HEBDEN BRIDGE WALKERS ACTION

Current initiatives and campaigns

Path closure, Hardcastle crags. We have formerly claimed a right of way over the beautiful path up Rowshaw Clough (also known by some of us as Cherry Tree Clough) near Walshaw which has been closed by the landowner since the Spring of 2008. This is currently stuck with Calderdale Council.

This path is not shown on the definitive rights of way map, but has been used by many local people for many years and is also featured in two walking guidebooks.

Hebden Bridge: Footpath between Albion Terrace (Heptonstall Rd) and the Buttress. This short-cut is well-walked and is treated by local people as a public footpath. A claim for designation as a right of way, with evidence of usage, was submitted to Calderdale in 2001. Still no progress from the council.

Balsam bashing.

Himalayan Balsam was introduced into Britain in the 1830s and is now widepread in our area. Because it is so invasive it has a significant negative impact ecologically on natural fauna. If you are walking in our area and pass balsam plants, why not take a moment or two to pull up the root. A number of organised balsam eradication sessions are organised regularly in our area: details from Calder Future.

Claiming paths as rights of way. If you know a footpath or track which is not shown as a right of way but which you believe should be designated as such, contact us. We will be able to advise you on how to make a claim to Calderdale MBC.

Public transport. In the current time of cuts, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of local services. HBWA will be monitoring the three well used routes by walkers:

Route summer bus service 906 to Midgehole (lower Hardcastle Crags), Widdop Rd (nearest for Gibson Mill), Blake Dean (higher reaches of Hardcastle Crags) and Widdop reservoir

route 500 between Keighley/Haworth and Hebden Bridge (now hourly) is a good bet for walkers.. For a moorland walk, try catching the 500 to the top of Cock Hill and then walking back via Crimsworth Dean.

Rural bus service 900/901. to Huddersfield (now hourly) takes you to the top of Cragg Vale and over to Barkisland, Stainland and Norland

Calderdale Countryside Service and Rights of Way section. Both these departments are under review as part of the Council's cut backs. There may well be a need to respond to any major cutbacks.