Summertime is when to get out walking!

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), May 9, 2008

Byline: By ANDREW BALDWIN News Reporter

WALKING'S good; it can be even better with an expert to guide you.

That's the view of a dedicated and independent teamwhowill lead a series of heritage walks in Calderdale throughout the summer until late October.

Experts will aim to explain the history and fascinating features of local towns and villages.

Walks last about two hours and most are on fairly easy routes, but the going on some is a bit harder and longer than usual this year.

Organiser David Nortcliffe says: "Our town and village walks always go ahead, whatever the weather. Even if just one person turns up the walk is on."

There's a charge - usually pounds 3 - and for almost all events there is no booking; just turn up and pay.

The guides believe there'll be something to suit everyone during the coming months.

David says: "This is our biggest-ever programme, with an extended season and additional walks at holiday weekends.

"We've 12 new walks and many of last year's new ones are repeated. There are also other walks which we've not done for a few years."

This Sunday there's an exploration of West Vale and its history from 1825 to 1975. During that time the village went from almost nothing to a concentrated textile producing area.

David will be leading the walk and the meeting point is at 2.15pm at the main car park off the B6112, opposite West Vale school.

A rare peep inside the grounds of the private Kirklees estate, near Cooper Bridge, comes on Sunday, May 24.

RobinHood died here - as everyone around these parts knows - and there will be a look at his grave as well as the nunnery site and 15th and 17th-century Home Farm buildings.

The charge is pounds 4 and booking for this is essential.

A tour of Barkisland, examining its growth over 1,000 years, will be led byAnneKirker on Wednesday, May 28. Meet by the garden opposite the post office at 7.15pm.

Places where there will be other walks include the model villages of Copley and Akroydon, Lightcliffe, Sower by Bridge, Soyland and Brighouse.

More details are available from Hebden Bridge Tourist Information Centre on 01422 843831 or hebdenbridge@ytbtic.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

PICTURESQUE: Kirklees Hall, near Cooper Bridge, is just one of the places on the list of Calderdale Council walks that run until late October; HISTORIC: Robin Hood's grave on the Kirklees Estate, where his final arrow is said to have landed