& CULTURE All aboard for T
THERE’S still time to enjoy the great outdoors before the schools go back and the nights close in for autumn.
So why not get out over the Bank Holiday weekend and bask in the glorious West Yorkshire countryside on a free family day out at one of the area’s most scenic spots.
We’ve pinpointed five spectacular places to walk, picnic and take in the landscape. All are within half an hour of Huddersfield town centre and some can be easily reached using public transport. The walks take in woodland, water and heritage trails. 1 Honley Woods. Try a 2.5 mile wander through this White Rose Forest (a partnership between five local authorities in West Yorkshire and public and voluntary organisations), one of the county’s largest remaining ancient semi-natural woodland areas. Park in Honley, which is a 15-minute walk away, and enter the woods at Hassocks Lane (or off Knowle Lane if approaching from Meltham Road), and follow the circular path around meadows and ponds, through woodland and open ground. 2 Digley Reservoir. The Yorkshire Water reservoir to the south west of Holmfirth is one of six in the region open to walkers and offers a 4.9 mile route along lanes, fields and across open moorland. It can be accessed from the Digley Quarry car park to the north. This walk is rated as unsuitable for very young children and the infirm. 3 Emley Circular Trail. This 6-mile trail around the fringes of Emley takes in both countryside and heritage sites, including mining relics and an old packhorse bridge. It starts at the post office in the village centre, where there is a small car park, and takes in the sort of rolling countryside that would please a hobbit. 4 The Pen-Den Trail. This 5-mile linear scenic walk links the railway stations at Penistone and Denby Dale, so ramblers can use the rail network to return to their point of origin. It takes in part of the Trans Pennine Trail and is clearly signposted. Directions start at Penistone and take walkers to Thurlstone, Ingbirchworth and Upper Denby before reaching Denby Dale. There are paths, bridleways and stiles to navigate and stout shoes are recommended, so it’s not one for very young children. kirklees.gov.uk/leisure has a detailed guide. 5 Blackmoorfoot Reservoir. An easy, flat walk of just over one mile, suitable for all ages and with easy access for buggies and wheelchairs. Yorkshire Water advises parking on the roadside at Reservoir Road. The reservoir is between Meltham and Slaithwaite and affords wonderful views over the Colne Valley. HE August Bank Holiday weekend in and around Huddersfield promises a wide variety of things to do - everything from taking a scenic canal boat trip and relaxing at a summer beer festival to puzzling over a jigsaw exhibition and enjoying the great outdoors.
Check out our events guide to what will be the last Bank Holiday of 2017.
Some events are free and taking place all weekend, while others are one-offs.
We’ve got something for all ages, all pockets and all tastes.
The Met Office predicts a cool, cloudy, but mainly dry Bank Holiday, so plan an adventure and pack a picnic.
This annual event attracts jigsaw enthusiasts and those curious to see the huge range of hundreds of puzzles - from children’s jigsaws to complex 3D puzzles.
It’s open from 10am until 5pm every day (Sunday, noon until 5pm) and entry is £2 for adults, with accompanied children free.
Stop off at the The Missing Piece cafe for breakfast, a light snack or afternoon cream tea. Anchor Trust members, Bethany Weldrick and Ian Day, prepare to cast off to take visitors on a trip down the canal new perspective and enjoy light refreshments in the Marina cafe afterwards. While there’s no charge for the boat service, donations are welcomed in order to continue the work of the trust. produces an outdoor version of the famous story, with swashbuckling pirates, a fairy, crocodile and boy who never grew up. Tickets are £5 or £16 for a family of four. There will be limited tickets on the day, so book at creativescene.org.uk/ events and Helen Stratford lead a walk through the park, offering insights and new ways to view the art displayed in the spectacular landscape. There are two free walks, at 11am and 2pm starting from the YSP Visitor Centre. Open to all ages, each walk lasts around 90 minutes. Book a place on ysp.co.uk/events