Access to Calderdale’s countryside for outdoor recreation is now starting to happen with the announcement of four extra sites and four designated routes being open from Saturday 12^th May. We intend that this is the start of a gradual opening up process across much of the district.

Details are as follows:-

• Ogden Water, north of Halifax.
• Baitings Reservoir, between Ripponden and Littleborough.
• Norland Moor, south of Sowerby Bridge.
• Scarr/Long Wood, below Albert Promenade, Halifax, including gritstone climbing face.
• Routes - Rodwell End and Cross Stone — 2.5 miles, circular from Lobb Mill picnic site 1.5 miles east of Todmorden on A646.
• Hebden Bridge Panorama — 3 miles, circular from Tourist Information Centre.
• Hebden Bridge to Mytholmroyd and back — 4 miles, circular from Hebden Bridge rail station.
• Below Stoodley Pike — 5 miles, circular from Todmorden Town Hall.

We ask that anyone using any of the above should keep within sites and stay on these designated routes. We also request that dogs are kept on leads at all times and walkers observe the guidance on Foot and Mouth Disease as issued by The Countryside Agency. Route details are available from the Tourist Information Centres in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

In addition to the above, the canal towpath is open from the Rochdale border eastwards with access to North Dean Woods near Elland from West Vale and Copley. Urban walks are also possible with town trails at Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, and Heptonstall, and a programme of guided town walks from now through the summer.

Up-coming events to look out for include:-

• 12^th & 13^th May — Sowerby Bridge Town and Canal Festival
• 13^th May — " A Bridge Too Far", guided walk by Calderdale Tourist Guides Association (£1.50 charge). 2.00 pm on Elland Bridge.
• 16^th May — "Akroydon", guided walk around one of Halifax’s model villages by Calderdale Tourist Guides Association (£1.50 charge). 7.00 pm at All Souls’ Church, Haley Hill.
• 19^th May — Todmorden Unitarian Church, guided tour. 2.00 pm at the church.
• 20^th May — Land Rover Rally, Piece Hall Halifax.

Please note the situation can change at short notice, so if you are in any doubt contact the Tourist Information Centre in Hebden Bridge

• E-mail: hebdenbridge@ytbtic.co.uk
  
• Telephone: 44 (0)1422 843831
  
• Fax: 44 (0)1422 845266

For the latest information further afield please call the national helpline number: 0870 2415659

E-mail: Ed.Westbrook@calderdale.gov.uk.
Tel. 44 (0)1422 842830