A HILLSIDE near Hebden Bridge has more footpaths than anywhere else in England or Wales, say the Ramblers' Association.
According to the group’s magazine Walk, a 1km by 1km square including Old Town has the greatest density of rights-of-way compared to any other square in Ordnance Survey maps.
The association calculated more than ten kilometres of rights of way in
the square, which stretches from Lane Ends and the Hare and Hounds pub in the south, to Bog Eggs farmhouse on the moors to the north.
Andrew Bibby, chairman of Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action, said: “Our footpath network is an important part of our industrial and social heritage.
“These are the paths which have developed over centuries, walked by packhorse carriers, drovers, farmers and mill-workers and now there for us all to enjoy today.”
The accolade follows the designation of Hebden Bridge as Britain’s first Walkers are Welcome town and the unveiling of three new way-marked trails in Hebden Bridge. Plans are also in motion to make Mytholmroyd a Walkers are Welcome village.
Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action is looking for volunteers prepared to undertake regular walking of footpaths to keep them in good condition.
For more information visit www.hbwalkersaction.org.uk
