From Cooper Bridge to Brighouse on the Calder & Hebble

 The Calder & Hebble Navigation isn't just a stretch of water; it's a living timeline, carving its way through the heart of West Yorkshire's industrial landscape. My recent walk, capturing the route from Cooper Bridge towards Brighouse, offered a profound look at how centuries of industry and modern engineering coexist with the quiet, reflective beauty of a working waterway.

---

Cooper Bridge: Where Industry Meets the River

The walk begins near Cooper Bridge, a historically important junction on the old road network. Here, the immediate scenery is dominated by the ghosts of industry and the hard lines of modern infrastructure.

• The Mill and the Chimney: One of the most striking initial views is the reflection of the large Victorian mill building and its towering chimney in the water . This classic image encapsulates the Industrial Revolution's legacy in the Calder Valley—textiles, coal, and transport, all powered by the river and the canal. The water, calm and dark, acts as a perfect mirror, doubling the building's impressive scale.

• The Sunlit Cut: Moving away from the heavier industrial backdrop, the canal narrows and the banks become greener, though remnants of manufacturing are still visible. The sunlight catches the water, giving a brief glimpse of the navigation’s serene side.

---

The Overheads: Bridging Eras of Transport

As you progress through Kirklees, the landscape dramatically changes, showcasing the monumental clash between 18th-century canal engineering and 20th-century road building.

Kirklees Railway Bridge: A Relic of Rail

The Kirklees Railway Bridge is a magnificent, brooding structure. Its heavy wrought-iron lattice girders, now deeply rusted and framed by winter-bare branches, speak of the great age of Victorian railway expansion. The massive, weathered stone piers of the older arches below suggest the scale of the challenge faced when spanning both the river and the navigation. This bridge is a powerful reminder that once, rail was the dominant competitor to the canal for transporting goods across the Pennines.

The M62 Viaduct: The Modern Giant

Further on, the landscape is utterly dwarfed by the immense presence of Bridge 20, carrying the M62 Motorway across the valley.

• Engineering Scale: The sheer size of the concrete columns, standing like a legion of modern giants, is breath taking. Underneath the viaduct, the view is starkly different—an echoing, shadowed space that highlights the difference between human-scale canal transport and high-speed vehicular transit. The contrast is palpable: the tranquillity of the water below the thrum of thousands of cars above.

---

The Workings of the Waterway: Lock 14

One of the most essential features of any navigation is its locks, and your photo of Lock 14, Kirklees Low Lock, captures the functional beauty of canal architecture. Framed by the surrounding trees and green fields, the lock is a hub of activity (or potential activity). The white-painted gates and machinery stand out against the greenery, ready to lift or lower boats. It's here that you truly appreciate the system engineered by figures like John Smeaton to make the River Calder navigable for long-distance trade.

---

Approaching Brighouse

The final leg of the journey takes us into the immediate vicinity of Brighouse, where the canal again meets the modern industrial fringe.

• Blakeborough Bridge: Bridge 19, the Blakeborough Bridge, is a distinctive concrete arch structure, likely replacing an older crossing. Its smooth, utilitarian lines stand in sharp contrast to the rusty rail bridge encountered earlier.

• A Modern Mix: The final views are a blend of the wide, straight canal cut, lined by contemporary industrial units and tall power line pylons. The calm water reflecting the vast sky and the flanking hedgerows is sandwiched between the necessities of twenty-first-century life—warehouses and electricity transmission.

This stretch of the Calder & Hebble is a superb example of a working canal that has adapted and endured. It has moved from being the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution to a recreational and ecological corridor, all while serving as a silent museum of transport history.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd January 2016, 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.

Capturing the Soul of Yorkshire: Transform Your Home with Unique Local Art

Yorkshire is more than just a county; it is a feeling. From the rugged coastal charm of Whitby to the industrial grandeur of Halifax and the hidden gems along the Rochdale Canal, the "God’s Own County" offers a visual feast that has inspired artists for centuries.

I am thrilled to announce that my latest collection of Yorkshire-inspired artwork is now officially available on Zazzle. This collection isn't just about capturing a view; it’s about bringing the history, the atmosphere, and the heritage of these iconic locations into your living space. Whether you are a local resident, a homesick Yorkshire expat, or a traveller who fell in love with the North, these pieces are designed to resonate with the heart.

---

A Glimpse into the Collection

Each piece in this series started with a moment of inspiration—a specific play of light or a unique architectural angle. Through a careful digital watercolour and sketch process, I’ve transformed these landmarks into timeless art.

1. The Grandeur of The Piece Hall, Halifax

The Piece Hall is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. My interpretation of this vast, open courtyard focuses on the rhythmic symmetry of the stone colonnades. It’s a piece that speaks to the industrial pride of Halifax. In its minimalist, sketched style, it fits perfectly in a modern office or a contemporary living room, offering a sense of scale and history without overwhelming the space.

2. Heritage by the Water: Sagar Richards Arch & Rochdale Canal

Sowerby Bridge holds a special place in the heart of the Calder Valley. This artwork features the iconic Sagar Richards entrance arch standing sentinel over the Rochdale Canal. The soft watercolour textures capture the reflection in the water and the lush greenery that lines the towpath. This piece is all about tranquillity—ideal for a cosey reading nook or a hallway where you want to evoke a sense of calm.

3. Coastal Magic: St Mary’s Church from Whitby Harbour

No Yorkshire collection is complete without Whitby. This view, looking up from the bustling harbour toward the ancient St Mary’s Church perched on the cliffside, captures the quintessential spirit of the coast. The warm tones of the terracotta roofs contrasted against the moody North Sea sky make this a standout piece for anyone who loves the salt air and the 199 steps.

---

Why Choose Zazzle for Your Art?

I chose to host my shop on Zazzle because it offers you, the buyer, unparalleled flexibility. While I have curated specific formats, the platform’s advanced editing tools put the creative power in your hands.

Versatile Formats for Every Space

I offer these designs in several "standard" formats to get you started:

• Postcards: Perfect for short notes or for creating a "mini gallery" wall.

• 6x4 Prints: The classic photo size, easy to frame and perfect for desks or mantels.

• Large-Scale Posters: Make a statement with high-resolution prints that capture every fine line and brushstroke.

• Canvas Wall Art: For a premium, gallery-style look that adds texture and depth to your walls.

• Digital Downloads: For those who want the flexibility to print at home or use the image for personal digital projects.

The Power of Customization

The real magic happens when you use the Zazzle design interface. When you click on one of my designs, you aren't limited to what you see on the screen. You can:

• Change the Product: Love the Whitby print but want it on a throw pillow, a tote bag, or even a jigsaw puzzle? You can transfer the design to hundreds of different items with a single click.

• Resize and Re-crop: Adjust the scale of the image to fit a specific frame you already own.

• Add Personal Text: Want to commemorate a wedding date at The Piece Hall or a special holiday in Whitby? You can add your own text, names, or dates to the artwork to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

---

Bringing Yorkshire Home

Art is a way of telling a story about who we are and where we've been. In an age of mass-produced, generic decor, choosing a piece of local heritage art adds a layer of soul to your home.

These pieces celebrate the "grit and glory" of the North. They celebrate the way the light hits the gritstone and the way the water reflects the sky. By purchasing a print, you aren't just buying paper and ink; you're supporting independent art and keeping the stories of these locations alive.

How to Shop

Getting your hands on these prints is simple. Follow the link to my Zazzle store, browse the Yorkshire Collection, and play around with the customisation tools. Whether it's a small postcard to send to a friend or a large canvas to act as the centrepiece of your lounge, you’re only a few clicks away from owning a piece of Yorkshire.

Ready to explore the collection? C_Green_Photography: products on Zazzle

While I love the ethereal feel of my watercolour and sketched works, my creative journey always begins with the lens. If you prefer the crisp detail and raw atmosphere of the real world, I also regularly add my original photographic images to Zazzle. These photographs capture the North in its truest form—the dramatic shadows of the moors, the intricate stonework of our towns, and the ever-changing light of the coast. Just like my artistic renders, these photographs are available across Zazzle's entire product range, giving you the freedom to choose between a painterly interpretation or a striking photographic reality for your home.

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.

A Forgotten Waterway: Walking the Halifax Branch Canal

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is one of Yorkshire's great industrial arteries, but one short spur holds a particularly fascinating, and largely buried, history: the Halifax Branch Canal. Recently, I took a walk along the small, navigable section that remains today, from Salterhebble Top Lock to the Salterhebble Basin, and was inspired to look deeper into this forgotten waterway.

The Last Surviving Stretch

The walk starts where the main navigation meets the spur. The modern-day journey is short, a serene quarter-mile of placid water contrasting sharply with the busy road nearby. This short section is a peaceful haven, offering moorings and a tranquil reflection of the industrial past.

The basin at Salterhebble, now a calm, boat-filled pool, was once the hive of activity for the main canal's final push towards Halifax before the branch opened. Today, it’s a spot to pause and appreciate the peaceful coexistence of nature and history.

The Buried Climb to Bailey Hall

What many people don't realise is that this short length is just the beginning of what was once a mighty, ambitious climb right into the heart of Halifax. When the branch opened in 1828, it extended for about a mile and a quarter, rising an astonishing 110 feet via 14 locks to terminate at Bailey Hall Basin, near the modern-day railway station and the former Mackintosh (now Nestlé) factory site. This monumental civil engineering feat was necessary to bring heavy goods like coal and stone directly into the thriving industrial town. The canal was crucial, as one horse could haul up to 60 tons by boat, a huge advantage over carting goods over the steep, difficult roads of the area.

An Expensive, Challenging Engineering Feat

The Halifax Branch was notoriously expensive to run. The terrain was challenging, and local mill owners were fiercely protective of the water supply in the Hebble Brook. This meant the canal company couldn't rely on the usual gravity-fed reservoirs.

The solution was a feat of ingenuity: a brick-lined culvert was built to carry water from the bottom of the arm all the way to a reservoir near the top at Phoebe Lane, where a massive steam-powered pumping engine then lifted the water to the highest level. The cost of running this engine and maintaining the long, leaky canal meant tolls were double those on the main Calder and Hebble.

The Ghosts of the Locks

The branch’s life was relatively short; it officially closed in 1942 and much of it was quickly drained and infilled. The route is now largely preserved as the Hebble Trail, a fantastic walking route that traces the canal's former path.

Walking this trail is like following a ghost. You walk over what were once the lock chambers—those well-built stone walls and depressions you see are the tops of the buried locks! It's an incredible sensation to know you're traversing a route where barges once struggled up and down a staircase of water.

Interestingly, the old structures, including bridges and the lock chambers themselves, were so robustly built that demolition would have been too costly. They were simply buried—a fascinating thought for a history enthusiast! Even the aqueduct that carried the canal over the Hebble Brook at Farrah Mill Lane still stands, though it faces problems today.

A Legacy of Industry and Leisure

Though its commercial life ended over 80 years ago, the spirit of the Halifax Branch lives on. The remaining section at Salterhebble serves as a reminder of the colossal ambition that shaped the West Riding's industrial landscape. The Hebble Trail ensures the route isn't completely forgotten, allowing walkers and cyclists to literally walk in the footsteps of the horse-drawn barges of old.

So next time you're in the area, don't just see the tranquil waters at Salterhebble. Take a moment to think about the 14 locks and the 110 feet of elevation that lie buried beneath your feet, connecting the busy present with a forgotten past.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 13th 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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

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.

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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.