous landmarks – Wainhouse Tower – known locally as the Tower of Spite. This walk explores some other projects of Wainhouse, and the role he played in the development of King Cross. The walk includes steep slopes, cobbles and steps. Walk does not include entry to the tower. Good footwear is required. The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs/mobility scooters. Meet Steve Crabtree at Wakefield Gate, adjacent to the tower, off Skircoat Moor Road, HX2 7EN
SUNDAY 20th AUGUST 1842: PLUG DRAWERS, HALEY HILL, NORTH BRIDGE – and more
When People Power brought Halifax’s mills to a standstill, the Riot Act was read, tales of victims of the military. Looking at many relevant sites. Warning – some very steep slopes up and down. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended. This is a 3 hour walk. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Meet David Glover at HX3 6EL – outside playground entrance, Woodside Road, off Haley Hill
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 28thAugust 2023 HOBNOBBING IN NORLAND
This 3hr extended walk explores more rural parts of Norland away from the main centre. Hillsides and Heritage might be an alternative title – it’s got heritage in abundance and superb views! Country lanes and some rural footpaths. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended. Dogs on leads. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Meet Anne Kirker by The New Hobbit, Hob Lane, Norland. HX6 3QL
SUNDAY 3rd September 1892 SMALLPOX CLIFTON
A major outbreak of smallpox hit the Brighouse area in 1892. We’ll visit the key sites in Clifton to re-tell the story. Meet John Brooke by the war memorial in the centre of Clifton. HD6 4HP
SUNDAY 17th September WEST VALE FROM 1300 TO THE PRESENT
It went from almost nothing to being a major village in 50 years thanks to improved roads, railways & a bridge. Textiles declined later and new roles have evolved. Dogs on leads welcome, powered wheelchairs possible. Meet Ian Philp in the car park off Rochdale Road by the traffic lights on the Stainland Road.
SUNDAY 1 st October CROSSLEYS, the inventors and their influence on West Halifax
A park, a mansion, almshouses, a model village and a cemetery still remind us of past Crossley investment in western Halifax. But who was the original inventor behind the Crossley fortune? A man who is often forgotten, George Collier. Where did he live and where was he buried? Meet David Glover at St Ann’s Place, Pellon Lane HX1 5RB – just above Angel Road. The walk ends at Lister Lane cemetery.
SUNDAY 8th October FIELDENTOWN
The Fielden family left its mark on Todmorden in many ways including work, religion, education and leisure. This walk around Todmorden explores the story of the Fieldens looking at many of the fine buildings they left us and some of the places where they lived and worked. Meet Anne Mealia at the Town Hall, OL14 5AQ Suitable for dogs.
SUNDAY 15th October ROUND THE ROOKES
You would never guess looking at some of the houses in this south eastern area of the village what surprises they hide about past occupants and the trades they followed. Dogs on leads are welcome. Wheelchairs might struggle with unmade road surfaces Meet Mary Twentyman at the War Memorial on Village Street, Norwood Green. HX3 8PZ
SUNDAY 22nd October OLD TOWN, ABOVE AND BEYOND
The hilltop settlements of the upper Calder Valley historically and economically often looked to each other rather than to the valley settlements. We look at some of Old Town’s history, and look outwards to histories from the surrounding landscape. Some slopes and uneven terrain. Wrap up warm and dry! Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Meet John Billingsley outside Old Town School. HX7 8RY
SUNDAY 29th Oct A WALK THROUGH THE EARLY HISTORY OF SHELF
A stroll around some of the oldest houses in Shelf where we catch up with some four-hundred-year old gossip. Hear about former residents who “died miserably,” were “forced to live in prison” and others who “minded nothing.” A fairly steep slope at the end. Meet Ben Stables at the entrance to St. Michael and All Angel’s Church (opposite Lidl), Halifax Road, Shelf. HX3 7R
