The Gateway to the Calder Valley: Exploring Halifax Railway Station

 Stepping onto the platform at Halifax Railway Station is more than just a transition between trains; it is an immersion into the industrial heartbeat of West Yorkshire. The station, a blend of mid-Victorian grandeur and rugged Pennine utility, serves as a striking threshold to a town that built its fortune on wool, flour, and engineering. For any traveller or photographer, the views from these platforms offer a vertical slice of history, where 19th-century brickwork meets the ambitious infrastructure projects of the modern era.

A Legacy in Stone: The Station’s Origins

The story of Halifax’s rail connection is one of perseverance against the landscape. While the main Manchester and Leeds line originally bypassed the town due to its steep valleys, a branch line finally reached Halifax in 1844. The station we see today, largely defined by the designs of Thomas Butterworth and opened in 1855, replaced the original terminus.

One of the most evocative sights from Platform 1 is the 1855 building itself. This Grade II listed structure, with its ashlar stone and classical portico, no longer serves as the main passenger entrance—it now houses the nursery for the nearby Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. However, its presence remains a powerful reminder of the "Railway Mania" era, when stations were built as "temples of travel."

The Industrial Skyline: The Halifax Flour Society

Looking out from the station toward the east, your eye is immediately drawn to the massive, five-storey brick edifice that dominates the horizon. This is the Halifax Flour Society building, a monument to Victorian cooperation. Built in 1879, it was once one of the largest grain mills in the country.

The Flour Society was born out of necessity in 1847 to provide affordable, unadulterated bread to the working class during a time of extreme economic hardship. Today, the building stands as part of the Nestlé site, yet the faded lettering of "HALIFAX FLOUR SOCIETY" still whispers from its walls, overlooking the tracks that once brought in the coal and grain required to feed the town.

Into the Hill: The Beacon Hill Tunnel

If you look south from the platforms, the tracks disappear into the darkness of the Beacon Hill Tunnel. This tunnel represents a significant engineering feat, boring through the gritstone and coal measures of Beacon Hill. The hill itself is a landmark of local legend, having hosted everything from Armada warning beacons to the grisly display of the Cragg Vale Coiners in the 18th century.

Watching a train emerge from the tunnel is a favourite moment for rail enthusiasts. It marks the final hurdle of the trans-Pennine journey before the line opens up into the station, framed by the steep, green slopes that give Halifax its dramatic, enclosed character.

The Modern Arrival: The Entrance Bridge

The current entrance to the station is via a high-level pedestrian bridge that spans the tracks, connecting the town centre at Horton Street to the station platforms. This bridge provides a perfect vantage point for photographers. From here, you can see the "layering" of the station: the active platforms below, the Victorian signal box, and the sprawling complex of Eureka! and the Piece Hall just beyond.

While the bridge is a functional piece of 20th-century infrastructure, it is currently at the heart of exciting redevelopment plans. Calderdale Council has proposed a transformational project that includes:

• A new two-storey station building: Replacing the current modular facilities with a modern, glazed concourse.

• A new "Town Footbridge": An iconic structure to improve cycle and pedestrian connectivity to the town’s cultural gateway.

• Reopening historic underpasses: Making the station a "through-route" rather than a dead-end, linking the Hebble Trail to the town centre.

A Photographer's Perspective

For those visiting with a camera, Halifax Railway Station offers a wealth of textures and angles. The contrast between the weathered gritstone of the viaducts and the sharp lines of modern rolling stock creates a compelling narrative.

• The "Beacon Hill Shot": Capturing the station with the looming green hill and the replica beacon in the background.

• The Detail Work: Focusing on the ironwork of the platform canopies or the intricate stone carvings on the 1855 building.

• The Industrial Echo: Using the Flour Society mill as a backdrop for departing trains to emphasize the town’s manufacturing heritage.

Conclusion

Halifax Railway Station is a place where time seems to fold in on itself. You can stand on a modern platform, look at a 19th-century mill, and walk through an entrance bridge destined for 21st-century renewal. It is a gateway that honours its past while leaning into a future as a world-class transport hub. Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor arriving to explore the Piece Hall, take a moment to look beyond the tracks—there is a whole world of history waiting to be seen.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Exploring the Pennine Charm: A Walk Along the Rochdale Canal from Bottomley to Walsden

 The Rochdale Canal is often described as one of the most spectacular waterways in the United Kingdom. Carving its way through the rugged backbone of England, it offers a dramatic blend of industrial heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Today, we’re narrowing our focus to a particularly serene and photogenic stretch: the journey between Bottomley Lock (Lock 33) and Bridge 36, just outside the village of Walsden.

Whether you are a seasoned "gongoozler" (the canal-side term for someone who enjoys watching life on the water) or a weekend hiker looking for a peaceful escape, this section of the canal captures the essence of the South Pennines.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2019.

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Starting at Bottomley: Where Engineering Meets Tranquillity

Our journey begins at Bottomley Lock (Lock 33). As you stand by the heavy timber gates, you can’t help but feel the weight of history. Completed in 1804, the Rochdale Canal was the first of the three trans-Pennine canals to be fully opened, and it remains a testament to the grit of the Georgian engineers who designed it.

At Bottomley, the canal is framed by lush, manicured gardens and charming stone-built cottages that look as though they’ve grown directly out of the hillside. The contrast between the dark, still water and the vibrant green of the Pennine slopes is a photographer’s dream. The lock itself is a hive of rhythmic activity when a narrowboat passes through—the winding of paddles, the rush of water, and the slow creak of the gates are the only sounds that break the silence of the valley.

The Life of a Lock-Keeper’s Cottage

One of the most striking features near Lock 33 is the beautifully maintained canal-side architecture. These stone buildings once housed the men who managed the water levels and ensured the smooth passage of coal and wool. Today, they serve as enviable private residences, their windows reflecting the passing clouds and the occasional flash of a kingfisher’s wing.

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The Gentle Meander Toward Sands Lock

Leaving Bottomley behind, the towpath leads you toward Sands Lock (Lock 32) and Lightbank Lock (Lock 31). This stretch of the canal is remarkably peaceful. To your left, the hills rise steeply, dotted with sheep and crisscrossed by ancient dry-stone walls. To your right, the canal reflects the sky, creating a sense of double-layered serenity.

As you walk, you’ll notice the distinctive "horse-leaping" blocks and the worn grooves in the stonework where towropes once pulled heavy barges laden with goods. It’s easy to imagine the clatter of hooves and the shouts of boatmen echoing through this valley over two hundred years ago.

Nature’s Takeover

While the canal was built for industry, nature has since reclaimed it. This section is a haven for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

• Herons: Often found standing perfectly still on the bank, waiting for a meal.

• Wildflowers: In the summer, the banks are bursting with yellow tansy, purple loosestrife, and foxgloves.

• Narrowboats: The "wandering homes" of the canal. The bright reds and greens of a passing boat provide a wonderful splash of colour against the earthy tones of the Pennines.

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Approaching Bridge 36 and Walsden

As the path continues toward Bridge 36, the landscape begins to open up. Bridge 36 is a classic gritstone arch, a sturdy piece of functional art that has survived the elements for centuries. It marks a transition point where the wilder parts of the canal begin to approach the outskirts of Walsden.

Looking through the arch of Bridge 36, you get a framed view of the canal stretching onward. The water here is often incredibly still, acting as a mirror for the surrounding woodland. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, take a seat on a nearby bench or a lock beam, and simply breathe in the fresh Pennine air.

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Why This Stretch is Perfect for a Day Out

The walk from Bottomley to Bridge 36 is relatively flat and well-surfaced, making it accessible for families, dog walkers, and cyclists. Because this area is slightly removed from the busier hubs of Hebden Bridge or Todmorden, you can often enjoy the path in near-solitude.

Travel Tips for Your Visit:

1. Wear Sturdy Shoes: While the towpath is generally good, Pennine weather can be unpredictable. A waterproof pair of walking shoes is always a good idea.

2. Bring a Camera: From the reflections in the water to the architectural details of the locks, there is a "wow" moment around every corner.

3. Respect the Water: Remember that the canal is a living environment. Stay on the towpath and give way to boaters and cyclists.

4. Local Sustenance: Once you reach Walsden, there are local spots to grab a brew or a bite to eat before heading back or continuing your journey toward Todmorden.

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Final Thoughts

The Rochdale Canal between Bottomley Lock and Bridge 36 isn't just a path; it's a corridor through time. It reminds us of an era when the world moved at 4 miles per hour—the speed of a walking horse. In our modern, fast-paced world, there is something deeply healing about matching that pace, even just for an afternoon.

The hills of the Calder Valley provide a dramatic backdrop to a waterway that is both rugged and delicate. Whether the sun is glinting off the ripples or a low mist is clinging to the hillsides, this stretch of the canal near Walsden remains one of the North’s best-kept secrets.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Ghostly Waterfalls and Frozen Memories: The River Calder in Winter

On a crisp, snow-dusted day—January 17, 2016—I followed the course of the River Calder through the heart of Calderdale, capturing the raw, wintry beauty of this vital Yorkshire waterway. From the ancient stones of Mearclough near Sowerby Bridge to the industrial echoes at Sterne Mill in Copley, the river transformed the familiar landscape into something stark, silent, and deeply atmospheric.

The Calder, the lifeblood of this valley, has always been inextricably linked to the textile mills and industry that built Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. In summer, its flow is vibrant and green; in mid-winter, with a dusting of snow, it takes on a formidable, historical character.

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1. Mearclough: Where Stone Meets Snow

Near Sowerby Bridge, the river bends beneath the arches of Mearclough Bridge . This substantial stone structure, framed by leafless, snow-dusted trees, speaks of centuries of crossings. The bridge itself, with its deep-set arches, stands as a testament to the engineering required to manage the Calder’s often-ferocious flow.

Further upstream, the river widens, rushing over the Mearclough Weir . The water takes on a dark, heavy hue, reflecting the grey winter sky. The snow clinging to the banks and the roofs of the old brick buildings across the water perfectly encapsulates the classic, rugged industrial landscape of the Pennines—a landscape of grit, stone, and water.

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2. Sterne Mill, Copley: A Powerful Halt

A short distance downriver, the landscape shifts at Copley, dominated by the wide expanse of the Sterne Mill Weir.

Here, the water is held in a glassy, mirror-like pool before cascading over the structure . The snow-covered riverbanks and the backdrop of bare hills make the still water a perfect reflector, doubling the ghostly, winter-silhouetted trees.

The weir itself is a spectacular sight in this weather . The churning, white foam of the waterfall contrasts sharply with the still, dark water held back by the concrete and metal works. It's a reminder of the sheer power of the water that was harnessed to turn the wheels of Copley's mills.

• The dark, rusted metal sheeting alongside the river channel hints at the modern flood defences and infrastructure required to control the river today .

• Looking across the wider river, the faint track of a railway line is visible, another line of transport that runs parallel to the Calder, reinforcing the valley’s role as a key transport corridor .

The view of the wide bend near Copley captures the essence of the valley's quiet power: the smooth, purposeful flow of the river, framed by the white snow and the dark, bare trees . It is a river that has seen centuries of human endeavour, and on a frozen January morning, it feels like it is waiting patiently for spring, its history suspended in the cold air.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Summer Stroll Through Crow Wood Park, Sowerby Bridge

Stepping into Crow Wood Park in Sowerby Bridge, especially on a lovely day like the one captured in these June 2023 photos, feels like discovering a peaceful, green oasis. The mix of open, rolling lawns, mature woodlands, and charming historic features offers a welcome escape.

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The Rich History Beneath the Grass

What many visitors may not realise is the fascinating history woven into the very fabric of this beautiful public space. Crow Wood Park wasn't always a park—it was once the grand grounds of Crow Wood Mansion.

• A Wartime Legacy: The mansion itself played a significant role during World War I, serving as a hospital until its closure in 1920.

• A Public Vision: The forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council purchased the estate in 1919 with the vision of creating a public space, a true community hub. The mansion was subsequently demolished, and the park officially opened its gates in April 1923.

• A Place of Remembrance: A profound feature is the Memorial Gate, unveiled on November 10, 1929. This powerful monument was dedicated to those from the Sowerby Bridge area who perished in the Great War, and now honours the fallen of both World Wars.

• Centenary Status: In 2014, the park was fittingly renamed Crow Wood Centenary Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, reinforcing its historical significance and protecting it forever as a Centenary Field.

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A Park for Every Season (and every Nikon d3300!)

Our collection of photos, taken on a bright summer day, perfectly highlights the park's diverse appeal:

• Winding Paths & Open Views: The asphalt paths invite you for a gentle run or a leisurely stroll, leading you through sun-drenched clearings and offering lovely views over the local valley and the houses nestled below.

• Woodland Serenity: Parts of the park feel wonderfully enclosed, with dappled light filtering through the mature trees, creating cool, lush green tunnels and secluded walkways.

• Historic Charm: Keep an eye out for the remnants of its past! Ornate features like the stone pedestal or what appears to be part of an old fountain or wellhead add a touch of historic grandeur to the formal garden areas.

• Modern Amenities: While the original bandstand has been repurposed, the park remains a vital community space with facilities like tennis courts, now benefiting from recent refurbishment investment!), and open fields perfect for a picnic or simply letting the kids run free.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a place to reflect on local history, or a green space to stay active, Crow Wood Park truly is a jewel in Sowerby Bridge's crown. It's a living, breathing testament to community spirit and enduring local heritage.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Whispers on the Path: The History of Norland's Donkey Bridge

Deep within the wooded valley that divides the villages of Norland and Copley in West Yorkshire lies a hidden gem of local heritage: the Donkey Bridge. Surrounded by mossy stone walls and the vibrant green of the Maple Dean Clough, this little crossing may seem unassuming, but it carries the heavy weight of local history, marking a vital link in the region's industrial past.

Visiting this secluded spot, capturing its serene, almost timeless beauty. The stone abutments, draped in thick moss, and the wooden path over the water tell a silent story of trade, toil, and community connection.

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What the Donkey Bridge Crosses

The bridge spans the Norland Stream, also known as Maple Dean Clough. This small watercourse is more than just a stream; it acts as the historic boundary between the townships of Norland and Copley. The water itself, tumbling over stones in the steep valley, is a typical feature of the Calderdale landscape.

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The Historical Importance: A Pack Horse Route

The name of the bridge is the most telling detail of its past. The "Donkey" in Donkey Bridge doesn't necessarily mean donkeys were the only animals used, but it firmly establishes the structure as a crucial part of a pack horse route.

In the era before turnpike roads and widespread cart usage, pack horses were the primary means of moving goods across the rugged, hilly terrain of the Pennines.

• Trade Connection: This path would have been a lifeline for local commerce, linking the high-lying village of Norland with the lower valley communities, particularly Copley.

• A Route of Necessity: The bridge allowed for the efficient movement of essential goods, raw materials, and finished products between areas. Norland's history is steeped in the woollen industry and quarrying; this path was likely crucial for transporting quarried stone down from the Norland side and perhaps bringing in supplies.

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From Trade to Toil: An Industrial Link

As the Industrial Revolution transformed Calderdale in the 18th and 19th centuries, the bridge’s role shifted from primarily trade to daily toil.

• Factory Workers' Commute: The path over Donkey Bridge became a daily route for many Norland residents who worked in the burgeoning mills and factories down in the valley. Historical records suggest that many locals, including those who worked at Akroyd’s mill in Copley, would have walked this path every day.

• The Dawn Commute: Imagine the journey: walking to and from work over this bridge, often in the dark hours before sunrise and after sunset, as the mill schedule demanded. The rough, setted (paved with small stones) nature of the path would have been difficult even in daylight.

Today, the original stone bridge structure is clearly visible, though the decking and railings are modern replacements ensuring safe passage. The long, moss-covered walls leading up to the crossing create a funnel, suggesting the path was deliberately narrowed and contained, a common feature of old tracks that were too steep for wheeled traffic.

Standing here, listening to the rushing of the Maple Dean Clough, it’s easy to feel connected to the footsteps—human and equine—that have passed over this little bridge for centuries. It remains a poignant reminder of the enduring infrastructure that powered the Industrial Age in West Yorkshire.

I took these pictures on the 20th March 2019 with a Nikon d3300, 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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.