I had been following the Pennine Way, but I had to leave it because I wanted to stop at the legendary Hebden Bridge. Hebden Bridge is an old mill town, which became run down after industry declined. It was invaded by squatting hippies who gave the town new life, and now is ironically one of the most expensive places to live in the region, but still has an alternative side to it, recently becoming known as “the lesbian capital” of the UK.
Hebden Bridge also represented the half-way point for my walk. My guidebook was split into six sections, and Hebden Bridge was at the end of the third section. It’s also roughly in the centre of Britain, as may be noticed on Google Maps where “Great Britain” appears as a label a couple of miles out from the town.
Wednesday 31st August 2016
Walked down towards Hebden Bridge in morning, over moorland, past reservoirs and along river at Hardcastle Craggs. Used a “wormery” toilet – would be rude not to feed the worms!
As I passed lesbian couples with kids walking by the river, I knew I must be close to the town.
Sat in town hall cafe at Hebden Bridge, and walked around town. Checked into hostel at 5pm.
I was the only person staying in the hostel! There were more staff than guests. Hopefully that was just a mid-week phenomenon, because Mama Weirdigan’s is a nice independent, slightly wacky, vegetarian hostel – as one would expect in Hebden Bridge.
Went down to the Trades Club for dinner – £4 veggie food (same for all), though I had some extra for £2 as I was extra hungry.
The Trades Club is a had a fantastic atmosphere – everyone talks to everyone and made me feel welcome in Hebden Bridge straight away.
I was invited to another pub, where I got involved in political arguments, before making friends with a couple of Trump supporting climate change deniers.
Distance: 8.5 miles [view on map]
Spending: £45
I didn’t expect to meet right wingers in Hebden Bridge, but nothing should come as surprise in that town, it’s such a tolerant place! After putting politics behind us I went on to a third pub and for more drinks with the locals.