Hebden Bridge






5/5/2019


First thing this morning a line of enthusiastic dog walkers strode past, inspiring us to up and at the day - a 10 min train ride from Sowerby Bridge west to Hebden Bridge.

Yesterday we found a snicket (also a ginnel or alley) leading to the pedestrian bridge to the station.

Hepden B is a charming thriving place, reminding us of Berry or Leura. An old mill town, the chimneys, mills and warehouses still evident. A resident (and info boards) told us that it was run down, depopulated in the 80s, until 'the flower people' (I quote) moved in, 'you know, the artists, musicians, writers'. Now a thriving economically robust place, unusual among the old mill towns.

The cafes, market, antique shops trading well, the latter yielding some goodies - a little piece of uranium glass for JJ, and clip on ear rings for me.

In the hills behind HB lies Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust property, beech trees, swathes of bluebells, rhododendrons. Miles of walks, stepping stones across the old mill stream. Gibson Mill is at the heart of the Crags, with its electricity generated by water- and providing visitors with coffee etc.
After exploring the Crags, back to Hebden Bridge to enjoy a movie in its old Picture House, reminding us of our beloved Mt Vic Flicks. 
Finally home to Santiago, by train again....still good public transport here despite the deprivations of Beeching and Thatcher.

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