For the first hour or so of walking, I was joined by Karen, a friend from Bath MethSoc days, who lives locally. Again, it's been a number of years since we last met so plenty to catch up with.
Jonathan and Jocelyn, my hosts for the night, met us en route so it felt as if I was handed over into their care when Karen headed off for some work. The three of us passed by Bingley Five Rise Locks, the steepest staircase locks, one of the 'seven wonders of the waterways,' closely followed by 'Bingley Three Rise Locks,' needless to say a staircase of three locks, next to which is the headquarters of Damart, well-known manufacturers of thermal clothing (think Long John's!).
Just a little way along is Saltaire Village, a model village named after its founder, Sir Titus Salt, and the River Aire. In common with similar villages at Bournville (Cadbury) and Port Sunlight (Lever), Salt provided better quality housing for mill workers alongside local health, education and recreational facilities with the intention of building a better local community. Saltaire became a UNESCO World heritage site over twenty years ago, with much of the original architecture still in situ. One significant change from the original set up is the introduction of a local wine bar (Salt having insisted on no public houses):
Three views
Following a relaxing evening and good night's rest, I set off in good time on Tuesday as I had a good stretch to cover to the outskirts of Holmfirth, my next stop. My walk took me along the remainder of Airedale and into Calderdale, occupied by the City of Bradford and neighbouring towns, so whilst the names are familiar, the landscape is somewhat different. Nonetheless an enjoyable day's walk, including plenty of time in the countryside south of Bradford, following the Calderdale Way, weaving through the suburbs of Huddersfield, before arrival at the NE corner of Holmfirth where I was warmly greeted into a colleague's manse where I have been overnight.
Today's walk will take me into South Yorkshire, where I was born, and some familiar territory. I'm looking forward to walking into Sheffield tomorrow, planning to follow the Transpennine Trail through the NW of the city, along the Upper Don Valley.
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