Small Steps, Big Views: A Walk Along the Valley and up the Hill.

On a sun-drenched summer day, I embarked on a camera-in-hand adventure along the Rochdale Canal. Starting at Bridge 3 (Rose Grove), I followed the waterway towards Luddendenfoot, capturing the tranquil beauty of the towpath and passing under bridges 4 and 5. After reaching Bridge 6 (Station Road) at Luddendenfoot, I ventured inland, ascending a winding track through lush woodlands and grassy meadows towards the township of Warley. My journey culminated at the hill top overlooking the Luddenden Valley with Oats Royd Mill at Booth an outstanding industrial structure in the distance.

I took the pictures below on the 28th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap by clicking any image.

Rose Grove Bridge, Number 3 over the Rochdale Canal.

The Rochdale Canal, pictured between Bridge 3 (Rose Grove) and Bridge 4 (Longbottom) on a stretch of the canal at Tenterfields between Sowerby Bridge and Luddendenfoot.

Bridge 6 over the Rochdale Canal, Station Road Bridge is just off Burnley Road and used to provide access to Luddendenfoot Railway Station which closed in 1962. The station would probably be a busy little halt now with all the housing developments that have completed in the local area since its closure.

The previous 2 pictures were taken on the walk up from Luddenden to Warley. Although the 2nd picture looks like a dried up river bed I believe it to be a footpath that suffers from drainage problems when the weather is wet, which in Northern England is quite often.

Oats Royd Mill, Booth.

Sometimes called Moggy's Mill, Oats Royd Mill was built in stages between 1842 and 1886. It was a worsted spinning mill until 1984 when it was separated into units occupied by several different industries. Large parts of the buildings were badly damaged by fire in February 1989. Despite local opposition the remaining buildings were converted in to private housing.

The Luddenden Valley pictured from Deep Lane, Warley.

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A Glimpse into the Past: Copley Bridge and Its Enduring Legacy

The Calder Valley, a picturesque region in West Yorkshire, England, holds stories etched in its landscape, and among them is the tale of Copley Bridge. This blog post, inspired by historical accounts and evocative photographs, takes a look at the original Copley Bridge, a structure that stood for over 180 years before succumbing to the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015.

The Original Copley Bridge: A Testament to 19th-Century Engineering

The Copley River Bridge, a two-arch stone bridge, was a vital crossing point over the River Calder, carrying North Dean Road. Its construction in 1831 was overseen by Richard Kennett-Dawson, the last Lord of the Manor of Copley. This historical detail highlights the bridge's significance as a private undertaking, serving the local community and connecting routes within the manor.

Our accompanying images offer a sepia-toned window into this bygone era. One photograph clearly shows the charming, octagonal toll house that stood beside the bridge, complete with its distinctive roof and shuttered windows. Another close-up of the toll board reveals the fees charged to cross, a common practice for privately built infrastructure of the time. "Motor Cars 1/6" and "Motor Cycle 6d" give us a fascinating insight into the early days of motorised transport and the various charges for different modes of passage, from horses and carriages to livestock. The inscription on the board, "BWKD 1833," likely refers to the "Copley Bridge Bar" being established or formally in use by that year, further reinforcing its private status. The notice also states that refusal to pay would result in being "considered a trespasser and treated accordingly."

The imposition of tolls, however, was not forever. In 1856, after 25 years, the fees were abolished, making passage across the bridge free for all.

A Path Through Time: The Bridge's Surroundings

The photographs also beautifully capture the serene, tree-lined path leading to and from the bridge, hinting at a quieter time. The sepia tone lends an air of nostalgia, emphasizing the passage of time and the history embedded in the very stones of the bridge and its surroundings. The presence of St. Stephen's Church in the background of one image further grounds the bridge within the historical and community fabric of Copley.

The Unforgiving Hand of Nature: Boxing Day 2015

For 184 years, Copley Bridge stood strong, a silent witness to generations of local life and progress. However, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2015, the Calder Valley experienced unprecedented flooding. The raging waters of the River Calder proved too much for the historic structure. Copley Bridge was severely damaged, and ultimately, the decision was made to demolish its remains for safety reasons.

The story of Copley Bridge is a poignant reminder of both the resilience of human endeavour and the powerful, often unpredictable, forces of nature. While the original stone arches are gone, the legacy of Copley Bridge lives on in the new Wilson Bridge, continuing to connect communities and serving as a testament to the rich history of the Calder Valley.

This small set of pictures taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 27th October 2013, Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Copley Toll Booth

Fee structure for crossing the bridge.

The above fee board could be found on the side of Copley Toll Booth when I visited in 2013, I am not sure if the board is still there.

This picture taken stood towards the end of Copley River (Toll) Bridge shows the Toll Booth to the right, and to the left is the lych-gate to St Stephens Church, Copley. North Dean Woods can be seen beyond and the road heads in the direction of Norland and Greetland.

A scene that can never be repeated is this one of the Copley River (Toll) Bridge. The roof of St Stephen's Church can be seen with North Dean Woods behind.

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A Red Relic in Rural Heptonstall: More Than Just a Phone Box

 There's something undeniably iconic about the classic red British phone box. For many, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, a bygone era before the ubiquitous mobile phone made them largely obsolete. So, stumbling upon one in a rural setting feels like finding a delightful, unexpected treasure.

This past week, I was reminded of this charm when looking back at a couple of photos I took in Heptonstall on August 2nd, 2020. The subject? A perfectly preserved red phone box, nestled amidst the greenery of this charming village.

In an age where everyone carries a powerful communication device in their pocket, phone boxes have certainly become a bit of a novelty. You rarely see them gracing the landscape, especially in such picturesque, rural spots like Heptonstall. This particular one, however, seems to have found a new lease on life. I'm told it now serves as a tiny community library, a brilliant example of adapting heritage for modern use. While the phone apparatus itself still remains inside, I also heard that making calls from it is no longer an option – though I confess, I didn't try to verify this myself!

The first image captures the phone box in all its vibrant glory, standing out against the lush backdrop of trees and flowering bushes. It's a snapshot of a moment, taken simply with my iPhone.

The second picture is the same scene, but with a little artistic intervention. I brought it into Photoshop and gave it a selective colour treatment, desaturating the background to black and white while keeping the phone box itself a striking red. This really makes the phone box pop, emphasizing its classic form and almost making it feel like a vibrant anachronism against the more subdued surroundings.

It's a wonderful example of how even outdated technology can find a new purpose, continuing to serve its community in a different, yet equally valuable, way. And for photographers, they remain a fantastic subject, full of character and a testament to a rich past.

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 All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.