WALKERS can enjoy poems by one of Britain’s greatest living bards on a Pennine trail.
Six stones on the 47-mile Stanza Stones from Marsden to Ilkley have been inscribed with verses by Marsden-born poet Simon Armitage, who nows lives in Meltham.
Inspired by ice and water, which has shaped the upland landscape, Simon has added his reflections on the views at each spot where the stones are located.
The stones, which were carved by Pip Hall and her apprentice Wayne Hart, describe water in its many forms – beck, puddle, mist, rain, dew and snow.
The stones are located in lofty and isolated positions but the trail also highlights the variety of the South Pennines landscape from the industrial heritage of Hebden Bridge to the archaeologically significant Rombalds Moor at Ilkley.
The project was created by Ilkley Literature Festival in collaboration with Simon Armitage and Pennine Prospects, a project to regenerate the South Pennines.
Stanza Stones Trail Developer Tom Lonsdale said: “Hardened walkers can tackle it all in one go but the guide is written for those wishing to walk it in three sections from Marsden to Hebden Bridge, Hebden Bridge to Bingley and finally Bingley to Ilkley.
“The stones are also accessible through individual family friendly walks, three of which can be accessed by buggies and wheelchairs.
“Maps and descriptions of all the walks are outlined in the guide.
“Each stone is sited in a location that has a sense of place and the poem adds extra impact.
“For those who follow the trail it gives them a real experience of the true nature of the South Pennines and allows them to share the personal reflections of the landscape with a top writer who knows it so well.”
Sue Leffman, of Pennine Prospects, added: “The Stanza Stones trail offers walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in this beautiful landscape.
“The view from the first stone at Pule Hill is absolutely stunning.”
Cycling and walking maps are available at: www.walkridesouthpennines.co.uk
