Tuesday 20 Nov 25
Start time:13:30 Meet at junction Cure hill/wide Lane for a local walk around Oakworth
Charles Harris OBE
Charles is a newly qualified walk leader in the Well Together program, but he has a wealth of walking and hiking experience
Charles grew up in the West of Cumbria and has felt at one with nature ever since, spending most of the time outdoors in this farming community in the 50s
The outdoors is an integral part of his life, and he feels spiritually connected with the environment whilst out experiencing new routes.
A brief outline of Charles's history and experience in his own words
Walked my first peak/Great Gable at age 5.
Took my first group out in the '60s, Up Scafell, and learnt formal navigation etc. At the same time in the Cadet Force at Giggleswick school.
A Munroist (someone who has climbed all the Munros) is mentioned in the Munro Companion book.
I have climbed all the big Peaks in the UK and Ireland.
A mountain Leader, Youth and Community Worker leading groups and expeditions throughout above, plus various places from La Soufriere, St Vincent, Canary Islands to Bangladesh.
Climbed/Mountaineered with friends in Pyrenees, Alps, Dolomites, Sierra Nevada, Picos d' Europa, etc.
Done 15 Tall Ship Voyages mainly as either a Watch Leader or Youth Worker..and mainly on the sadly now closed Jubilee Sailing Trust which had the only two ships in the world integrating those with the most physical abilities and disabilities.
(Round UK waters, Canaries, Mediterranean, Caribbean etc)
A member of the Rucksack Club, BMC etc
Various publications, audio etc.
Now after two knee replacements etc.....I aim to walk over 20 miles per week....and sometimes succeed!
🚶♀️ Stepping Into Wellness: Highlights from Our Walking Group
There’s something magical about putting one foot in front of the other—especially when friendly faces, fresh air, and the gentle rhythm of conversation surround you. Our walking group has become more than just a weekly stroll; it’s a vibrant community built on shared steps and stories.
🌿 Why We Walk
We started with a simple goal: to encourage movement, connection, and mindfulness. Whether you're chasing fitness goals, looking to meet new people, or just craving a break from the daily grind, our walks offer a space to recharge and reconnect.
🗺️ Routes & Rambles
From scenic riverside paths to quiet woodland trails, we’ve explored some of the most beautiful corners of our local area. Each route is chosen to be accessible and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to pause, chat, and soak in the surroundings.
📅 Join Us! here
We walk every Thursday afternoon. All ages and fitness levels are welcome—just bring comfortable shoes and a smile, just show up and step in.
☕ Bonus Perk: Post-Walk Socials
After each walk, we often gather for a cuppa at a local café. It’s a lovely way to wind down and get to know each other better. Laughter guaranteed!
On Providence Lane just down from the Mill Stack (Lower Providence Mill, built 1875, four stories). The ABC Steps were originally 26 steps, but unfortunately, the 'A' step has been buried under the later footpath. The story goes that the children chanted the alphabet as they climbed the steps on their way to school or work.
Climb the steps and follow the path straight ahead until you reach a right-hand junction, go down the path and come out at 'HOOT' corner. Vale Mills is to your left, the part of the Mill over the road and river is the earliest, and to your right, what is now the carpark used to be the Mill reservoir.
John Greenwood and Son started to build Vale Mill, a cotton mill in the late 18th century (circa 1785).
On the death of John Greenwood in 1807, his son continued to expand the business in further mills on the site and built accommodations for their workers. Vale Terrace is on Station Road, Vale Cottages is on Mytholmes Lane, and probably Brook Row. And a school for the workers' children, and others.
The Mill mainly relied on child labour from London, which some local families referred to as 'Little London' well into the 21st century.
Later, after 1853, Vale Mill was acquired by James Sugden & Brothers.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway was built between 1864 and 1866 and it ran past Vale Mill from Oakworth in a quarter circle to Mytholmes Hill, it was on a viaduct above the mill reservoir on 29 stone pillars with a wooden platform carrying the iron track.
Twenty years later, they blasted a tunnel through Mytholmes Hill.
Research. Michael Freeman
Our walking group is part of a community of groups which is run by the Well Together Service, which is part of the BDCT. Details can be found here
Please see our Activities and Walks schedule
For further details contact: tel: 01274 259190
email: welltogether@bdct.nhs.uk