Upper Calder Valley facts for kids
The Upper Calder Valley is a beautiful area in West Yorkshire, located in northern England. It's named after the River Calder, which flows through it. This valley is home to several towns and villages, including Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Luddendenfoot, and Sowerby Bridge. You'll also find smaller places like Portsmouth, Cornholme, Walsden, and Eastwood here.
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The Upper Calder Valley
Where is the Upper Calder Valley?
The Upper Calder Valley is found in the northern part of England. It's specifically located in a county called West Yorkshire. This area is known for its green hills and valleys. The valley stretches out across the eastern side of the Pennines. The Pennines are a famous range of hills often called the "backbone of England."
Towns and Villages
The valley is home to many interesting places. The towns and villages are lined up along the river. They stretch from Portsmouth in the west all the way to Sowerby Bridge in the east. Sowerby Bridge is a market town that sits on the edge of Halifax.
Here are some of the main places you'll find in the valley:
- Todmorden
- Hebden Bridge
- Mytholmroyd
- Luddendenfoot
- Sowerby Bridge
And some of the smaller communities:
- Portsmouth
- Cornholme
- Walsden
- Eastwood
The River Calder and Its Friends
The River Calder is the main river that flows through this valley. It's like the valley's lifeline! But the River Calder isn't alone. It has many smaller rivers and streams that join it along the way. These smaller rivers are called tributaries.
Some of the important tributaries include:
- Walsden Water: This water flows through the village of Walsden. It joins the River Calder in Todmorden.
- Hebden Water: This stream flows through an area called Hebden Dale. It meets the Calder River at Hebden Bridge.
- Cragg Brook: You'll find this brook flowing through Cragg Vale. It joins the Calder River in Mytholmroyd.
- River Ryburn: This is the biggest tributary. It connects with the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge.
What is Calderdale?
The entire Upper Calder Valley is part of a larger area called Calderdale. Calderdale is a metropolitan district. This means it's a type of local government area. It includes many towns and villages, with Halifax being its main town. So, the Upper Calder Valley is a special part of the bigger Calderdale region.
How the Valley Looks
The valley has a unique shape. It's very long and narrow, almost like a line. This is because it cuts right through the eastern slopes of the Pennine hills. Imagine a long, winding path carved out by the river between the hills. This shape has influenced how the towns and villages grew. They are all built along the river, following its path.
