Rosemary Curtis heads west to find out what Hebden Bridge has to offer.

NESTLED in the rolling hills of Calderdale on the edge of the Yorkshire/Lancashire border, Hebden Bridge is a former mill town transformed into a haven for walkers.

The town is probably most famous for its links with poets Sylvia Plath, who is buried nearby, and Ted Hughes, who was born down the road.

It is just more than an hour's drive from York but if you fancy avoiding the motorways there is a direct train through some lovely scenery which takes an hour and a quarter.

When you arrive in the town, the first thing that strikes you is the scenery, which is truly stunning.

Hebden is surrounded by huge hills and has two rivers and a canal which weave their way around the mills and houses.

The centre offers a myriad of shops ranging from outlets selling typical tourist fare to more weird and wonderful places, selling cheeses, wines, hand crafted toys, jewellery and antiques.

If shopping is not your thing, boat trips are offered along the canal - but the best way to enjoy Hebden is on foot.

Sign-posted walks take you into the middle of nowhere within minutes. We made a short but steep walk from the centre of Hebden to the village of Heptonstall, where you can see Sylvia Path's grave.

Also worth a look is Heptonstall Museum. Originally the grammar school, the centre now tells the story of the history of the area.

A word of warning if you fancy a walk - those hills are not for the faint-hearted.

After our exertions, we were ready for a bite to eat and there is no shortage of choices. It is worth checking out Innovations, which is a caf and gift shop where you can look on to the river while you eat.

For something more substantial, try the White Lion Pub or Rim Nam Thai, a Thai restaurant overlooking the canal.

One drawback to Hebden Bridge is that there is not a great deal to do for children. On the plus side the scenery is beautiful and there is a great mix of shops.

If you get chance, it is also worth visiting Mytholmroyd, the birth place of Ted Hughes, while Howarth, the home of the Brontes, is only ten miles away.

Fact File

- Hebden Bridge Tourist Information Centre can be contacted on 01422 843831

- Hebden Bridge's annual arts festival takes place from June 19 to July 4. This year it features comedian Sean Hughes. For more information phone 01422 842684.

- Two miles out of Hebden Bridge is Hardcastle Craggs also known as 'little Switzerland.' Guided walks are offered in the area which is a wood valley owned by the National Trust. For information phone 01422 844518.

- Heptonstall Museum is open weekends and bank holidays from Good Friday until the end of October, 11am to 4pm. For more information phone 01422 843738

Updated: 15:57 Friday, May 07, 2004