WAW Towns (E-K)
Evesham
Accredited since: 2023
The medieval market town of Evesham lies in a loop of the River Avon around the site of its 8th century Benedictine Abbey and is steeped in history and surrounded by stunning countryside. Three long distance footpaths pass through the town and seven circular walks take in the heritage and beauty of the area, in particular the springtime blossom.
Fairford
Accredited since: 2017
Welcome to Fairford, Gloucestershire,
a town where Walkers are Welcome, and a good place to visit.
Fairford, a lively, small market town in Gloucestershire (population C5,000), welcomes visitors, especially walkers. Our walks leaflets will help you appreciate the local area and its history. There’s something for everyone!
Frome
Accredited since: 2018
Frome is a welcoming, charming and vibrant town with a wealth of history, culture and natural beauty. Packed with historic buildings, beautiful independent shops and creative people, Frome is a wonderfully eventful town. It is the perfect destination for discerning tourists looking for something a little bit different.
Hayfield
Accredited since: 2019
Hayfield is a beautiful village (population 2,600) nestling in stunning Peak District scenery. Its proud association with the Kinder Mass Trespass, and vibrant community offers events throughout the year and facilities to accommodate walkers including four pubs, one cafe, an Italian restaurant, a campsite, and various small artisan shops.
Heart of the Pennines WaW. including the towns of Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Mytholmroyd
Accredited since: 2007
Todmorden is a town on the edge of Calderdale and formerly in Lancashire with a population of over 15,000. Hebden Bridge is a small former mill town with a population of 4,500. Mytholmroyd (meaning a small settlement where two rivers meet) is a small town two miles down the valley from Hebden Bridge with a population of 5,000. The towns nestle into the hillsides surrounded by beautiful countryside. They are great walkers towns with many footpaths, causey ways and bridleways to explore. The moors are high above us and add a stark beauty to the landscape. Calderdale has the highest number of footpaths in the whole of England, well maintained and waymarked by active volunteers. The Pennine Way passes nearby and the Calderdale Way circles the county. The river Calder runs through both towns. In Hebden Bridge it is joined by the river Hebden, in Mytholmroyd it is joined by Elphin Brook. This makes the area very picturesque but prone to flooding.
Todmorden has a variety of shops and pubs in addition to an award winning open marketHebden Bridge boasts a cinema, owned by Hebden Royd town council, a theatre, a music venue and many independent shops. There are pubs and cafe’s galore. In Mytholmroyd there is a row of small shops, cafes and pubs. Both have excellent transport links with the nearby major cities. Both have a variety of accommodation to choose from for the visitor, including an excellent hostel in the centre of Hebden Bridge.
Holmfirth
Accredited since: 2019
Against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park, Holmfirth is a thriving town with speciality shops and markets, bespoke art and tempting treats, plus a packed events programme.
Fast flowing streams, moorland sheep, weavers’ cottages and impressive mills reflect Holmfirth’s proud history of producing world class woollen yarns and cloths. But it’s the valley’s landscapes and villages which have brought the area fame.
Ilkley
Accredited since:
Ilkley is a picturesque Victorian spa town nestled on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, making it a prime destination for walkers. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the town is famously overlooked by Ilkley Moor, offering direct access to invigorating moorland walks, iconic rock formations like the Cow and Calf, and breathtaking panoramic views. With the River Wharfe flowing through its heart and surrounded by scenic valleys, Ilkley provides a diverse range of footpaths, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging moorland hikes, catering to all abilities. Its welcoming atmosphere, independent shops, and cafes also make it an ideal base for exploring the glorious surrounding countryside on foot.
Kington
Accredited since: 2011
Friendly and relaxed with a network of trails, medieval walled alleyways and intriguing buildings, Kington is a great place to explore and hang out. Boots and backpacks are commonplace and lying in the Welsh Marches, it has more long distance paths converging on a town of its size than anywhere else in the UK, including the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.
Walkers are most definitely welcome in Kington.
Kirkby Stephen
Accredited since: 2009
The attractive and friendly market town of Kirkby Stephen on the upper reaches of the River Eden in a corner of east Cumbria. With the stunning landscapes of the Westmorland Dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty. Once discovered, visitors are reluctant to leave.