West Yorkshire walk: The Luddite Trail from Mirfield

Give yourself a history lesson on this interesting walk that follows in the footsteps of the Luddites of the early 19th century. 

You can't beat a good historical trail as the basis of a walk and the Luddite Trail is a superb example. Devised by the Spen Valley Historical Society and published on the Kirkless Council website, the Trail comes in two parts, both five miles long.

You could do them both in a long day but there's lots to see and panels to read so it's worthwhile making two visits.

I'll describe part two in a Yorkshire Life later in the year but, for now, focus on part one that encompasses the villages of Hartshead and Roberttown.

The Luddite Trail tells the history of the campaigning workers (Image: Paul Kirkwood)

The Luddites were mainly what were known as croppers who used shears to crop the nap off rolls of woven cloth to produce a fine finish. A new cropping frame machine threatened their livelihoods so they set about trying to sabotage the frames on their way to and in situ at mills at Rawfolds and other places in the region. The term 'Luddite' is still used to describe someone trying to hold back technological progress in their own short-term interests.

The part one route includes the Dumb Steeple, where Luddites mustered prior to attacking a consignment of frames; Hartshead Moor, where the attack took place; The Star Inn, where two Luddites injured in the attack were interrogated by soldiers; a Quaker burial ground; and St Peter's Church, where Patrick Brontë, father of the famous Brontë sisters, was curate.
Download leaflets for both trails from bit.ly/LudditeTrail

A view of the Dumb Steeple landmark (Image: Paul Kirwood)

1. From the Miller and Carter Steakhouse head west up Leeds Rd to visit the Dumb Steeple then return to the Steakhouse. Just after the car park turn left down a lane. After emerging from a wood fork right to Hartshead.

Snowy St Peter's Church, Hartshead (Image: Paul Kirkwood)

2. At the road in the village keep ahead following road past Gray Ox pub and St Peter's Church. At Hartshead Moor crossroads keep ahead again to pass the Quaker burial ground. Take footpath at the front right corner of the ground, cross the stile and proceed along the green lane.

Quaker burial ground on the route (Image: Paul Kirkwood)

3. Turn left at a field gate and follow path down side of field, keeping hedge on your right. At the bottom turn right and pass through squeeze stile onto Clough Lane. Turn right and soon left at Triangle Farm down (the unmade) Bullace Trees Lane. Follow lane is it bears right and right again to reach the church at Roberttown.

4. Turn left onto Church Rd then right at roundabout down Roberttown Lane. Just after the Star Inn turn right down Commonside. Just before a school turn left through a squeeze stile and follow path through a second stile and into a field. After third and fourth stiles turn left at Propect Rd.

5. At the end cross Fall Lane, go over stile and keep in same direction. Turn left at stone pillar and pass down hidden green lane. At the end pass through a stile and follow a boardwalk over marshy ground.

Harsthead Hall Farm (Image: Paul Kirkwood)

6. Go up steps to emerge on Hartshead Hall Lane. Turn right and by Hartshead Hall. Pass through the gap between the gate and wall and follow path. At the end of the wood take the central path of three which crosses the field to another small wood with two stiles. Continue ahead across the field towards marshy Brook Shrogg crossed on a boardwalk and followed by stile and footbridge. Emerge on the A62 and turn right back to the steakhouse.

Eat here

Miller and Carter Steakhouse (Image: Paul Kirkwood)
Miller and Carter Steakhouse, Leeds Road, Mirfield. Grand building constructed in 1939 on the site of previous taverns possibly dating as far back as the 14th century. All prime British and Irish steaks are aged for a minimum of 30 days Takeaway also available.
millerandcarter.co.uk

Reid's of Roberttown (Image: Reids)

Reid's of Roberttown, Roberttown Lane. Local neighbourhood cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the steak and sole goujon sandwiches or one of the wide range of paninis.
reidsofroberttown.com

Luddite Trail map (Image: ONS)

Compass points
Start/finish: WF14 0BY. SE182211.
Time/distance: 8km.
Accessibility: Easy and well signed. Perfect for short winter days.
Map: OS Explorer 288 Bradford and Huddersfield, OS Landranger 104 Leeds & Bradford.
Parking: Limited but possible on Manor Park, off the A644 (Huddersfield Rd). Alternatively, ask the Miller and Carter Steakhouse if you can use their car park.
Map link: bit.ly/LudditeTrailmap.