• Hebden Bridge,  Whistle-Stop

    Whistle-Stop: Hebden Bridge

    I’ve lived in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire (crowned Britain’s Best Small Market Town) for almost 10 years now, so it’s fair to say I know my way around its hills, shops and pubs. Nestled in the countryside, it’s a creative and passionate community and is a real inspiration to visitors, and all who live and work here. In this Whistle-Stop guide, for anyone visiting for a day or two, you’ll find my personal highlights and recommendations of places that I…

  • Lifestyle,  Outdoors

    A Week in Walks #2

    It’s been a great week for walking with Polly in Hebden Bridge. Mainly because of the sunshine and the onset of lighter evenings but more importantly because I don’t have to wash Polly every time we walk in the door. The struggle is real, my friends.  She has this new ‘thing’ where she stands over a puddle, looks at me (no joke) then lays down in it soaking her golden belly full of mud. Little beggar. So the less it…

  • Lifestyle,  Outdoors

    A Week in Walks #1

    When life feels overwhelming and impossible there are things I like to do to help me find a sense of calm to my day. For example, I demand hugs from the OH and cuddles from the dog. I watch my favourite movies that feel like very old friends. And I walk. I walk away my frazzled feelings in an attempt to remain focused, grounded and also to appreciate the things that sometimes I think we all take for granted. With…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Hebden Bridge: A Crafty Valley

    I’ve talked about Hebden Bridge’s crafty credentials before. It’s a creative community of designers, makers, writers, musicians and artists and is a real inspiration to visitors, and all who live and work here. So I thought I’d write a round up of all the crafty goings-on that make the town what it is, from craft supply shops and galleries to creative workshops and the town’s varied programme of events. I hope it inspires your next visit and craft project! 1. Word of Mouth…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Hebden Bridge: Shops (A Quick Guide)

    Angela Smyth map illustration on the Visitor and Canal Centre (New Rd). Well hello there! Before diving into the nitty-gritty that is Hebden Bridge, I decided to take my camera for a walk in the sun and make a note of the places I’d like to feature on the blog. It’s not a Hebden Bridge guide as such, just my favourite places to visit and potter in, after living here for over 6 years. To get you started, I’m looking at the…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Hebden Bridge

    One of my main goals this year is to feature Hebden Bridge, the place I call home, more on the blog. I’ve lived here for over 6 years (the longest I’ve stayed anywhere, apart from my childhood home) and feel I know the place pretty well now. Having said that, there is still walks I haven’t walked, shops I haven’t popped in to and faces I haven’t met. So with my camera in hand, I’ll be scouring out my favourite spots,…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Lately: South Pennines Walk

    Hello there, how are we all? Feeling chipper I hope? My week has been a productive one so far and I’m positive that’s because of last weekend’s antics. We had a proper day off resting on Saturday then on Sunday we went walking with friends, followed by a pub lunch, a film and an awesome evening celebrating bonfire night (belated) with the neighbours. Our walk began at the Shepherd’s Rest pub (our reward after) and took us 40 minutes up onto the…

  • Hebden Bridge,  Style and Beauty

    Lately: The Busiest Of Times

    Peeking through those trees is the street we live on. This time next week, we hope to be living in our new house, but obviously that’s not certain until we have the keys in our hands. Limbo land is a pretty stressful place but my oh my it will be worth every grey hair and anxious moment. Anyhoo, besides house stuff, here are a few pictures of what’s put a smile on my face lately. Colourful plants at our local…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Lately: Sunshine and Hebden Bridge

    Life lately has been pretty hectic. Besides buying a house and all the fun that comes with that, there’s been lots of exciting things occurring; it all happens at once doesn’t it? More on that soon though, my friends. In the meantime, I’ve been enjoying sunshine and ice creams, plotting and planning away our little lives, mini walks (mainly to the pub and back) and my lovely new London Retro prescription sunglasses c/o Glasses Direct. This is my first pair…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Photo Walk: Steep Field Allotments, Hebden Bridge

    Well that was a particularly sunny day, wasn’t it? I popped outside a few times today to catch a little sun and decided to have a wander to the allotments near our house. It was really peaceful but I did manage to spot someone feeding the ducks and asked if I could quietly potter between the plots. This was just a small part of the allotments so I’ll have to go back again soon for more flora and fauna inspiration.…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Lately: Birthdays, Hebden Bridge and Handmade Parade

    Hello there, one and all. Had a merry weekend? I’m currently sat on the sofa with a cuppa by my side and feet firmly rested on our coffee table. It’s been a long weekend of birthday celebrations, putting the world to rights and Hebden Bridge awesomeness. Here’s a taste of the past few days folks… Friday night looked like this in Hebden Bridge. I have to pinch myself sometimes knowing we live in such a beautiful town – gorgeous! My…

  • Hebden Bridge

    Diary Dates: 10 Awesome Things To Do In June

    I refuse to waffle on about how quickly these months of ours are passing by (HOW QUICK?!) instead I’m looking forward to the month of June, and ignoring the fact that we didn’t get Glastonbury Festival tickets this year (holds fingers in ears and yells ‘la la la la la’ repeatedly). Most of my family and friends were born in June so pretty much all of my spare time will be filled with celebrations this month (excuse for balloons!) but I am hoping to go…