Last week, Glossop Creates officially launched two books  Wander and Wild Valley - two new publications that celebrate our landscapes, stories and community through the eyes of local creatives.

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These books are part of our commitment to platforming local talent, nurturing a vibrant cultural economy, and inviting visitors to explore Glossop through art, culture and design.

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Wander - a book for the curious!

One of the books, Wander, is a beautifully curated collection of five unique walks through Glossop, each inviting you to slow down and see the world afresh.

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Over the last several years, Glossop Creates has curated an inspiring series of thematic “Wander” walks - each weaving together local history, creative interpretation, and interaction with the landscape. Whether unearthing folklore and hidden tunnels, stepping into a philosopher’s past, honing photographic vision, or tracing the deep roots of the town’s settlement, these immersive experiences brought Glossop’s story vividly to life for participants across the town and valley. The Spring 2025 Wanders, which are featured in the book, are:

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Longdendale Tales
Sound specialist and podcaster Clare Savory led a 6km walk through the Longdendale Valley, tracing the echoes of Roman salt routes, Victorian tunnels, and the forgotten villages submerged beneath Valehouse Reservoir.  Participants explored evocative landmarks like the hidden Courting Tunnel, witch marks on old bridges, relics of railway history and the infamous Devil’s Elbow.

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A Wittgenstein Wander
Art historian Michael Howard guided walkers along the same moorland paths once trodden by a young Ludwig Wittgenstein, who, in 1908/09, lived at the Grouse Inn on Chunal and designed box-kites for atmospheric experiments near Glossop.  Through the sparsely rugged scenery, participants were invited to fly a kite in celebration of Wittgenstein’s inventive spirit - a playful nod to his early aeronautical ambitions and philosophical training.

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Perspectives of Glossop
Dark Peak Photo teamed up with Glossop Creates to host a gentle photographic walk through Glossop’s streets and hidden corners.  Participants, armed with cameras or smartphones, received expert tips on framing, light, and composition - aimed at uncovering fresh views of familiar scenes and inspiring more creative photography.

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Bees to Bulls
Local historian Dr. Tim Campbell-Green hosted a walk titled “Bees to Bulls,” beginning at The Beehive in Glossop and exploring ancient routes from Roman roads to medieval marketplaces. The route traced Anglo-Saxon relics, Roman-era tracks, 19th‑century graffiti, and more. As a proud Glossopian archaeologist and educator, Tim revealed the layers of settlement and history etched into the local lanes and landscapes.

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A sensory walk in Old Glossop

Local artist Saima Rasheed led a unique Wander Walk in Old Glossop - a creative exploration of nature through sound, touch, and colour. This walk invited participants to engage with the environment in new ways, using textures, natural palettes, and soundscapes as inspiration for artistic reflection.

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Want to get involved with a Wander?

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We’re looking for passionate locals to lead Wander Walks as part of Glossop Creates in summer 2025 and beyond!

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Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a creative soul, have a burning passion about a particular topic or just someone who enjoys a good Wander - we want to hear from you. Help others see our town through your eyes and be part of something special.  If you’d like to lead a Wander Walk, please email the team at hello@glossopcreates.com - just let us know about your topic or area of interest.

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The WANDER book is priced at £5, with proceeds supporting future artist commissions from Glossop Creates - helping to grow a sustainable, community-led creative economy. Buy a copy from Dark Peak Books or fromwww.wearelocal.org.uk/shop