We are delighted that Jim Baird and Maggie Fleming, local amateur  industrial archaeology  enthusiasts, will join our walk to help us explore the archaeology of Northcliffe Park and Woods.

Total walking distance, around 4 miles.

Meet Chris Flecknoe and Colin Jarvis at the lodge gate to Roberts Park (near the play area) for departure at 9.45. We will walk along the riverside before crossing the river and canal to continue through Hirst Wood.  We will then take steadily ascending footpaths, tracks and roads to reach the top of Moorhead Lane and the entrance to the Park. Here we shall meet up with our archaeological guides, Jim and Maggie, and make a stop for what you may wish to consider as late “elevenses” or early lunch.  Please bring whatever food and drink you need with you – and a sit-mat or plastic bag to sit on may come in useful. We also recommend bring a walking pole if you use one, and something warmer to put on when we sit down or are listening to our specialist guides.

Our pace of walking will be slower within the Park as our guides introduce us to the underlying geology and impact of the ice age, which led to this being an area from which coal (and stone) was extracted from the 17th to 19th century – and maybe earlier.  We will be shown how the coal pits domantated the landscape, and then hear how the area was turned into a public park.  There is one steep descent and ascent within the Northcliffe Dike valley, on rough steps, after which we will follow the gently descending main track through the valley.

The walk will end at the bottom of the Park, emerging on to Bradford Road, from where participants may choose to catch a bus back to Baildon (we will have the timetable with us) or walk into Shipley (probably around 2.00pm).

Booking is required for this walk as numbers are restricted to 12 so that everyone can all hear what our specialist guides are saying. Bookings will not open until 1 April, after which you can book by emailing info@baildonwalkersarewelcome.org

Join Mike DeVilliers and Bob Davidson at the Potted Meat Stick for a walk along part of the Bradford Fair Trade Way to Bradford Cathedral. This is a 6 mile linear walk – with return to Baildon under your own steam.  The route follows paths, roads and the Aire Valley Greenway.  One steep ascent. We expect to arrive at Bradford Cathedral for 1.00pm. Bring your lunch for a picnic in the Cathedral Close or head into town to find lunch.

May 12th is World Fair Trade Day and its purpose is to celebrate the contributions to the fight against poverty, exploitation, and climate change. The Fair Trade movement is all about ensuring that workers around the globe are treated fairly with decent wages and working conditions. What is Fair Trade and what makes a product Fair Trade?   Well, Fair Trade is a trading partnership that is concerned with the human rights of all those involved with the creation and distribution of a product. This includes people being paid a fair wage, ensuring that the product or the materials for the product are ethically sourced, as well as fighting against issues concerning the economy, gender, inequality, and climate change. Baildon is A Fair Trade community and Mike DeVilliers is a campaigner / member of the Baildon FT group.

The Bradford Fair Trade Way is a walking route in the process of being developed, linking all the communities in Bradford MDC that have Fair Trade accreditation. It starts and finishes at Bradford Cathedral which is committed to Fair Trade. During the walk, Mike will tell you more about Fair Trade and there will be information and refreshments available at the Cathedral.

We hope that the sun will shine on us but would want walkers to be prepared for rain and have strong footwear.”

Meet Bob Davidson and Peter Kerr at the Potted Meat Stick at 10.00am for a four mile linear walk to Shipley Station, exploring the history of the Shipley to Guiseley rail line which is causing such big headaches at the moment! Peter Kerr has written a history of the building of the line and will explain why it was considered such an achievement when it was built. Copies  of his book will be available on the day, along with copies of our own publication “Six Walks for Self-Guiding from Baildon Railway Station”. The route will follow paths from Baildon via Tong Park Dam. We will have a close look at the two major viaducts, walk through Baildon station and follow paths and roads to Shipley Station. This is the end of the walk and walkers are free to find their own way back to Baildon or take the bus from Shipley Market Square. Estimated arrival time at Shipley Station is 12.30/12.45. Sturdy footwear needed. One stile to cross.

Details to follow soon.

Meet John and Pauline, and Chris at the Potted Meat Stick for a morning walk on Baildon Carnival Day. We shall head out of Baildon and ascend slowly to the trig point at the top of Baildon Moor. We shall then start to descend to pick up a section of the Dales Highway, before turning back a,Inga idea the golf course to Sconce and back to Baildon in time for the start of the Carnival Processiom (12.30). Bring a drink and any snacks you require.