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Easter Monday 10th April 2023
Around & about heptonstall
A longer walk (2.5mls) circles above Colden Valley to Popples and Slack and back into Heptonstall, with memories of the Industrial Revolution, Nonconformism, a witch panic, pestilence, folklore and famous and (not-so-famous) poets. One stretch of very uneven rocky woodland terrain and steep slopes; only for walkers with good footing and without vertigo.
Meet John Billingsley at Heptonstall Bowling Club Car Park. HX7 7LT
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Sunday 16th April 2023
NORTHOWRAM CENTRAL VILLAGE
Older houses with the owners stories combined with Oliver Heywood connections reveal the village development from the seventeenth century. A short loop around the older parts of village. Dog friendly walk. Mainly roadways with one cobbled path; decent negotiable for disabled.
Meet Mike Beecham at the bottom of Baxter Lane, Halifax. HX3 7EF
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Sunday 30th April 2023
exploring hove edge
Now (almost) a Brighouse suburb but was an isolated hamlet in earlier times. The special features of the walk include a former private railway system, stone mines and quarries, WW2 sites, a house from the 1500s and a General buried in Westminster Abbey. Unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Meet Ian Philp by the Dusty Miller on A644 in Hove Edge. HD6 2PB
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Sunday 7th May 2023
a walk around copley
Built by the Akroyd family in the mid 19th century, Copley village not only provided a steady supply of labour for the Akroyd's mill, but was a social enterprise through which Akroyd hoped to improve the lives of his employees. Take a walk around this picturesque village, see Akroyd's vision for a better society, and learn how it all worked out.
Meet Steve Crabtree outside the Volunteer Arms, Wakefield Road, HX3 0UD
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Sunday 14th May 2023
MYTHOLMROYD MEANDER
From the construction of the stone bridge in the 1680s to recent flood prevention work, the River Calder has played an important part in our history. A leisurely stroll taking in notable historic buildings and literary connections, not forgetting chicks, docks and mill chimneys.
The walk is suitable for wheelchair users and dogs on leads.
Meet David Cant at the Mytholmroyd Community Centre car park entrance, Caldene Ave. HX7 5AF
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Sunday 21st May 2023
DEATH, DANGER AND DISEASE IN TODMORDEN
Life was full of dangers in Todmorden in years gone by: epidemics and other diseases less familiar to us today were rife, drownings all too frequent and murder not uncommon. A walk exploring some of the shadier and more alarming episodes in the town’s past.
Meet Anne Mealia outside Todmorden Railway Station. OL14 9BL
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Sunday 28th May 2023
FINE HOUSES FOR MEN, SMALL FLATS FOR WOMEN - WITH ANN WALKER’S UNWANTED RAILWAY
Stories of gracious old stone houses to the south of Halifax town centre, including Holly House, Hope Hall, Well Head and Savile Green – the last two gone for ever. Rawson and Waterhouse family anecdotes. Includes the story of the 1938 Flats for Women, an early Housing Association scheme partly sponsored by the Soroptimists; the estate at Shay Syke inherited by Ann Walker (Shibden Hall) which the railway wanted to purchase; the home of Charles Dickens’ father-in-law; and the tale of Mrs Haigh of Lower Shaw Hill, who was buried alive! 120 to 180 minutes. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Meet David Glover on the west side of Harrison Road by former Magistrates Courts. HX1 2AF. Park on street or in Blackwall.
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Sunday 4th June 2023
STROLLING AROUND SOWERBY TOWN
Explore the main settlement of the township of Sowerby. This is a village with centuries of history, including Civil War tales, a glorious church, intense Victorian nonconformity, a range of housing - and more. This is a 2½ hour walk. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Meet Anne Kirker by St Peter’s Church gates in Sowerby village. HX6 1HA
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Sunday 11th June 2023
STORIES FROM LOWER SHIBDEN HOUSES
A hidden alcoholic still, botanists drinking 'fizz' and other social stories connected to the valley and its older properties.The walk includes Shibden Mill Inn histories, Dam Head and its textile mill then on to Staups with a return via Field House and Spa House. Reasonably flat.
Dogs welcome. Unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Meet Mike Beecham at Shibden Mill Inn overflow car park. HX3 7UL
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Saturday 17th June 2023
ANNE LISTER MEANS BUSINESS(and maybe some shopping)
Anne Lister regularly strode down to Halifax from Shibden. She had to see her lawyer and her bank manager. Such business was conducted in the town centre. How much can we know about those 1830s streets and buildings? And did she also have time for some shopping?
A two hour walk, followed by tea, cake and Q&A. This walk starts at 2.30pm.
Guide: Jill Liddington
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Sunday 25th June 2023
LIGHTCLIFFE IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Walk round Lightcliffe with stories of textile magnates, Titus Salt, J J Foster and Ripley and the Walker family. Three were involved in church building in the village. The walk finishes with a chance to look inside the iconic tower with its memorials to the Walkers. After the walk, Ian will show you round the old churchyard looking at the graves of some interesting ‘residents’ [including many characters from Gentleman Jack and a remembrance of a soldier who died at the Charge of the Light Brigade].
The walk involves uneven footpaths and is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Meet Ian Philp in the churchyard opposite to the Sun Inn. HX3 8TH
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Saturday & Sunday 1st & 2nd July 2023
outlaws & Nuns
These walks are on the private Kirklees Estate near Clifton, by kind permission of the owners. They include the former Nunnery site, Gate House, 15th to 18th century farm buildings, the Robin Hood connection and his grave there, plus other features of the estate.
The Guides are Margaret Nortcliffe, John Billingsley, David Glover and Ian Philp. The walk is 1½ miles, partly on woodland paths and strong shoes are advised. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Sorry, no dogs.The walk will be repeated several times over the 2 days. There are no buses to the Estate on Sundays.
These walks are £5 per head.
Pre-booking is essential and it will not be possible to just turn up on the day! Details and directions are sent out with the tickets.
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Sunday 9th July 2023
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 carpark [signed ‘Swift Place’] off A58. HX6 4LD
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Sunday 16th July 2023
Dobroyd Castle
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.
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Sunday 30th July 2023
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
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Sunday 6th August 2023
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
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Sunday 13th August 2023
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. Good footwear is required. The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs/mobility scooters.
Walk does not include entry to the tower.
Meet Steve Crabtree at Wakefield Gate, adjacent to the tower, off Skircoat Moor Road, HX2 7EN
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Sunday 20th August 2023
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
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Monday 28th August 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
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Sunday 3rd September 2023
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
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Sunday 17th September 2023
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.
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Sunday 1st October 20223
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.
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Sunday 8th October 2023
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. suitable for dogs.
Meet Anne Mealia at the Town Hall, OL14 5AQ
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Sunday 15th October 2023
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
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Sunday 22nd October 2023
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 slopesand uneven terrain. Wrap up warm and dry! Unsuitable for wheelchairs
Meet John Billingsley outside Old Town School.HX7 8RY
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Sunday 29th October 2023
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 7RJ
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To receive Programmes and Newsletters by email, contact us at : CdaleHeritageWks@aol.com
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PRIVATE PARTY WALKS
We have around 100 walks in our collective repertoire covering much of Calderdale and can provide Guides to lead walks for private parties and societies. For more information email us at CdaleHeritageWks@gmail.com
If our walks have triggered an interest in Calderdale’s history, why not also visit Bankfield Museum, Shibden Hall, or the museum in Heptonstall (check opening times on the Calderdale MDC website). Calderdale Industrial Museum, next to the Piece Hall is well worth a visit on Saturdays. Tourist Information Centres at Halifax (now in the Piece Hall), Hebden Bridge and Todmorden have a range of information and literature about our fascinating District and its heritage.
PRIVATE PARTY WALKS
We have around 100 walks in our collective repertoire covering much of Calderdale and can provide Guides to lead walks for private parties and societies. For more information email us at CdaleHeritageWks@gmail.com
There’s more information about local heritage in Calderdale libraries. Halifax Central Reference Library has a wealth of books, photos, maps, pamphlet material and much more, covering the whole of Calderdale. You’ll also find significant collections at Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden libraries, regarding their local areas.
CONTACT US
To be added to our emailing list for programmes and newsletters or to contact us on other matters, please email us at: CdaleHeritageWks@gmail.com
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