A Quiet Echo of a Bygone Era: A Visit to Burnley Rose Grove Railway Station

Stepping onto the platform at Burnley Rose Grove railway station, you're not just arriving at a stop on the East Lancashire Line; you're stepping into a quiet echo of a bygone era. On a late summer day, the 19th of August 2022, I took my camera, a trusty Nikon D3300, to capture a station that, in many ways, tells a story of the ebb and flow of Britain's industrial past.

Burnley Rose Grove, which opened on September 18, 1848, was once a bustling hub, far grander than its current, minimalist form suggests. It was built to serve not only the Rose Grove suburb but also the nearby town of Padiham. The station's importance truly blossomed with the opening of the Great Harwood Loop, also known as the North Lancashire Loop, in 1875. This new line, connecting Rose Grove to Padiham and beyond, cemented the station's role as a vital link in the local rail network.

Looking at the station today, it’s hard to imagine the volume of activity that once took place here. The images I captured from the metal staircase leading down to the platforms giving a sense of the station's compact, functional nature. The blue metalwork of the bridge and stairs, though stark, serves as the main access point, a testament to the station's lack of disabled access and its simple, no-frills character.

The platforms themselves are a study in modern railway minimalism. A small shelter provides some cover from the Lancashire rain, and a few metal benches offer a place to rest. Information boards, like the one with "East Lancashire Line" proudly displayed, offer a connection to the wider rail network, but there are no cafes, no toilets, and no staff—a far cry from the station's heyday when it was a hive of activity.

The railway's story here is a familiar one. Passenger numbers began to decline between the two world wars, and the goods traffic that had sustained the station for so long started its own descent in the 1960s. The coal and oil trains, which once served the nearby power stations, made their last journeys in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The station's fate was sealed. The Great Harwood Loop closed in 1964, and the goods yard soon followed, much of it now buried beneath the concrete sprawl of the M65 motorway. By the early 1980s, the station buildings were gone, and the staff were withdrawn, leaving behind the stripped-down, essential stop we see today.

One of the most poignant scenes I captured was of the disused and overgrown rail track. Parallel to the active line, this track is a physical remnant of the station's past, swallowed up by nature. It's a powerful visual metaphor for a railway that has shrunk but not disappeared. The tracks that remain still serve a crucial purpose, splitting to the east with the East Lancashire Line continuing to Colne and the Caldervale Line heading towards Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

Burnley Rose Grove is a junction, but it is also a quiet monument to a different time. It stands as a reminder that not all progress is about expansion and growth; sometimes, it's about finding a new, more modest purpose. For those who appreciate the subtle beauty of industrial heritage and the quiet narratives woven into our landscape, a visit to Burnley Rose Grove offers a moment of reflection—a chance to stand in a place where the past and present meet on parallel lines, one active and one reclaimed by the wild.

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The only way to access the station is a steep metal staircase, a daunting climb that immediately highlights the lack of accessibility for disabled passengers or anyone with mobility issues. As you ascend or descend, you're faced with what I recall as 34 steps—a challenging number for anyone burdened with luggage or a pram.

This humble station bears little resemblance to its former glory. The center of the platform, now a wide, empty space, was once home to solid stone buildings. It's almost impossible to visualize the vast network of tracks that once existed here; I'm told there were two additional bay platforms and at least eight lines crisscrossing the area.

To the left of the main platform, where the overgrown goods yard once lay, a secret remains. I was later informed that the original bay platforms are still there, hidden from view, tucked away by the dense tree line on either side of the picture. They are a silent testament to a time when this station was a central hub of industry and transit.

Platform 2 occupies this southern side of the bay platform, Trains towards Hapton, Accrington and Blackburn can be caught here. Again the station's only access, the stairs can be seen.

Platform 2.

Overgrown and abandoned track bed viewed from Platform 1. I have been told that there was a bay platform where the trees are.

The island platform from the end of 1.

The opposite end of Platform 1, the sum total of the stations facilities on show, an info board, shelter and bench seats.

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A Frosty Morning's Embrace: Bridging Bradford's Landscape

There's a unique stillness to an early winter morning, especially one touched by frost. This image, captured on the 10th of December, 2022, perfectly encapsulates that quiet beauty. It's a view from a pedestrian bridge that gracefully arches over the A650 Wakefield Road dual carriageway, connecting the Sticker Lane and Dudley Hill areas of Bradford.

The photograph, taken with a Nikon D3300, tells a story of dawn breaking on a truly cold day. The path across the bridge is dusted with a delicate layer of frost, sparkling faintly in the nascent light. Each tiny ice crystal reflects the low, golden rays of the rising sun, creating a natural shimmer that contrasts beautifully with the dark, heavy clouds still clinging to the sky.

The railings, a mix of dark metal and a warmer, almost ochre tone on the brickwork at either end, frame the frosty expanse. Beyond the bridge, the trees stand bare and skeletal against the horizon, characteristic of winter's grip. Yet, there's a promise of warmth in the subtle glow that hints at the sun's eventual triumph over the morning chill.

This isn't just a bridge; it's a silent witness to countless commutes, daily strolls, and moments of quiet contemplation. On this particular morning, it offered a brief, picturesque interlude, a moment of stark beauty before the day's hustle truly began. It's a reminder that even in the most functional parts of our urban landscape, nature still finds a way to paint a breath taking scene.

Next time you're out on a frosty morning, take a moment. You might just find a similar, unexpected beauty right in your path.

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The Hidden Corners of Heptonstall

Perched high above the bustling market town of Hebden Bridge, the village of Heptonstall feels like a place suspended in time. With its cobbled streets, rugged stone cottages, and a history etched into every building, it's a favourite spot for those who love to wander. While many come for the famous ruined church, my recent journey there was about exploring the lesser-known, quieter corners that truly define its character.

Heptonstall, home to around 1,400 people, has a long tradition of hand-loom weaving, a past that’s visible in its sturdy architecture. The village has also found a new kind of fame, recently serving as a backdrop for the drama The Gallows Pole, a story about the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the churchyard—a reminder that this idyllic setting has its share of dramatic history.

The images I captured on a crisp November day show a different side of the village, focusing on its nooks and crannies. The black and white photos accentuate the timelessness of the stone and slate. You can see the old Cloth Hall, where weavers would have sold their wares, its solid walls hinting at the commerce that once drove this community. Walking through the village, you discover delightful details, like the a foreboding archway leading down to the village square and the narrow passages, or "snickets," that wind between the houses. One such snicket, framed by an ancient archway dated 1778, feels like a secret passageway into the past. You can almost hear the echoes of generations of villagers hurrying through, their footsteps muffled by the same stone walls that stand today.

Another highlight was the old water pump, an austere but beautiful piece of functional history built into a stone archway. It’s a powerful symbol of a time before modern plumbing, when life was harder and every resource was valued.

While this set of photographs deliberately omits the more famous landmarks—the Wesleyan Chapel and the twin churches—they offer something more intimate. They reveal the soul of Heptonstall: a village of resilient stone, winding paths, and a palpable sense of history that you can feel with every step.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 16th November 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The Museum Snicket runs from Towngate alongside The Cloth Hall towards the Museum and Churchyard, which is to the right behind the metal railings.

The Cloth Hall on Towngate was built around 1545 by the Waterhouse family who lived at Shibden Hall, Halifax. The building was originally single story and known as Blackwell Hall, it was used by local hand-loom weavers to sell their cloth. The 2nd story was added around 1766 by John Uttley, and remained in use for traders until the Piece Hall was opened at Halifax in 1779. It is now a private residence and was granted Grade 11 Listed Status in December 1984.

Towngate is the main road through the village and features at least 15 Listed Buildings along it's length. The stone sets on the road were rediscovered in the 1980's, a plan to replace them was thought off by local residents and they were restored, it is now seen as helping to calm traffic down through the village.

The village water pump was replaced by a public water supply in July 1933.

Bottom of Towngate.

I think I took these last 2 somewhere near the church and museum, the bottom picture I would have thought must be amongst the oldest properties in the village.

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Crossing History: Mearclough Bridge

Standing on the banks of the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge, you can't help but feel a connection to centuries of local history. This spot, where the quiet stream flows past ancient stones, has been a key crossing point for hundreds of years, linking the historic townships of Norland and Warley. The latest, and most enduring, of these crossings is the beautiful, three-arched Mearclough Bridge.

My recent walk to the bridge took me along the river, a scene made even more picturesque by the rich autumn colours. The photos I took on that day perfectly capture the serene, almost timeless feel of the place. The river, with its gentle flow, contrasts with the solid, dependable presence of the stone bridge.

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A Bridge with a Story

The current Mearclough Bridge, a stunning stone structure, replaced a previous crossing sometime between 1774 and the early 1800s. Its history is tied to the local townships it connected. The people of Norland were once responsible for its upkeep and were even fined for neglecting it—a detail that highlights the bridge's importance to the community.

Today, its role has changed. The bridge is now a Grade II listed structure, protected from heavy traffic by modern restrictions. These changes were a welcome relief, especially after a new bridge, the Sterne Mills Bridge, was built in the mid-2010s to divert larger vehicles. Before that, Mearclough Bridge, barely wider than a single track, was repeatedly damaged by heavy goods vehicles heading to nearby industrial units. Now, it stands as a peaceful monument, a reminder of a bygone era.

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The River's Power

From the bridge, looking east toward Sowerby Bridge town centre, you can see the Mearclough Weir. It's a fascinating part of the landscape, hinting at the area’s industrial past. This weir is believed to have once powered the Mearclough Mills, said to have been a corn mill in the early 1800s. The river, once a source of industrial power, now offers a tranquil backdrop for a walk, its gentle cascade over the weir a perfect soundtrack to the quiet beauty of the surroundings.

This visit to Mearclough Bridge was a perfect reminder that history isn't just in books or museums. It's in the stones of the bridges we cross and the rivers that flow beneath them. It's a history that has shaped the landscape and the communities that call this place home.

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The River Calder pictured from Mearclough Bridge, the former mill weir seen in the middle of the picture. Mearclough Mills were a chemical site by the turn of the 20th century and occupied land on both sides of the river. The mills were known as Triangle Mills by the 1930's and involved in photographic printing.

The River Calder again pictured from the bridge looking in the direction of Copley, To the left of the picture hidden by the trees is the Calder and Hebble Navigation, to the right again hidden by trees is a tow path that runs alngside the river to Sterne Mills Bridge.

Mearclough Bridge, the tunnel area just beyond the right arch was once the cellar of a dwelling that occupied the top corner of the structure. The Calder and Hebble Navigation is behind the wall a few feet higher than the river, there is a water overflow for the canal into the river to the right of the picture not shown.

Mearclough Bridge has 3 arches, the 2 larger ones pictured cross the water, a third one crosses waste ground now and is hidden by the trees to the left.

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A Winter Walk Along the Spen Valley Greenway: From the M62 to Cleckheaton

The Spen Valley Greenway, a linear park stretching for roughly 8 miles across West Yorkshire, offers a unique blend of nature, history, and urban convenience. It follows the former route of the Spen Valley Railway, a line that once connected Low Moor to Ravensthorpe. Having already explored the section from Low Moor to the M62, I recently ventured out on a crisp December day to walk the next stretch: from the motorway bridge to the old site of Cleckheaton Central Railway Station. The journey proved to be a quiet, reflective ramble through a landscape transformed.

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A Ghost of a Railway

The Spen Valley Railway, originally known as the Mirfield and Low Moor Railway, was a vital artery for the region. It first opened in 1848, with a branch line added a year later. At its peak, it served eight stations, connecting bustling towns like Cleckheaton, Liversedge, and Heckmondwike. Passenger services ceased in 1965, a casualty of the Beeching cuts, and freight traffic ended in the late 1980s. The track bed, left to nature, became a linear wilderness until Sustrans acquired it in 1998, transforming it into the greenway we know today.

As you walk this section, the history of the line is ever-present. You pass beneath a series of bridges—some rust-stained steel girders, others crafted from brick or stone—that once carried roads and people over the railway. These structures, including the one at Whitcliffe Road, are a powerful reminder of the route’s industrial past, now softened by time and greenery. Occasional remnants of the railway, like old sleepers and signal posts, are still visible if you look closely, adding to the feeling of walking through a living museum.

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From M62 to Cleckheaton Central

Starting just north of the colossal M62 bridge, the path narrows and the air grows quiet. This initial stretch feels more enclosed, with thickets of trees and undergrowth creating a natural tunnel. Graffiti-covered concrete walls flank the path, a modern counterpoint to the area's history. As you proceed, the path gently meanders, and the sound of traffic fades into the background.

The walk is surprisingly flat, a testament to the engineering of the original railway. The route's gentle curves take you past open fields and through wooded sections where the winter sun casts long shadows across the gravel track. It’s here you can appreciate the work that went into converting the overgrown trackbed into a smooth, accessible route for cyclists and walkers. You'll see locals out for a stroll or a bike ride, proving the greenway's success as a community resource. Before you know it, you arrive at the former site of Cleckheaton Central Railway Station. There's no grand station building here anymore; instead, you find a paved platform area with benches and railings. It's a poignant space, as if the ghosts of commuters and steam trains still linger. Adjacent to the site is a large supermarket, a stark symbol of how the landscape has evolved. The railway has been replaced by a new form of commerce, but the greenway ensures the corridor itself remains a vital link for the community.

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The Future of the Line

It’s interesting to note that there are ongoing discussions about reopening parts of the line. With a population of over 50,000 people along the Spen Valley route and limited rail access, both heavy and light rail proposals are being considered. Walking the greenway, it’s easy to see the potential. The track bed is largely clear and unbuilt upon, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what a restored rail service could be. It's a testament to the foresight of those who preserved this route that such a conversation is even possible.

For now, the Spen Valley Greenway stands as a perfect example of repurposing. It’s a route for commuters, a place for exercise, a corridor for nature, and a living piece of history all in one. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, connecting with the past while enjoying the present.

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The M62 Chain Bar Railway Bridge, pictured from the north (Low Moor) side. The line closed here whilst the M62 was constructed, this stretch of track remained open until 1981 as far south as Heckmondwike.

The southern end of the M62 Chain Bar Bridge. Laithe Hill Footbridge can be seen a sort distance down the cutting.

Laithe Hill Bridge.

Whitechapel Road Bridge,

A row of railway sleepers to the north of Cleckheaton, I'm guessing these were placed here as a nod to the greenways railway heritage.

The Spen Valley Greenway on a slight climb up to Whitcliffe Road Bridge. The line started to pen up just beyond the bridge to enter Cleckheaton Central Station and goods yard.

Whitcliffe Road Bridge from the opposite side.

The former trackbed away from Whitcliffe Road Bridge in the direction Cleckheaton Central Station.

The previous 2 pictures show the site of Cleckheaton Central Railway Station, the goods yard was off to the right of the picture and is now a Tesco Supermarket.

The former Cleckheaton Central Railway Station, which first welcomed passengers in 1847, met an untimely end in June 1965, a casualty of the infamous Beeching cuts. While goods traffic continued for a few more years, ceasing in May 1969, the station itself seemed to be on a clear path to demolition. But the story of its end took a truly bizarre and unexpected turn.

In a tale that sounds like something from a mystery novel, British Rail's demolition crew arrived at the site in August 1971, only to find nothing but an empty plot. The station had vanished. It turns out, a different contractor had already "cleared" the site over three weeks, a job for which they were never paid.

This remarkable incident led to a court case in 1972 at Wakefield Crown Court, where a contractor was accused of stealing the station—or, more accurately, its stone, timber, and metal fittings. He claimed he had been hired by an untraceable third party, a story the court believed. He was found not guilty, a victim of a very unusual scam that left him out of pocket but free of a criminal record.

To this day, the case of Cleckheaton Central remains a unique footnote in British history: the only time a railway station was stolen. It's a fittingly strange end for a piece of industrial heritage that has been so beautifully repurposed into the Spen Valley Greenway.

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Ruskin's View: A Glimpse of the Divine, and a Race to Save It

For a moment, standing at a certain vantage point in Kirkby Lonsdale, you can feel a connection to history, art, and the very soul of the English countryside. This is Ruskin's View, a panorama so stunning it moved one of the Victorian era's most influential figures, John Ruskin, to declare it "one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world."

The view, a sweeping vista of the River Lune valley, has been immortalized not only by Ruskin's words but also by the brush of one of Britain's greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner. His painting, an ethereal depiction of the Cumbrian landscape, captures the essence of the scene looking northwards from St Mary's churchyard, with Underley Hall nestled in the distance. The painting itself is a masterpiece, and in 2012, it fetched a price of over £200,000, a sum that puts it well out of reach for most of us.

But the beauty of Ruskin's View is that you don't need a fortune to own it. You just need to be there. And so, on April 4th, 2015, I did just that. With a simple Polaroid is2132 camera, I aimed to capture my own version of the scene, standing where Turner once stood, and taking in the same "naturally divine" landscape that so captivated Ruskin. The photos I took show the view in two directions—the classic northward vista that inspired Turner, and a couple of shots looking south-east, revealing a different, but equally beautiful, aspect of the valley.

The pictures reveal a tranquil scene: the River Lune, winding like a silver ribbon through lush green fields, with scattered trees and distant hills providing a soft, rolling backdrop. The sky, filled with dramatic clouds, is reflected perfectly in the river's calm surface, creating a mirror image of the heavens on earth. The vibrant yellows of daffodils in the foreground add a touch of cheerful colour, hinting at the promise of spring.

But this timeless view is, sadly, under threat. In late 2015, just months after these pictures were taken, Storm Desmond wreaked havoc on the area, severely damaging the banking that supports the footpath and the viewpoint itself. The area has been closed to the public ever since, a stark reminder of nature's power and fragility. The local town council is now in a race against time, trying to raise £1 million to repair the damage and reopen this beloved spot. The thought of this view being lost for good is heart breaking, not just for the local community but for anyone who cherishes the beauty of the English countryside.

Ruskin's View is more than just a pretty picture; it's a historical and cultural landmark, a place that has inspired generations. It's a reminder of a time when people had a deeper, more profound connection to the natural world. As we wait for the restoration efforts to succeed, these images serve as a precious record of what we stand to lose. Let us hope that this cherished corner of the world is not lost to the elements, and that future generations will be able to stand in the same spot, and feel the same sense of awe that Turner and Ruskin once did.

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The 2 pictures above show the Lune Valley in a south eastern direction.

The picture above and below show the valley in the same direction and from a similar position as Turner's painting.

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Exploring the Unspoiled North: A Boat Trip Along Ibiza's Coast

When people think of Ibiza, their minds often jump to the vibrant nightlife and bustling beaches of the south. But for those in the know, the true soul of the island lies in its rugged, serene northern coast. I recently had the chance to experience this tranquil beauty firsthand on a boat trip from Portinatx to San Miguel, a journey of approximately four nautical miles that revealed a side of Ibiza many never see.

Sailing out from the charming village of Portinatx, the vibrant blues of the Mediterranean stretched out before us, a striking contrast to the dramatic, ochre-coloured cliffs that hugged the coastline. The sea, a deep, inviting sapphire, was surprisingly calm, and our boat glided effortlessly through the gentle swells.

The journey was a feast for the eyes, with each turn revealing a new and breathtaking vista. The landscape here is wilder and less developed than in the south, with verdant hillsides descending steeply into the sea. We passed by impressive rock formations, like the distinctive, jagged rocks of Calo d'en Calders and the imposing cliffs of Punta de Llevant, their layers of ancient stone a testament to the island's geological history.

One of the most memorable sights was the lonely sea stack of Sa Polleta des Punset. Rising dramatically from the waves, it's a natural sculpture, its craggy peak reaching towards the sky. In the distance, a small boat looked like a toy against the scale of the landscape, a perfect symbol of the tranquility and vastness of this stretch of coastline.

We also got a unique perspective on some of the north's hidden gems, including the beautiful Cala Benirras. From the water, you can truly appreciate the secluded nature of the cove, nestled between rolling hills and rugged cliffs. It's a place that feels like a secret, a world away from the island's more crowded spots. The journey continued past Calo des Porcs and the majestic Cap Blanc, each coastline offering its own unique beauty.

As the sun shimmered on the water, creating a sparkling tapestry of light and shadow, it was impossible not to feel a sense of peace. This was a different kind of Ibiza—one of raw natural beauty, quiet coves, and unspoiled landscapes.

The journey, while only a few nautical miles, felt like a true adventure. It was a reminder that even on an island famous for its energy, there are still places where you can connect with nature and find a moment of profound calm. These photos, taken on July 12, 2014, with a simple Polaroid camera, are a perfect memento of that serene morning spent sailing along Ibiza's magnificent northern coast. If you ever find yourself on the island, I highly recommend leaving the crowds behind and embarking on your own exploration of its wilder side. You won't be disappointed.

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Benirras Cove

Cala Benirras

Calo d'en Calders

Calo des Porcs

Cap Blanc

Punta de Llevant

Sa Polletta des Punset and entrance to Benirras

Sa Polletta des Punset

Illa des Bosc and the entrance to San Miguel cove.

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