On Saturday 12 April, from 10am to 4pm, Hebden Bridge based charity Pennine Horizons will be launching four new electronic trails to enhance four walks in the Calder Valley area. The launch will take place at a special open day at the Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge.

The e-trails (or audio commentaries) can be downloaded to a phone or mp3 player and include interesting stories of local events and people of note as well as information about of the awe-inspiring ecology and outstanding industrial heritage of the area. The trails are:

• A walk around Charlestown – a three mile trail looking at the 18th and 19th century industrial history on a walk along the Rochdale canal and through the wooded valley around Charlestown.
• The power in the landscape – a six mile trail through the beautiful Colden Valley looking at the early 19th century water powered industry.
• Cragg Vale – a lovely walk through the vale exploring the fascinating history of the area
• Sam Hill – Follow in the footsteps of Sam Hill, a great wool baron who lived around the beautiful Ryburn Valley in the 1700s

Visitors are welcome to drop in to the launch day between 10am and 4 pm to find out more about the new trails as well as a further nine trails which are currently being developed across the Calder Valley. This is likely to include a version of the Heptonstall Trail. They can also find out how they can get involved in the Pennine Horizons project and sign up for future guided walks in the area

As part of the launch, Pennine Horizons will also lead a FREE guided walk around Hebden Bridge on the group’s Tree Trail, looking at the fascinating history of how trees and wood were utilised in the area. This will start at the Birchcliffe Centre at 2pm. Spaces are limited so you will need to book in advance by contacting Vicky on Vicky@pennine-horizons.org.uk. The walk will take about 2.5 hours and involves some hills and muddy paths, so please come prepared with sensible footwear.

Frank Woolrych, Chair of the Pennine Horizons project said: “The stunning landscapes and striking remains of its industrial heritage have drawn walkers and historians to the Calder and its valleys for many years.

“To share this with more people, we have teamed up with a whole host of local volunteers, community groups and organisations to create 12 interesting and inspiring walks and trails. The event in April will provide visitors with a great opportunity to see the work we have been doing and we hope that some of them will join us on the free guided walk on the day.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to help to develop the charity’s walks and trails, support events, education groups or digital archive project can contact the organisation via email:  info@pennine-horizons.org.uk or phone: 01422 844450 or visit the charity’s website at www.pennineheritage.org.uk