Colin Green Photography: Reservoir

Showing posts with label Reservoir. Show all posts

Friday, 26 June 2026

Where Industry Meets the Wild: A Journey to Blackstone Edge Reservoir

The Pennines have long been the rugged backbone of England, a place where the elements command respect and the landscape tells a story of both natural endurance and human ambition. On a moody, overcast day on June 16th, 2015, I found myself standing on the banks of Blackstone Edge Reservoir, a high-altitude water body that perfectly captures the desolate beauty of the West Yorkshire moors.

A wide-angle landscape photograph of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the West Yorkshire Pennines, England. The scene is dominated by a range of large, lattice steel power pylons and numerous high-voltage transmission lines that cut across the open, rolling moorland and over the water under a cloudy, overcast grey sky. In the foreground is a rough, uneven, damp field of wild grasses and sedges. A section of the reservoir water is visible, bordered by a rough stone-block dam and road edge that snakes across the middle distance. On the distant moorland, several other pylons are spaced out, with the largest and most prominent one in the mid-left foreground. The landscape is desolate and industrial-pastoral, showing human infrastructure integrated into a natural upland environment. The image has a somewhat high-contrast, moody aesthetic due to the cloudy weather and heavy textures.

A wide-angle landscape photograph looking out over the large, calm, dark water of Blackstone Edge Reservoir. The foreground is filled with large, dark-brown, angular rocks forming a dam or embankment, some with weathered moss and faint graffiti. Beyond the rocks, the reservoir water stretches to the horizon under a heavily overcast, grey sky. The far shore is a low, rolling moorland hill. In the distance, on the left side of the horizon, two large electricity power pylons are visible. A few small, scattered, distant power lines or masts are also faintly discernible on the right side of the horizon. The light is diffused, giving the scene a cool, moody tone. The perspective is from a high bank looking down over the water.

A wide view of Blackstone Edge Reservoir under an overcast sky. In the foreground, a rocky shoreline with mossy stones and a single wooden post meets the rippling dark water. In the background, green moorland hills are topped with several tall electricity pylons.

Scenic view of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, featuring a rocky shoreline with large gritstone boulders, dark water, and rolling moorland hills under a cloudy sky near Littleborough.

The Haunting Beauty of the High Moors

Located near Littleborough and straddling the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, Blackstone Edge is perhaps most famous for its dramatic gritstone escarpment and the ancient "Roman Road" that carves through the peat. However, the reservoir itself offers a different kind of aesthetic—one that balances the organic textures of the moorland with the stark, skeletal lines of industrial infrastructure.

On this particular June day, the sky was a heavy tapestry of grey and white clouds, casting a soft, diffused light over the water. There is a specific kind of silence you find at this elevation. It is rarely a true silence; instead, it is a symphony of wind whistling through the grass, the distant cry of a curlew, and the faint hum of the power lines that march across the horizon.

The Intersection of Nature and Infrastructure

One cannot ignore the striking presence of the electricity pylons that dominate the skyline around Blackstone Edge. To some, these are scars on the landscape, but through a lens, they provide a fascinating geometric contrast to the rolling hills.

The Industrial Sentinels

The pylons stand like giant iron sentinels, their cables cutting sharp, horizontal lines across the soft curves of the moorland. In the photographs from this trip, you can see how the vast scale of the Pennines dwarfs even these massive structures. There is a certain "industrial sublime" at work here—a reminder of how we have harnessed these wild spaces to power the world below.

Water and Stone

The reservoir's edge is a rugged mix of mossy banks and weathered stone. In the shallower reaches, scattered rocks break the surface of the dark, peat-stained water. These stones, worn by decades of waves and wind, provide a resting place for the local waterfowl. On this visit, a small flock of Canada geese could be seen drifting across the ripples, seemingly indifferent to the looming steel towers behind them.

Architectural Details: The Spillway and Masonry

Black and white landscape of Blackstone Edge Reservoir featuring a stone bridge, rocky embankment, and calm water under a grey sky in the Pennines.

Black and white photograph of the stone masonry dam and pedestrian bridge at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring calm water reflections and the rugged Pennine moorland in the background.

Black and white landscape of a long, cobbled stone catchwater drain at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, leading through the rugged moorlands of the Pennines.

A black and white landscape view from under a stone bridge looking down a cobbled path at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring rugged Pennine moorland in the distance.

Black and white photo of a historic stone spillway and bridge at Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, showing a cobbled path leading under a low concrete bridge.

Black and white landscape of Blackstone Edge Reservoir moorland featuring stone steps, a drainage channel, and a distant view of the Pennine hills.

A gravel walking path leading across the green embankment of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, featuring a stone wall, electricity pylons, and the White House pub in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Black and white high-angle view of a historic stone spillway and water outlet at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring a metal control valve and gated tunnel against a grassy embankment.

A black and white landscape of a stone-lined water channel or spillway at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring grassy embankments and electricity pylons under a cloudy sky in the Pennines.

A black and white photograph showing the stone-lined spillway and drainage channels at the base of the Blackstone Edge Reservoir dam in the Pennines, featuring rugged masonry and a grassy embankment.

A monochrome view inside a historic stone tunnel conduit at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring a vaulted brick ceiling, a vintage utility box, and a narrow water channel.

Black and white landscape of Blackstone Edge Reservoir moorland featuring a stone path, grassy hills, and distant views of the Pennines near Littleborough.

Black and white landscape photo of a historic stone bridge and culvert at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, featuring a small stream and grassy moorland in West Yorkshire.

Moving away from the open water, the engineering of the reservoir becomes more apparent. The Pennine reservoirs are masterpieces of Victorian and early 20th-century water management, and Blackstone Edge is no exception.

The Stone Spillways

One of the most captivating features to photograph was the stone-lined spillway and the drainage channels. Built from local gritstone, these structures have weathered into a dark, atmospheric hue. I chose to process some of these images in high-contrast monochrome to emphasize the textures:

The Masonry: The precision of the hand-cut stones in the arched outlets.
The Flow: The way the water channels create leading lines that draw the eye toward the dam wall.
The Valve Gear: Rusting iron wheels and mechanical components that look like relics of a steam-punk era, still standing guard over the water levels.

The black-and-white treatment brings out the "grit" of the North. It highlights the moss growing in the cracks of the stone and the silver sheen of the water as it trickles down the paved channels.

Flora and Fauna of the 16th June

Mid-June in the Pennines is a brief window of vibrancy before the harshness of late summer or the deep damp of autumn sets in.

Cotton Grass: The bogs surrounding the reservoir were dotted with the white, fluffy heads of cotton grass, swaying violently in the upland breeze.
The Moorland Grasses: The slopes are covered in a mix of purple moor grass and heather, which, while not yet in full purple bloom in mid-June, provides a rich palette of ochre, olive, and deep green.
Birdlife: Aside from the geese, the area is a haven for ground-nesting birds. The "bubble" call of the curlew is the definitive soundtrack to a walk at Blackstone Edge.

Why Visit Blackstone Edge Reservoir?

If you are a photographer, a hiker, or someone who simply finds peace in "the middle of nowhere," this spot is a hidden gem. While many hikers head straight for the trig point at the top of the "Edge," the reservoir circuit offers a more level, reflective experience.

Photography Tips for Moody Days

Don't be discouraged by a flat, grey sky. As seen in the 2015 gallery, an overcast day is perfect for:

Capturing Texture: Without harsh shadows, the details in the moss, rocks, and grass pop.
Long Exposures: The wind at this height creates beautiful movement in the water, which can be smoothed out with an ND filter for a minimalist look.
Industrial Portraits: The pylons look more imposing and "monumental" against a backdrop of brooding clouds than they do against a bright blue sky.

View across the grassy moorland of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, featuring high-voltage electricity pylons under a cloudy sky.

A wide view of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines on a cloudy day, featuring rocky shorelines, grassy moorland, and distant electricity pylons under a grey sky.

Panoramic view of Blackstone Edge Reservoir on the Pennine Moors under a cloudy sky, featuring grassy banks and distant electricity pylons.

The Long Road Home

Walking back toward the road, with the wind at your back and the sight of the A6033 winding through the valley, you feel a sense of perspective. Blackstone Edge Reservoir is a place where the modern world and the ancient earth sit uncomfortably close to one another. It is a landscape of utility, but also one of profound, lonely beauty.

As I looked back at the water one last time on that June afternoon, the pylons seemed less like intrusions and more like a part of the local ecology—the modern trees of the Yorkshire moors.

Trip Details

Location: Blackstone Edge Reservoir, Near Littleborough/Ripponden.
Date: 16th June 2015.
Weather: Overcast, 14°C, moderate winds.
Terrain: Peat moorland, rocky paths, and gravel tracks.

A stone walkway with blue metal railings leading to a valve tower on Blackstone Edge Reservoir, set against a backdrop of rolling moorland and distant electricity pylons under a cloudy sky.

A black and white high-angle view of the concrete walkway and metal railings at Blackstone Edge Reservoir, leading toward the water in the Pennine hills.

A wide view of the dark, rippling waters of Blackstone Edge Reservoir on the Pennine moors under a cloudy sky, featuring a line of electricity pylons on the horizon.

Rocky shoreline of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennine hills under a cloudy sky, featuring distant electricity pylons across the water.

Rocky shoreline of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennine hills under a cloudy sky, featuring a stone embankment and distant wind turbines.

Blackstone Edge Reservoir on the Pennine moors near Littleborough, showing the water's edge, grassy banks, and electricity pylons under a cloudy sky.

Panoramic view of Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennine hills, showing the stone embankment, ripples on the dark water, and the surrounding green moorland under an overcast sky near Littleborough.

I took these pictures on the16th June 2015 with a Polaroid is2132. Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday, 21 December 2025

An August Evening in the Pennines: Where Moorland Meets Motorway at Scammonden

Date: August 4th, 2018 Location: Scammonden, West Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Pennines, with their sweeping moorlands and dramatic valleys, hold a timeless quality. Yet, there’s one spot where the ancient landscape collides spectacularly with modern human ingenuity: Scammonden. Looking back at the photographs I captured on an early August evening in 2018, the unique character of this location—a crossroads of history, engineering, and stunning nature—is vividly apparent.

The Scenery: Golden Hour on the Moor

The Light: The sun, low in the sky, bathes the scene in a warm, amber glow. On a summer evening, particularly following what was a famously hot summer in 2018, this light is intensely beautiful, bringing out the deep, earthy tones of the heather and rough grasses that cover the hills.
The Landscape: You can sense the vastness of the exposed Pennine moorland—a land shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The slopes look rugged yet inviting, a perfect place for quiet reflection as the day cools down.

This area, high up on the backbone of England, offers a breath taking sense of isolation, a characteristic that makes its juxtaposition with the nearby motorway all the more striking.

The Modern Marvel: The M62 at Scammonden Dam

The M62, the vital trans-Pennine route, here performs one of its most impressive feats. Instead of a conventional bridge, the motorway runs along the crest of a massive structure known as the Scammonden Dam, which impounds the water to form Scammonden Reservoir (or Scammonden Water).

A World-Class Design: Completed in the early 1970s, this dam was the first in the world to carry a motorway along its crest, and remains the only one of its kind in Britain. It's a spectacular example of multi-purpose civil engineering, solving the problems of both crossing a deep valley and providing a much-needed water supply for Huddersfield.
The Viewpoint: Your pictures clearly show the elevated position of the motorway, giving an incredible vantage point for drivers and observers alike. The sheer scale of the cutting and the embankment is immense—a lasting monument to the ambition of the mid-20th-century road builders.

The faint streams of traffic in the images—perhaps captured with a slightly longer exposure as the light faded—represent the ceaseless flow of commerce and life connecting the East and West of the country, all happening atop this silent, earth-filled wall.

The Companion Reservoir: Booth Wood

Booth Wood's Role: Lying just north of the M62 and Scammonden, Booth Wood Reservoir is another important feature in this water-rich landscape, supplying water to Wakefield. Like its larger neighbour, it was completed around the same time, in 1971.
A Complex Water System: Looking out over Booth Wood, you get a sense of the complex network of reservoirs in this area, catching the water from the high moors and channelling it down to the towns and cities of West Yorkshire. It's a reminder that this scenic expanse is also a crucial utility landscape, quietly sustaining the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

A Village Beneath the Water

Perhaps the most fascinating detail of all lies beneath the surface of Scammonden Water. The reservoir's creation required a significant sacrifice: the valley floor was once home to the small village of Deanhead.

When the valley was flooded, most of the village's structures were demolished. However, the old Deanhead Church was spared and converted into what is now the local sailing club headquarters, sitting on the reservoir's edge—a tangible connection to the community that was displaced. Imagine the history held within the silent water, with the roar of the M62 overhead creating a truly unique historical contrast.

Scammonden is more than just a stop-off; it is a profound location that tells a story of:

Natural Beauty: The enduring wildness of the Pennines.
Human Endeavor: The audacity and scale of its civil engineering.
Lost History: The ghost of the village that sleeps beneath the dam.

Your photos from that August evening perfectly capture this three-part harmony. It's a place that commands attention, making you pause and appreciate the layers of life, nature, and engineering piled one atop the other.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Saturday, 20 September 2025

Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Mixenden Reservoir

Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Halifax, lies a hidden gem of industrial heritage and natural beauty: Mixenden Reservoir. Beyond its shimmering waters and tranquil walking paths, this seemingly quiet spot holds a fascinating history that speaks to the ingenuity of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the local community.

Inspired by my visit and the captivating scenery captured in these images, we've delved into the story of Mixenden Reservoir to uncover some of its most intriguing facts. It's more than just a place for a Sunday stroll; it's a living monument to the past.

The Man Behind the Water: J.F. Bateman's Legacy

The story of Mixenden Reservoir begins not with a shovel in the ground, but with the vision of one of the 19th century's most celebrated civil engineers, John Frederick Bateman. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, so did the population of Halifax, creating an urgent need for a reliable water supply. The town turned to Bateman, a man whose reputation stretched far beyond the Yorkshire moors—he had already designed major waterworks for cities like Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast.

Bateman's grand scheme was to harness the moorland water above the town, using gravity to supply water to the growing population. On May 1st, 1867, the Mayor of Halifax, Thomas Shaw, ceremonially cut the first sod, marking the beginning of construction. The reservoir was built to hold a staggering 106 million gallons of water, covering 22 acres of land. Six years later, in 1873, the project was complete, and Mixenden Reservoir officially opened, becoming a vital part of the Halifax water supply system and a testament to Bateman's engineering genius.

Interestingly, Bateman's work was influenced by his travels abroad, particularly to Egypt. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and even represented them at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869—a fact that adds a touch of international flair to this very local landmark.

A Landscape Rich in History

The reservoir itself is a relatively modern addition to an ancient landscape. The name 'Mixenden' itself has a rich past, derived from the Old English 'gemot-denu,' meaning "valley where meetings are held." This suggests the area has been a place of gathering for centuries.

Walking the paths around the water, you're treading on ground that has witnessed countless historical moments. In 1963, a local archaeological group made a remarkable discovery on the nearby Ogden Moor: a section of an ancient Roman road that once ran from Manchester to Ilkley. This road actually crosses the northern end of the reservoir, a fascinating link to a time long before Halifax's mills and factories. The area's history runs even deeper; a large Bronze Age urn containing cremation remains was found here in 1877, a powerful reminder of early human settlement.

The local council and community have embraced this history, creating an interactive "Mixenden History Hike." The trail features a series of wooden posts, each with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio clips detailing snippets of local history. It's a brilliant way to bring the past to life and a perfect activity for families exploring the area.

A Modern Retreat for All

Today, Mixenden Reservoir is no longer just a functional piece of water infrastructure. It has been transformed into a cherished recreational space for the local community and visitors alike. As the photographs show, the views are breath taking, with the still water reflecting the open skies and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection, a vigorous walk, or a bit of birdwatching—the reservoir is known to attract various species, including cormorants, gulls, and goldeneye.

Recent community-led projects, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, have focused on revitalizing the area. Volunteers have cleared overgrown paths and installed new footbridges, making the routes more accessible. A parallel initiative, the "Wild Walk," is a 1km circular route with 12 posts dedicated to local wildlife, encouraging younger explorers to listen for the drumming of a green woodpecker or the call of a tawny owl.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Mixenden Reservoir offers something for everyone. It's a place where the grandeur of Victorian engineering meets the quiet beauty of the Pennine landscape, a testament to a local history that continues to evolve. So next time you're in the Halifax area, lace up your boots and take a walk around Mixenden—you'll be walking through a rich and inspiring past.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is3132 camera on the 7th June 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Saturday, 16 August 2025

Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

On May 27, 2025, I ventured out to Blackstone Edge, a magnificent gritstone escarpment on the border of Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, to explore the serene beauty of Light Hazzles Reservoir. Nestled amidst the dramatic Pennine landscape, this reservoir offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views and a sense of rugged isolation.

The weather was typical for a late spring day in the Pennines – a mix of dramatic clouds scudding across a bright sky, offering moments of brilliant sunshine and moody shadows. This ever-changing light only enhanced the already stunning scenery.

The Journey to Serenity

Our exploration began with panoramic views from higher up on Blackstone Edge. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of Greater Manchester stretched out before us, a sprawling urban tapestry contrasting sharply with the verdant foreground. In the mid-ground, a glimpse of the reservoirs, including Light Hazzles, could be seen, hinting at the tranquillity that awaited.

As we descended towards the reservoir, the vastness of the landscape truly enveloped us, capturing another impressive vista, showcasing the Crook Hill Wind Farm in the distance.

The stark white turbines, set against the rolling hills and dramatic clouds, served as a reminder of the region's commitment to renewable energy, yet somehow felt harmonious with the wildness of the moorland.

Exploring Light Hazzles Reservoir

Upon reaching Light Hazzles Reservoir itself, the sense of peace was immediate. The water, reflecting the shifting clouds, shimmered with an almost ethereal quality, with the path leading alongside it and the prominent electricity pylons marching across the horizon – a testament to the coexistence of nature and infrastructure in these parts. The slightly exposed banks hinted at varying water levels, adding to the rugged charm.

Walking along the well-maintained path that passes the northern edge of the reservoir was a true delight, with the gravel track winding its way beside the water, inviting a leisurely stroll. The gentle ripples on the water's surface and the sparse, resilient vegetation along the banks created a sense of understated beauty.

Further along the reservoir curves gently, revealing more of its expansive waters. The rocky banks, characteristic of the Pennine landscape, add to the natural feel, providing a habitat for various moorland plants. The distant pylons are still a feature, a familiar part of the Pennine skyline.

One of the striking features encountered was a stone structure in the middle of the water, This intriguing element adds a focal point to the wide expanse of water and sparks curiosity about its purpose. Perhaps it's an old measuring station or part of the reservoir's original construction.

The open, unadulterated views across the water and the surrounding moorland emphasize the remote and tranquil nature of this location.

A Highly Recommended Walk

Light Hazzles Reservoir on Blackstone Edge is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you're a keen hiker looking to explore the Pennine Way (which passes nearby) or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and peaceful walks, this reservoir offers it all. The views are expansive, the air is fresh, and the sense of calm is palpable.

Next time you're looking for an invigorating outdoor experience, consider a trip to Light Hazzles Reservoir. You won't be disappointed!

Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please taek a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin green.

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