Bingley Parish Boundary Walk
A 32-mile long distance footpath in the countryside environs of Bingley in West Yorkshire. This is a walk with interest in local traditions and the area's industrial past. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SE 123 374
Distance: 32 miles (51 km)
Time: 12–16 hours
Duration: 1–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL21 South Pennines – Burnley, Hebden Bridge, Keighley and Todmorden
288 Bradford, Huddersfield and East Calderdale
297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
Summary
A circuit of Bingley parish, based on the ancient practice of 'beating the bounds', it goes over Rombalds Moor and via Keighley Gate and Barcroft, then towards Denham Edge, Black Hills, and Wilsden. A parish perambulation—an annual walk/ride to affirm the boundaries of the parish (beating the bounds)—was a historic feature of many communities. The Bingley version was evidently a popular affair during the eighteenth century. Bingley historian Speight mentions a parish grant of ten shillings made in 1704 for the annual occasion and writes of one Thomas Hudson, who preceded his son Dick as landlord of the Fleece Inn, providing a cartload of ale, cheese, and bread. It must have been thirsty work, as the old parish of Bingley was surprisingly extensive. The full route would have been about 30 miles, but the Bingley locals seem to have taken an abbreviated route with pub stops. According to Eldwick historian Mirfield, they began at the King's Head Bingley and took in the Fleece (Dick Hudson's), Hawksworth Springs, The Gaping Goose (Intake Gate), and Rombalds Moor. (Source: LDWA)