Makeover to mark birthday

Plans are in place to make sure the route is in a condition to welcome a new generation of walkers to the area.

CROWS (Community Rights of Way Services) is working in partnership with Calderdale Countryside Service to improve the long distance path.

This has been made possible by funds from the Calderdale Way Association, who publish the guide book, Friends of Calderdale Countryside and Cannonball Events who run the annual Calderdale Way Ultra.

Peter Manning from the Calderdale Way Association said: “The Calderdale was the first local long Distance recreational path in the country.

“What also makes the Calderdale Way unique among long distance paths is that hikers can walk it all in one go whereas less energetic walkers can use the link paths to create a number of short circular walks.”

CROWS and the Calderdale Countryside Service are planning on re-waymarking the whole route to make sure it is always clear where you should go.

At the same time as waymarking, volunteers will be preparing a schedule ofrepairs that are necessary to bring the route up to scratch.

Richard Peters, secretary of CROWS, said: “The Calderdale Way is a fantastic walk but parts have fallen into disrepair. We are very thankful to our funders and are delighted to be working on this project with Countryside Service.

“By the end of March the full cost of the necessary repairs will be known. We hope to raise some money through our supporters and local sponsors but we would expect Calderdale Council Highways Department to make a major contribution.

“By the autumn we will be itching to get to work with the work, but our aim is to have it all completed by the end of 2017.”