Calendar 2022

Although arguably at its most picturesque with its hills covered in snow, the climate can pose some challenges, and Cragg Vale’s community, farms and businesses often work together to keep operations running during difficult times. The scenery must help to make the toil feel worthwhile

The hills and valleys provide a wonderful setting, but the beauty is more than skin deep. Closer inspection reveals a wealth of fine detail, which is constantly renewing to provide fresh wonders on a daily basis

Cragg Vale has witnessed some interesting times. From stone age relics found on the hills, Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman influences through medieval times, skirmishes in the Civil war, the notorious Coiners in the middle ages, the wealth created by the mills and the industrial revolution, the staunch campaigns for workers rights and the decoy WW2 “starfish” site, along with some iconic properties, all contribute to the area’s fascinating heritage

Cragg Vale boasts a wealth of livestock across its many farms, and its moors and woodlands remain at one with nature, containing an abundance of native animals, birds, insects and plants

Despite many households being spread over the hillsides, Cragg Vale still has a strong sense of community, with the residents regularly coming together to enjoy a range of community events (often supported by local businesses) including Spaw Sunday (May), Annual Duck Race (July), Cragg Fest, (Aug/Sept), Cragg Challenge (September) along with litter picking, bulb planting, carol singing and history / music groups

Whilst much of the area is dedicated to farming, Calder Valley has always had a reputation for “home grown” businesses rather than the chain stores that replicate in most major towns. Following the decline of the local cotton mills, Cragg Vale has maintained this approach and thanks to “home working” and via the business parks nestled amongst the hills, has “reinvented” itself as home to dozens of successful independent businesses, many with international footprints

With hundreds of miles of walking trails, bridleways, towpaths, canals and riverways, and some highly popular cycle routes, Cragg Vale and the surrounding areas are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Local sports in the area include fell running, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, football and cricket further down the valley, with some challenging golf courses also in the locality

In addition to providing homes for the community and their creatures, and hosting the annual arrivals of lambs, calves and piglets, the Cragg Vale hillsides provide winter feed for livestock, honey, fruit, vegetables and a supply of fresh water for many households through the network of natural springs that flow down to the river course

Although the landscape remains constant, the colours and scenery change throughout the year and the seasonal cycles each bring something special, to make Cragg Vale a photographer’s paradise

Modern life can be stressful, especially with the disruption caused by the recent pandemic, so the outdoors of Cragg Vale provide plenty of options for people seeking peaceful surroundings where they can pause for reflection. The inscription at the Millennium Garden captures this beautifully as it reads “......Rest awhile, enjoy the view, listen to the birds, breathe the pure air, and thank God for the countryside”

Located at the southern tip of the Yorkshire Dales, Cragg Vale is host to thousands of visitors and holiday makers each year. With a selection of formal and informal B&Bs, holiday lets and a caravan / motorhome site, along with containing a section of the Pennine Way, the area is a popular destination and an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Calder Valley and beyond

Surrounded by fabulous scenery with lots of activity options, a friendly community, two nice pubs and a lovely church, Cragg Vale has all the ingredients for a happy experience, however long the stay