Travel Hebden Bridge

Get yourself down to the Calder Valley

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Travel: Hebden Bridge

The Calder Valley has it all: dramatic scenery with glorious walks; quaint yet distinctively northern towns; stunning, renovated mill buildings celebrating both the region’s industrial past and its cultural present. Leeds to Hebden Bridge on the train is an absolute treat. Sweeping through the valley past Bradford and Halifax you are propelled out into the bleak beauty of the Yorkshire Moors, the inspiration for the craggy verse of Ted Hughes. Hughes was born in Mytholmroyd, a no-nonsense, unpretentious town that is a world away from Hebden Bridge, the next stop on the line.

Hebden Bridge is Yorkshire with a twist. During the 1970s and 80s it saw an influx of artists, writers, musicians and green activists, who reinvigorated the town and made it the alternative, tourist-friendly destination it is today. It’s jam-packed with quirky shops selling handmade wears, organic cafes promoting local produce and some excellent pubs where you can enjoy local brews. Visit the Heart Gallery for contemporary jewellery, craft and accessories then nip next door to Organic Cafe for a spot of lunch and a freshly made smoothie. Have a stroll along the Rochdale Canal then pop into the Alternative Technology Centre where you can learn about sustainability and turn plastic into something prettier in one of their workshops. Reward yourself with a visit to traditional ale pub the Fox & Goose and have a chin-wag with the friendly locals.

Hebden’s not all about the daytime pursuits, mind. Built in 1921, the Hebden Bridge Picture House is a charming independent cinema screening a mixture of films and live events: both Richard Hawley and Ross Noble have performed there in the past. There’s also the Trades Club - a fantastic down-to-earth music venue where you can see everything from Northern Soul to Senegalese drumming.

But the real pleasures of Hebden Bridge lie in the spectacular landscapes that surround it. Get lost in the 400 acres of woodland that is Hardcastle Crags, all tumbling streams and waterfalls combined with stacks of millstone grit. Hop across the stepping stones to Gibson Mill and learn about the valley’s 200 year history in the National Trust’s flagship sustainable building: it has no link to the national grid. If you have longer in the valley then there are plenty more walking opportunities to be had in the Pennine hills.

Whilst you’re over in Hebden you can also pop up to the pretty hilltop village of Heptonstall and wander in the well-preserved streets and little snickets. Famous for being the final resting place of Hughes’ estranged wife Sylvia Plath, it’s is filled with a sense of mystery and provides stunning views out across the valley.

Hebden Bridge is must-visit place but be sure not to ignore the rest of the area. The Calder Valley is a magical place. Wild and wilful, it has a sense of raw energy that has captured many a soul. Take a pen and paper - there’s a reason for its poetic legacy.

Hebden Bridge is 45-55mins on the train from Leeds. Get a West Yorkshire Metro Bus and Train day ticket for £6.20 and you can visit all the towns on the Calder Valley line and also get a bus up the steep hill to Heptonstall

For more information visit

www.heartgallery.co.uk/
www.organic-house.co.uk/
http://alternativetechnology.org.uk
www.foxale.co.uk/
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hardcastlecrags/
www.hebdenbridge-picturehouse.co.uk/
http://home.btconnect.com/tradesclub/trades/

Posted on Friday 26th February 2010
Alison Hargreaves

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