Services & Information

The Countryside Code has been updated, to take into account the new circumstances we face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please follow the code so we can all enjoy Calderdale's magnificent countryside responsibly.

Here's a summary of the Code's key points.

Respect other people:

• consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
• leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

Protect the natural environment:

• leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home
• keep dogs under effective control

Enjoy the outdoors:

• plan ahead and be prepared
• follow advice and local signs

Please follow the hyperlink below for the full version of the guide.

Clay House is a Jacobean building, a fine example of seventeenth century vernacular architecture, located within a beautiful rural park in the village of West Vale, less than a mile form Elland and less than three miles from Halifax. Clay House is the official start (and end) point for The Calderdale Way, a 50-mile walking route that circles the borough of Calderdale. The start of The Calderdale Way is signposted at the rear of the House, with signage, flower beds and a picnic area. The Main hall (7.3m x 10.5m) is a beautiful room with wood panelling, a minstrel gallery, polished wood floor, large stone fireplace and stone mullioned windows. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and can set up to 70 people for a formal meal, or 100 people theatre style for meetings, training sessions or presentations. Terraces and gardens in front and to the side of the House make great backgrounds for photographs and places to enjoy the views across the Park. Access Information: A portable ramp is provided to the front entrance or there is level access to the side; Two small internal ramps enable access to all public areas; A disabled toilet is available The Main Hall is fitted with an Induction Loop.

Juiced Up Bikes.co.uk offers an electric pedal assisted bike (e-bike) rental service.

Our Strap Line is ‘Power to the Pedal’ and we offer those who live in the Calder Valley area or who visit the area, the opportunity to plan their own e-bike safari on high quality (British manufactured) Volt e-bikes.

The Calder Valley offers a multitude of cycling routes for e-bikes, from canal towpaths, to quiet country lanes and stunning hilltop views.

Rental: Clients have the following options on rental:

Hourly Rate: £10

Daily rate: £35

3 day Rate (ideal for long weekends) £96

1 week rental (7 days) £175

We can drop the bikes directly at a location (within a 5 mile radius of Sowerby Bridge) and collect at end of rental. Cost £5

For any distance over 5 miles the charge is £10

You can contact us by email at: info@juicedupbikes.co.uk

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Following the success of Tour de France, Welcome to Yorkshire, supported by Yorkshire Bank; have helped local communities set up bike banks to allow free bike hire.

Used bikes are donated for free and then reconditioned and hired out, allowing children and adults to learn to ride, get fit or just enjoy their natural environment on a bike.

Calderdale has two bike banks located at:

• Happy Days Cycles in 18 Town Hall Street, Sowerby Bridge
• Active Calderdale Bike Library, Halifax Fire Station, in Skircoat Moor Road

The Active Calderdale Library at Halifax is open 10am -1pm on the first Saturday of each month and run by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service in collaboration with Calderdale Council.To book a bike and for enquiries (including donating a bike) please email bikelibrary@calderdale.gov.uk

Bikes are also available for hire from:

The Bicycle Den – along the Rochdale canal towpath in Hebden Bridge

We Cycle offers electric bike hire to help tackle Calderdale’s hills. These fantastic sturdy bikes help to tackle the steeper inclines of the area and four sites have now been confirmed as hubs for the electric bike scheme. Pairs of bikes are available at:

• The New Delight Inn, Blackshaw Head
• The Hare & Hounds Inn, Lane Ends
• The Cross Inn, Heptonstall