About Helen's Heritage Walks and Talks
My local history walks are about discovering your local heritage – the people and places that were there before you - which helped to make the area what it is today. It is often surprising what is there, which you may have taken for granted. Walking in a group is also a social experience, and you will meet other people interested in the history of the area, some with special memories which they want to share. I always welcome contributions from the people who come on my walks. Our heritage is a precious thing which will only survive if it is shared.
My Bronte walks are about discovering more about the people and places that inspired the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, to write their famous novels. Haworth and Top Withens, Thornton and the Bronte Birthplace, are the obvious starting places but on Helen’s Heritage Walks we boldly go where no Bronte guide (that I’m aware of!) has been before: Shibden Hall and Law Hill, Oakwell Hall and Birstall, Red House and Gomersal…
All walks accessible by public transport and are circular. They are of varying length between 2 to 8 miles and follow well-used footpaths, tracks and minor roads. They have been graded according to the key below. On some walks you may encounter stiles of varying awkwardness, steep slopes and mud. For this reason these walks are not recommended for those less mobile or wheelchair users. Unless otherwise stated, they are also not suitable for very young children. Older children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on some of the walks. Please check when booking.
On some walks we stop for refreshment at a café or ‘pub’. Some include a guided tour of a historic house or building.
If you have to cancel your booking, I will refund any payment made, minus £1.00 for p&p, providing you give at least 24 hours notice. I reserve the right to cancel a walk under adverse weather conditions, or to change the route if necessary. All payments in the case of cancellation will be refunded.
And finally, although all walks are planned with your safety in mind, it is up to you to take care of yourself and your belongings, and to know your own limits. Please speak to me before booking on a walk if you have any special concerns.
The above photograph appears by courtesy of Dave Cropper Photography
Key to Walks
Easy: mainly on the flat, usually in villages or towns.
Moderate: some slopes, stiles and off-road footpaths
Hard: may include steep slopes, stiles and rough, boggy ground
For more information, please contact me.