Northern Rail is playing its part in events to mark Hebden Bridge’s official launch as the first Walkers are Welcome town in Britain by designating the first two trains into Hebden Bridge this Sunday 18 February as ‘walkers’ specials’.

The trains from Leeds and Manchester on the Caldervale line will arrive in Hebden Bridge in time for the start of a day-long programme of events in the town designed to celebrate the Walkers are Welcome accolade. The trains will carry Walkers’ Special headboards, and passengers will be met at Hebden Bridge by members of Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action, the organisation which is running the celebrations.

“Special weekend trains for walkers were a feature of our railways back in the days of steam trains, and we’re excited that Northern Rail is working with us in this way to bring back the concept for the twenty-first century,” says Andrew Bibby, chair of Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action.

Also being launched on Sunday are a set of three new waymarked trails from Hebden Bridge to popular visitor attractions, designed to encourage visitors to explore the countryside without necessarily needing to equip themselves with
guidebooks or maps. The new waymarked trails will be clearly marked from the station, where a large map and interpretation board is be unveiled this weekend.

The Walkers are Welcome concept is being launched in Hebden Bridge, and is likely to be copied shortly by the Scottish town of Moffat. To earn the status, towns have to meet six conditions, including keeping footpaths in good repair and providing facilities for walkers. A further condition is to encourage and promote the use of public transport. Because of its rail links, Hebden Bridge is particularly easily accessible for anyone from the cities of West Yorkshire and greater Manchester wanting to get out into the countryside.

The formal launch of Hebden Bridge as a Walkers are Welcome town will be the keynote event at the Walkers’ Day festival being held at Riverside School, Hebden Bridge on Sunday from 10.30 to 16.00. The event will be opened by Pam Warhurst, board member of Natural England and Chair of Pennine Prospects. Kate Ashbrook, chair of the Ramblers’ Association, will be among the speakers. The event combines workshops and stalls with short led walks in and around the town.