Walk and Ride Festival latest
Monday, 18 August 2014
There are nearly 50 events taking place in Calderdale as part of the 2014 South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival this September, from a bat walk to adventures with a walking book author.
One of the best ways to experience any landscape is on foot, which makes this year's festival the perfect place for anyone wishing to explore the hidden gems of Calderdale. Taking place between Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 21, the festival has over 140 events across the South Pennines, with Calderdale hosting more events than any other area. Details of the all the events taking place can be found on the festival website at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
All the festival walks are led by experienced volunteer guides, who have a passion for their area. Each year they create routes that encompass points of interest, whether historical, artistic or visual. Many walks will include the best local viewpoints and opportunities to see wildlife with guides keen to share their knowledge and expertise.
Chris Goddard, author of The West Yorkshire Moors (see HebWeb review), will lead two walks to places he has explored, drawn and written about in his work. On Sunday, September 7, he will lead an eight-mile hard-graded adventurous exploration of the intriguing features of Blake Moor. Along the way walkers will see the Two Lads, the Wool Pack Stone, Holder Stones and Stoodley Pike. The following week, on Saturday, September 13, Chris will take walkers on an eight and a half mile hard hike off the beaten track across the moorland expanses of Boulsworth Hill. On this adventure walkers will enjoy a rare visit to the Elk and Bison carvings.
The History of Heptonstall will be revealed in an easy 2.5 mile walk on Sunday, September 7, which will explore the ancient village, its ruined church and narrow setted streets. There will be a £3 fee for this guided historical walk.
People interested in the Crossleys in West Halifax can join Linda Croft at the Hopwood Lane entrance to People's Park on Sunday, September 21. There was more than just carpets to the Crossley family and Linda will explain their involvement in the houses, chapels, parks, almshouses and more during the talk.
Everyone is invited to Go Bats at Clay House with Batman and Robin on Wednesday, September 10. During this evening stroll around the park and woodlands of West Vale families will learn about these fascinating creatures and see them in their natural habitat hunting for insects. Participants are asked to bring warm clothing and a torch.
On Wednesday, September 17, walkers can explore the Todmorden Packhorse Trails in a 12-mile, hard-graded walk from Todmorden railway station. The circular walk will visit some of the area's best preserved packhorse trails such as the Long Causeway and Limer's Gate, as well as milestones and old hamlets. There will be some steep hills, rough moorland walking and great views.
The South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival is managed by Pennine Prospects, a rural regeneration company set up to champion the South Pennines; an area renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife, great people, quirky traditions and independent businesses.
With so much to offer the festival is the ideal way of exploring this beautiful region, as Pennine Prospects operations director, Mark Turner, explained: "The South Pennines is a stunning landscape, often overlooked or taken for granted by those of us who live and work here. The South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival gives everyone, residents and visitors alike, opportunities to explore this rich and diverse area in new and different ways."
The South Pennines is criss-crossed by rail links making the events easily accessible from surrounding urban areas. Northern Rail has always been a keen supporter of the festival and this year is the official sponsor.
Previously
HebWeb News: Walk and Ride Festival, including Up the Buttress
See also: Walk and Ride Festival website
Up the Buttress photos: 2013 - 2012 - 2011
HebWeb YouTube video: 2013