Rambling Around Todmorden

"Todmorden can hold its own in the number and variety of its footpaths, old lanes and roads," wrote W.B. Dawson in 1932, in his delightful little booklet on the many walks in the area.

"Whilst the predominating feature of the borough is the moorland scenery, the many beautiful wooded ravines provide that variety so essential to the enjoyment of a ramble."

Mankinholes was a popular destination for rambler

Seventy-four years later it's a pleasure to sit back in the comfort of an armchair and re-trace Mr Dawson's footsteps as he took readers on walks ranging from a two-mile saunter around Wragby (take the bus to Walsden, fare 2d he helpfully advises) to an 11-mile slog to Haworth or Blackstone Edge and Summit.

The author made no apologies for taking ramblers far afield as Whalley and Padiham; altogether there are 24 walks in the 68-page booklet, with buses and trains an integral part of the experience.

Above: The inviting cover of W.B. Dawson's booklet published in 1932

Stone Cross near Shore. One of many enchanting illustrations by the author

Read the full story in Milltown Memories, issue 15