There’s a unique beauty to the start of a new year in the West Yorkshire Pennines, and my walk on January 1, 2019, with my Nikon D3300, captured the best of it. Tracing the paths around Albert Promenade and Scar Bottom in Halifax reveals a landscape that is simultaneously rugged, historical, and deeply connected to its industrial past.
These photos are a testament to the dramatic views you get when the winter sun breaks through the heavy Pennine clouds, casting a golden light over the valley.
The View from Albert Promenade
Albert Promenade is famous for providing breath taking panoramic views over the Calder Valley and the town of Halifax itself.
The Vista: The image overlooking the valley captures a mosaic of the town. The houses and buildings are clustered in the valley floor, while the surrounding hills—typical of the area—are bare and covered in muted winter vegetation. The view is framed beautifully by stone benches and a classic stone wall in the foreground, creating a perfect spot for reflection.
Wainhouse Tower's Presence: Even from this high vantage point, the unmistakable silhouette of Wainhouse Tower dominates the skyline to the right. Standing tall against the rolling moorland, the tower is a constant, dramatic feature, visible even when obscured by the sparse winter foliage.
The Geological Drama of 'The Rocks'
Just off the promenade, the landscape takes a more dramatic turn at a section commonly referred to as 'The Rocks'.
Millstone Grit: This area showcases the sheer power of the local geology. Large, dark, stacked slabs of Millstone Grit rock jut out from the hillside, forming natural cliffs and ledges.
Light and Texture: The winter sunlight, caught breaking through the clouds, highlights the rugged texture of the stone and the exposed, mossy growth clinging to the edges. This area provides a wonderful contrast between the manicured promenade above and the wild, natural structure beneath.
Descending to Scar Bottom and Copley
Following the paths downward offers a different perspective—one that puts you directly beneath the iconic landmarks.
Wainhouse Tower from Below: The view from Scar Bottom is perhaps the most intimate and imposing. The full height of the 253-foot Victorian folly is framed against a bright blue winter sky, towering over the terraced stone houses built into the hillside. The foreground features old stone walls and archways, reminding you that these paths have been walked for generations.
Copley Viaduct: Looking further into the valley, you can spot the impressive Copley Viaduct. Its sturdy stone arches span the valley floor, a powerful symbol of the railway engineering that drove the textile industry in this region. The viaduct is a reminder that this rural landscape is deeply interwoven with Britain's industrial heritage.
These images from a brisk New Year's Day in 2019 capture the enduring, dramatic character of Halifax. It’s a place where history, geology, and architecture collide, offering a stunning vista from every hillside. If you ever find yourself in the area, a walk along Albert Promenade is a must!
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