landscape

A wonderful Yorkshire wander

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Yorkshire is just a hop from Manchester, and I took a day trip to explore the scenic Calder Valley. CONTINUES BELOW

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The thriving canalside town of Hebden Bridge appears at first glance to be traditionally Yorkshire but is filled with lovely little independent shops and cafes, making it a real draw for visitors.

It is also home to a sizeable LGBT community, making it an unexpected place to find rainbow flags proudly flying and gay friendliness.

I decided to take an uphill hike to the village of Heptonstall, enjoying delightful views of Hebden Bridge and surrounding countryside as I climbed.

Historic Heptonstall is a beautiful little place of dark stone cottages, but most famed for its shell of a church which was abandoned in 1847 after a devastating storm. A new church was built next door. The ruins still feel oddly alive.

I got so caught up in this abandoned building that I forgot to visit the grave of poet Sylvia Plath. Next time…

The visit ended with a hearty pub lunch and getting caught in a sudden shower of rain. I would return to this area and heartily recommend it.

Have you visited Hebden Bridge? Why not share your impressions below.

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Clitheroe: A castle and sausages

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Clitheroe is an ancient Lancashire town with a castle, great views – and famous sausages. I visited recently armed with my camera. CONTINUES BELOW

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It took me around an hour by train to reach Clitheroe from Manchester, which sits at the heart of Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley.

The town is dominated by its compact castle keep, and climbing up there will reward you with good views of the surrounding countryside, and also well-kept grounds to amble around.

Clitheroe is a decent size to explore on foot and I even took the time to find a ginnel – a Lancashire alleyway at the back of houses – and a typical line of terraces.

You have to pay a visit to Cowmans, a well-known sausage seller with a bewildering array of varieties. That was tea sorted for a few nights!

View of church and factory smoke in Clitheroe, Lancashire

Clitheroe’s cement factory emits a plume of smoke over the town

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Lancashire: A glorious getaway

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Lancashire is a county of northern England blessed with a beautiful coastline, forests, waterways and heritage towns.

My home city of Manchester was part of Lancashire until 1974, so there’s a natural pull to day trips which are close to home.

I’ve often explored the county’s glorious countryside, which offers an escape from the big city. Here’s just some of what I’ve captured on camera with plenty more still to see.

Where should I go next in Lancashire? Please leave your comments below

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Spurn Point: End of the world

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Spurn Point is an exposed slither of land between the Humber estuary and the North Sea in East Yorkshire.

I’d always noticed this slim spit of territory on maps and was lucky enough to visit on a warm, sunny August day.

It’s a 7.5 mile (12km) hike to the tip of Spurn and back again, taking in beach, heathland and a few buildings including the totemic black and white lighthouse. 

Spurn is peacefully desolate. You can see wildlife, look towards the city of Hull and Grimsby, photograph the landscape or just decompress.

This is a memorable place to wander around – but be aware of tide times and wild weather which could affect your visit. For me it was a touch of sunburn! Would you like to experience wild Spurn?

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Shugborough: A photographer’s paradise

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A true getaway from Manchester, with a 90-minute drive to the rolling countryside of Staffordshire and a magnificent country estate.

Shugborough was the home of famous royal and society photographer Lord Patrick Lichfield, until his death in 2005.

This connection added an extra dimension to a day out exploring and photographing the vast estate, including its beautiful walled garden, fabulous follies and lavish interiors of the big house.

It was an absolute pleasure on a summer’s day. You should visit if you get the chance.

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