The idea
A FREE, family friendly programme of activity for Explorers of all ages, children and adults, through summer and autumn 2026. Spodden Valley Explorers will introduce local families to Whitworth's exciting new community asset, a trail of discovery in the moorland landscape.
The moors around Whitworth are steeped in history. Tales of bronze age settlers, medieval merchants, the bonesetting doctors of the 18th century, and the hamlets lost to the industrial revolution. Who knew? Even many locals don't, but that is about to change!
This summer, work will be complete on this new 'museum in the landscape', Spodden Valley Revealed (or SVR). It links a 'string of pearls' of historic mini-sites, little windows into the past telling stories of Whitworth's long and fascinating history.
Then this new project kicks in... Spodden Valley Explorers will ensure that hundreds of Whitworth families and visitors can find, discover and make the most of their own, brilliant new heritage destination.
What we'll deliver
- 10 Explorer days for all the family
- 5 guided moorland walks exploring historic sites
- A short film free to view online
- An Explorer map linking a dozen historic sites
- Six months of FREE activity for adults and young people
Why it's a great idea
6 months of FREE family activity to introduce Whitworth's heritage trail. This is a project to reinforce pride of place in Whitworth and its surrounding moorland landscape. Whitworth people are proud of their town, but there is so much still to discover!
For local residents, firstly , we want to help them discover more of the stories hidden in those spectacular, rugged uplands. That includes especially our younger citizens, building their awareness of the place where they live and the many and fascinating historic stories it contains. New reasons to feel good about where they come from.
Secondly, we want to help attract more visitors to the Whitworth area, and provide new or extra reasons to explore. The Explorers programme will help support local economies, especially the hard pressed hospitality sector.
Explorers will help the volunteer-run Whitworth Heritage Museum, driving more visitors to that unique community asset, & encouraging new volunteers, especially younger people.
Steps to get it done
- Present 10 free Explorer days for all the family
- Present 5 free guided walks around the Spodden Valley area
- Create a short film free to view online
- Distribute a free map of the Spodden Valley historic sites
- Tell 2,000 Whitworth and local people about the history on their doorsteps
