2013 EVENT LISTING IS HERE (ALMOST!). . .
From May 2013 onwards events for the 2013 Festival will start to appear on this page, and the majority of events for this year's festival will be listed here by July 2013. You can click on the event title to get all the information about any one event, such as contact details for the event leader and a streetmap link to the starting point. Why not have a look at the other festivals in our area throughout the summer– there is quite a selection on our Other Festivals page, with activities ranging from Hebden Bridge's Vintage Car weekend, to Black Pudding Throwing championships in east Lancashire.
Check out our Facebook page too, to see images from the 2012 Festival.

Our free pocket guide will be available from July 2013. If you would like a copy of the pocket guide posted to you please email your postal address and the number of copies required to admin@pennineprospects.co.uk. Pocket guides will be available from libraries, tourist information, train and bus stations and outdoor and cycling retailers across the South Pennines.
7th September - Salt and Pepper Please
Start Time: 09:30A strenuous walk with interesting features - the clue's in the title!
7th September - Peers Clough Packhorses - meet the ponies
Start Time: 10:00An open day at Peers Clough Farm on the Mary Towneley Loop of the Pennine bridleway, giving visitors an opportunity to meet our locally bred trekking Fell ponies, get hands on and bums in the saddle. Suitable for all!
7th September - First Steps to Navigation
Start Time: 10:00Beginners’ day course to learn navigation skills. The day will include basic map and compass skills training and practical navigation exercises. The walk will take place in the beautiful landscape above Hebden Bridge - Erringden Moor and Broadhead Clough Nature Reserve. 6 hours including lunch break.
7th September - Up the Buttress
Start Time: 10:00A competitive cycle hill climb up the cobbles in Hebden Bridge. Details still TBC. Check www.singletrackworld.com for updates
7th September - Cragg Vale Meander
Start Time: 10:00An easy paced on road led cycle ride up Cragg Vale, part of the route of the 2014 Tour de France. Ride will finish in time for participants to attend the Up the Buttress Hill Climb event in Hebden Bridge.
7th September - What is Gannister?
Start Time: 11:30Get up high above Marsden on this leisurely paced walk visiting Black Moss reservoir and Deer Hill catchwater.
7th September - Egypt, Greenland and the Great Flood all in one afternoon!
Start Time: 13:00An exploration of the Pennine moorland valley of Colden and its surroundings. With place names like Egypt, Greenland and Noah Dale, there’s plenty left to the imagination. Good tracks and steady gradients all the way.
7th September - Nordic Walk, Marsden
Start Time: 13:30Walking with poles the Nordic way. Come and join us for a walk round the Tunnel End Nature Trail. We will supply the poles and instruction so all you have to do is turn up and have a go. Please call for further information and to book a place.
7th September - Mad About Bats
Start Time: 19:00A family-friendly bat talk and walk to detect some of Marsden’s night-time creatures with the help of West Yorkshires Bat Group.
8th September - The Moor Power Mountain Bike Challenge
Start Time: 08:30A challenging 30 km moorland mountain bike ride. Starting and finishing at Hollingworth Lake, raise money for charity in the process through sponsorship and your entry fee (£15). Registration from 8.30 - Mass start at 9.30 from Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre.
8th September - Le Tour en Calderdale - Ride the Route
Start Time: 08:30In July 2014 the riders on Stage 2 of the Tour de France will pass through Calderdale en route to the stage finish in Sheffield. Our event gives riders the chance to ride the entire 22 miles of the Calderdale section of the route, including the climbs of Cock Hill, Cragg Vale, and Ripponden Bank, starting and finishing in Halifax. Event will include a stop(s) for refreshment en route.
8th September - Hitting the High Spots
Start Time: 09:30A testing but rewarding walk which incorporates three high points with excellent views over the Marsden Moor estate.
8th September - Greetland and Norland Moors
Start Time: 10:00A walk through a colourful part of Calderdale, with good views.
8th September - Between a rock and a hard place.
Start Time: 11:45Art walk with artist Angie Rogers. A brief but very steep walk up Widdop's north ridge to settle amongst boulders and heather to sketch spectacular views of the reservoir below.
8th September - Widdop Reservoir and Dove Stones
Start Time: 12:30A rewarding route linking Widdop Reservoir in striking gritstone scenery, to the rocky outcrops of Dove Stones, The Scout and Raven Stones. Excellent views from the edges (rough terrain)
8th September - Fells on the Fells
Start Time: 13:00Ride along historic packhorse trails across the fells, on locally bred Fell ponies. A unique and natural way to experience our rugged and beautiful landscape.
Walk and Writing Workshop
A leisurely walk of around 1.5 hours in the woods and fields surrounding Hebden Bridge, followed by a two hour writing workshop where together we will write an alternative walking guide. Cost for walk and workshop £10
8th September - Walking Words
Start Time: 13:00A leisurely walk of around 1.5 hours in the woods and fields surrounding Hebden Bridge, followed by a two hour writing workshop where together we will write an alternative walking guide. Cost for walk and workshop £10
8th September - Magical Family Storytelling Walk with storyteller Peter Findlay
Start Time: 14:00Fantastical Tales for all the family on this short walk suitable for all the family. To celebrate the opening of Marsden Walkers are Welcome new fully accessible trail funded by Community Spaces. The stories told by Peter Findlay are inspired by the new i spy wildlife trail, the river and the scenery. Half the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and is level access alongside the river. The entire walk is suitable for all terrain pushchairs.
9th September - Hurstwood and beyond
Start Time: 10:00Join Bill Brady and Tony Lund to try the mountain bike trail at Hurstwood as well as existing bridleways in Lancashire and West Yorkshire
10th September - Health Walk Slaithwaite
Start Time: 10:30The Health Walk will last up to an hour . Please contact the leader for more information. These walks are for people wanting to get back into walking, so don't worry about your pace, no one gets left behind.
10th September - Sowerby Bridge Triangle
Start Time: 11:30A 10 mile walk south west of Sowerby Bridge via an old railway, woods, farms, Norland Moor, historic Copley, River Calder & canal. Jubilee Refreshment Rooms at the Station for coffee before the walk, sandwiches for your picnic or tea or real ale afterwards or even a panini or pie and peas. Trains: Manchester Vic. 10:21 arr SB 11:09 Leeds 10:37 Bradford 10:57, Halifax 11:12 arr SB 11:19
11th September - Shibden Valley Bridleways
Start Time: 09:30An easy paced led off road cycle ride along the bridleways of the Shibden Valley in the company of members of the RSF (Rough Stuff Fellowship). Figure of eight route including lunch stop at Shibden Park
11th September - Walk and learn about our spectacular Packhorse Trails
Start Time: 10:00Walk along several miles of our local packhorse trails. You will learn more about their design and their purpose, as well as their geography and history whilst enjoying our lovely countryside.
11th September - Walsden Loop
Start Time: 10:00Join the Pennine Bridleway Ranger on this 20 mile mountain bike from valley bottom to moor tops
11th September - Cotton and Crow
Start Time: 10:30Moderate circular walk that takes in the Calderdale Way up to the villages of Soyland, Mill Bank and Cottonstones, before climbing up Crow Hill for panoramic views.
11th September - Fells on the Fells
Start Time: 13:00Ride along historic packhorse trails across the fells, on locally bred Fell ponies. A unique and natural way to experience our rugged and beautiful landscape.
Fun fitness training
Fun exercise session specially developed with horse riders in mind. Everyone welcome, suitable for all ages, you dont need a horse- just a pair of trainers and a bit of enthusiasm.
11th September - Equilates
Start Time: 19:30Fun exercise session specially developed with horse riders in mind. Everyone welcome, suitable for all ages, you dont need a horse- just a pair of trainers and a bit of enthusiasm.
12th September - Greenbooth and Naden Reservoirs
Start Time: 11:00Explore the moors above Rochdale and marvel at the 117 feet high and 1,000 feet long dam at the southern end of the Naden Valley which drowned Greenbooth Village in 1958
12th September - Greenfield Footpath Discovery Circular
Start Time: 11:00A circular walk from Greenfield railway station taking in the disused railway line (Pennine bridleway) then heading in the Mossley direction. After turning uphill south and east using little used footpaths, the walk passes through various Saddleworth hamlets and farms to Chew Brook. From there you'll carry on below Pots and Pans war memorial and Primrose Hill , Pob Green and Saddleworth church and back to the old railway line and return to Greenfield.
12th September - Castleshaw Roman Forts
Start Time: 13:30Castleshaw Roman forts, Heritage Open Day guided tour. Learn about past and future excavations.
12th September - Bat Evening at Jerusalem Farm
Start Time: 19:00Bat talk and walk with Calderdale Council Countryside Service and West Yorkshire Bat Group. This is a chance to spot and identify different bat species in the company of experts.
13th September - Rolling Boar Trails
Start Time: 10:00Join Bill Brady and Tony Lund on a loop taking in sections of the Pennine Bridleway and ending up at Cragg and Lee quarries. Booking is essential
13th September - Star Trek
Start Time: 10:30From Todmorden we walk along the canal to Bacup Road and Gorpley Clough, crossing the moor to Limers Gate. We walk behind the astronomy centre, cross the moors to Tower Causeway and then continue downhill to Centre Park.
13th September - Health Walk Holmfirth
Start Time: 11:00We offer 2 walks today - a Health Walk which will last up to an hour and a Health Walk Plus which will last up to two hours. Please contact the leader for more information. These walks are for people wanting to get back into walking, don't worry about your pace as no one gets left behind.
14th September - The Bog Trotters
Start Time: 10:00Come for a trot across the bog and learn about peat pipes, meat-eating plants, sphagnum moss and how our peatland restoration work is helping save the world!
14th September - Peers Clough Packhorses - meet the ponies
Start Time: 10:00An open day at Peers Clough Farm on the Mary Towneley Loop of the Pennine bridleway, giving visitors an opportunity to meet our locally bred trekking Fell ponies, get hands on and bums in the saddle. Suitable for all!.
14th September - Brighouse Boundary Walk Part 1
Start Time: 10:30A walk around the former Borough boundary of Brighouse in West Yorkshire in two parts.
14th September - Hitching Stone
Start Time: 10:45A walk on Bradford's moors near Keighley, to discover more about the local history and heritage, and see the largest boundary stone in the whole of Yorkshire.
14th September - Small Plants in a Big Landscape
Start Time: 11:00Get up close to ferns, mosses and lichens and discover hidden worlds. A walk that will focus on these overlooked and underappreciated plants which give texture to the landscape. A limited number of hand lenses will be available for close observation - if you have you own please bring it along.Tickets £6
14th September - Romans, Monks & Weavers
Start Time: 13:00See the Roman forts at Castleshaw, hear about the Medieval Grange, the handloom weavers, water powered mills & the reservoir navvies
14th September - A Samuel Laycock / Yorkshire poetry walk
Start Time: 13:30Meet in the library at 1.30pm for a few poems to set you on your way, walk the 4 mile Intake Head Route to see the birthplace of Samuel Laycock, hear some of his poems, some penny poet history, see some stunning views and walk varied terrain. Return approx 4pm. Accompanied by Paul Salveson, Yorkshire and Lancashire Dialect expert and Julian Jordan, performance poet from Write Out Loud. Book via the library 01484 222555 or by email marsden.lic@kirklees.gov.uk £2 donation to Marsden Walkers are Welcome on the walk. Partnership with Kirklees Health Walks, Libraries, Write out Loud and Marsden Walkers are Welcome
15th September - Meet the Flintstones
Start Time: 10:00People have been living and working on the moors for thousands of years. Join National Trust’s archaeologist to discover the fascinating story of prehistoric man’s life on Marsden Moor.
15th September - The West Pennine Moors and Monument Cycle Tour
Start Time: 10:00A figure of eight cycle tour of the West Pennine Moors. Two nine mile circuits, the morning one passing reservoirs and woodland, the afternoon one at a higher level with distant views, plus a visit to Darwen's Jubilee Tower. A leisurely ride with ample cafe and rest stops. Do one loop or both, your choice!
15th September - And There's More
Start Time: 10:00A hard circular walk through attractive Saddleworth countryside.
15th September - Brighouse Boundary Walk Part 2
Start Time: 10:30A walk around the former Borough boundary of Brighouse, West Yorkshire, in two parts.
15th September - The Blue Pig Trot
Start Time: 10:30A 12 mile circular ride along bridle tracks and quiet country roads. There are a few oportunities to canter, but due to the rough terrain the majority of the ride will be at walk and trot pace.
15th September - Small Plants in a Big Landscape
Start Time: 11:00Get up close to ferns, mosses and lichens and discover hidden worlds. A walk that will focus on these overlooked and underappreciated plants which give texture to the landscape. A limited number of hand lenses will be available for close observation - if you have you own please bring it along.Tickets £6
15th September - More Tea Vicar?
Start Time: 11:30A Sunday afternoon ramble at a leisurely pace in the splendid and picturesque Wharfedale valley. The walk on tracks and paths avoids some of the better known routes. we will wind our way to Addingham where there will be the opportunity for a pleasant and relaxing cup of tea at St Peters Church Hall before returning along the Wharfe via the Dales Way to Ilkley.
15th September - Fells on the Fells
Start Time: 13:00Ride along historic packhorse trails across the fells, on locally bred Fell ponies. A unique and natural way to experience our rugged and beautiful landscape.
15th September - Towneley Heritage and Woodland Day
Start Time: 13:00Free fun family day of activities to enjoy and find out more about Burnley's natural heritage and environmental projects. Includes guided walks, Civil War re-enactment, chainsaw carving , birds of prey, woodland crafts,story telling,traditional music and dance. There will be Three easy guided walks at Heritage and Woodland Day : 1pm Woodland Heritage, 2pm Boggarts and Legends, 3pm Woodland Wildlife
15th September - Pub to Pub
Start Time: 13:30The Rotary Club of Huddersfield's Annual Charity Walk in support of Disaster Aid. A choice of two walks - either walk from the Old Bridge to the Nook directly, a distance of a few hundred yards, or do a 7 mile loop through the beautiful Holmfirth countryside and be back at the Nook in time for tea!
16th September - Historic Littleborough
Start Time: 13:00An easy walk taking in the Coach House and Heritage Centre, Hare Hill Park, the Town House, Carriage Drive and the Rochdale Canal towpath
17th September - Boulsworth Hill from the Dark Side
Start Time: 09:30Until open access there was no legal route from Calderdale but this walk climbs to the summit from the Yorkshire side using shooting tracks and heather moor. It also samples a new, remote section of the Pennine Bridleway before returning across the ancient packhorse route, Gorple Gate. Boulsworth Hill marks the highest point on the ridge separating East Lancashire and Calderdale. On a clear day you can see from West Cumbria to the West Midlands.
17th September - Stoodley Pike Heritage Walk
Start Time: 10:30A heritage walk that visits milestones, boundary stones and packhorse trails as well as the Te Deum Stone and the iconic Calderdale monument of Stoodley Pike.
17th September - Health Walk Slaithwaite
Start Time: 10:30The Health Walk will last up to an hour . Please contact the leader for more information. These walks are for people wanting to get back into walking, so don't worry about your pace, no one gets left behind.
18th September - The Pennines By-Cycle!
Start Time: 10:00A leisurely off-road cycle tour of the surrounding moors, valleys and reservoirs with a visit to Hebden Bridge for lunch.
18th September - Wednesday Walkers Walk 3 - Oldham's Peak District
Start Time: 10:00Explore Oldham's beautiful countryside on one of Wednesday Walkers regular walks. Walk 3 proceeds at a brisker pace, taking in Dovestone and Chew Valley
18th September - Wednesday Walkers Walk 4 - Tame Valley Tracks
Start Time: 10:00Explore Oldham's beautiful countryside on one of Wednesday Walkers regular walks. Walk 4 explores the Tame Valley and may be strenuous and involve rough terrain
18th September - Wednesday Walkers Walk 2 - Crompton Circular
Start Time: 10:30Explore Oldham's beautiful countryside on one of Wednesday Walkers regular walks. Walk 2 proceeds at a moderate pace around Shaw and Crompton, inlcuding Brushes Clough and Crompton Moor
18th September - Wednesday Walkers Walk1 - Royton Circular
Start Time: 10:45Explore Oldham's beautiful countryside on one of Wednesday Walkers regular walks. Walk 1 proceeds at a gentle pace around Royton including Tandle Hill Country Park
18th September - Cheesden Valley
Start Time: 11:00Explore beautiful countryside high on the moors above Rochdale and the secluded wooded gorges which once hummed with the sounds of modest textile mills
18th September - Around A Day's March.
Start Time: 11:00Circular walk overlooking and crossing Castleshaw valley Saddleworth. Rich heritage: Roman forts and road, medieval history, hand & water powered textile production.
18th September - Health Walks Marsden
Start Time: 11:00The Health Walk will last up to an hour and the Health Walk Plus up to 2 hours. Please contact the leader for more information. These walks are for people wanting to get back into walking, so don't worry about your pace, no one gets left behind.
18th September - Fells on the Fells
Start Time: 13:00Ride along historic packhorse trails across the fells, on locally bred Fell ponies. A unique and natural way to experience our rugged and beautiful landscape.
fun exercise session
Fun exercise session aimed at horse riders but suitable for most people. No horses needed, just trainers and a bit of enthusiasm
18th September - Equilates
Start Time: 19:30Fun exercise session aimed at horse riders but suitable for most people. No horses needed, just trainers and a bit of enthusiasm
19th September - The Pennine Way through the South Pennines - Day One - Millstone Grit
Start Time: 09:15Walk the length of the Pennine Way through the South Pennines in three separate days, using our excellent public transport network to make linear walks possible. Walk all three days or pick one or two. Day One: Millstone Grit: Standedge to Hebden Bridge. This is a long walk across the tops with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The route passes high up reservoirs such as Blackstone Edge and the landmark of Stoodley Pike before descending into Hebden Bridge.
19th September - Littleborough Circular
Start Time: 11:00A circular walk from Littleborough railway station taking in impressive historic houses such as Windy Bank Owlett Hall, Rochdale canal feeder, Whittaker village & woods.
20th September - Mary Towneley Loop in a Day
Start Time: 08:00Join the Pennine Bridleway Ranger on this guided and supported mountain bike ride around the Mary Towneley loop.
20th September - Pennine Way through the South Pennines - Day Two - Bronte Country
Start Time: 09:00Walk the length of the Pennine Way through the South Pennines in three separate days, using our excellent public transport network to make linear walks possible. Walk all three days or pick one or two. Day Two: Bronte Country from Hebden Bridge to Stanbury via Walshaw Dean and 'Wuthering Heights'. A steady climb up to Walshaw Dean is rewarded with great views across a bleak but beautiful landscape, and a chance to visit the now ruined building that is thought to be the setting for Wuthering Heights. Descending past Haworth to the village of Stanbury.
20th September - Health Walk Holmfirth
Start Time: 11:00We offer 2 walks today - a Health Walk which will last up to an hour and a Health Walk Plus which will last up to two hours. Please contact the leader for more information. These walks are for people wanting to get back into walking, don't worry about your pace no one gets left behind.
21st September - The Pennine Way in the South Pennines - Day Three - Lothersdale
Start Time: 09:00Walk the length of the Pennine Way through the South Pennines in three separate days, using our excellent public transport network to make linear walks possible. Walk all three days or pick one or two. Day Three : Lothersdale and Pinhaw - from Stanbury to Thornton-in-Craven. A change in landscape as the route takes you north towards the Dales.
21st September - Peers Clough Packhorses - meet the ponies
Start Time: 10:00An open day at Peers Clough Farm on the Mary Towneley Loop of the Pennine bridleway, giving visitors an opportunity to meet our locally bred trekking Fell ponies, get hands on and bums in the saddle. Suitable for all!
21st September - Rural Rossendale Foodie Walk - Hog Hike www.ruralrossendale.co.uk
Start Time: 10:00Organised by the Rural Rossendale group as part of their annual Foodie Walking Festival, the Hog Hike is a 7 mile circular route around Whitworth, Rossendale departing from the Posh Pig and taking in Brown Wardle Hill, ending with a delicious hot roast pork sandwich. Cost £5.00. For more walks see www.ruralrossendale.co.uk This walk is suitable for dogs as there are very few stiles on this walk.
21st September - Small Plants in a Big Landscape
Start Time: 10:00Get up close to ferns, mosses and lichens and discover hidden worlds. A walk that will focus on these overlooked and underappreciated plants which give texture to the landscape. A limited number of hand lenses will be available for close observation - if you have you own please bring it along.Tickets £6
21st September - Historic Widdop
Start Time: 10:30Explore the rich history around Widdop reservoir where man has been living since prehistory times!
22nd September - Equinox Celebration Ride to the Stars
Start Time: 09:45A ride following the West Yorkshire Cycle Route from Mytholmroyd to the Colne Valley, incorporating a visit to the Huddersfield Astronomical Society Observatory at Crosland Moor. We will stop for lunch at a local pub or cafe, so bring money for food etc. Ride organised by CTC Calderdale, local Group of CTC, the National Cycling Charity
22nd September - Deer Hill Circular
Start Time: 10:00A circular walk along the water conduits above Meltham and Wessenden with some superb views over the valleys below.
22nd September - On the Hoof
Start Time: 10:00A strenuous circular walk visiting Calderdale's highest point.
22nd September - Follow the Trail!
Start Time: 10:30A circular walk from Hebden Bridge which takes us high up on the Pennine Moors, with great views, to reach the ancient packhorse route of Limersgate, before returning to Hebden Bridge via Crimsworth Dean with it's wonderful autumn colours. We are a friendly group and welcome all newcomers, and especially singles, on our walks so why not come along?
22nd September - In the Footsteps of Ted Hughes A Walk to Crimsworth Dene with Nick Wilding
Start Time: 10:30Join Nick Wilding, film-maker historian, as he follows in the footsteps of young Ted Hughes in the late 1930's, escaping with his older brother, Gerald, from the smoky valleys, to make adventurous forays through the woods and meadows of Crimsworth Dean, a valley that was very special to them both. Experience the wealth of the legendary and historical influences, that would become the basis and inspiration for some of his most popular poetry. Relive the experiences of a very special childhood and tread through a lost world to the special place where he says he had his first dream of becoming a poet. AS SEEN ON COUNTRYFILE. Tickets £6
22nd September - Gaddings Dam and Langfield Common
Start Time: 12:30A high level route in superb Pennine scenery above Calderdale, passing Gaddings Dam (site of the highest beach in England!) and Langfield Common, with excellent wide ranging views.
22nd September - Fells on the Fells
Start Time: 13:00Ride along historic packhorse trails across the fells, on locally bred Fell ponies. A unique and natural way to experience our rugged and beautiful landscape.
22nd September - Castleshaw Roman Forts
Start Time: 13:30Castleshaw Roman forts, Heritage Open Day guided tour. Learn about past and future excavations.

