Winter Hill Runners, Albert Sunter, Abigail Sunter, Jason Tonge and David Colgan recently made their way to the Calder Valley to compete in the ever popular, The Hebden 15 and 22.

Organised by the Long Distance Walking Association, the event is a vital fundraiser for the 12th Halifax Sea Scouts and this year welcomed a record 550 walkers and fell runners.

Both the 15 and 22-mile routes are testing courses through the fields and woodlands of Calder Valley, with the 15-mile route involving 3,000 feet of climbing and the 22-mile one, 4,000 feet.

The routes circumnavigate the picturesque market town of Hebden Bridge, which lies at the heart of the Calder Valley. It begins with a run out on a woodland track parallel to the railway line before competitors turn and face the first challenging climb.

The Hebden is a stunning collection of the very best views and landmarks of the Calder Valley, from the beautiful woodland paths of Hardcastle Crags to the commanding Stoodley Pike Monument. But there is also a wonderful array of delicious food at the checkpoints and back at the church hall on the finish, which is always a dilemma when faced with the choice of the 15 and 22-mile route.

Albert Sunter and Colgan opted for the longer routes, finishing in great times of 4hrs 33mins and 4:22:00, respectively, while Abigail Sunter and Tonge chose the 15-mile route. Abigail finished in a brilliant 3:06:00 and Tonge following in 3:30:00.