Colin Green Photography: Canal Walks

Showing posts with label Canal Walks. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

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.

A view from the dark interior of a stone bridge looking out onto a sunlit canal. The dark, curved silhouette of the bridge arch frames a vibrant scene featuring a green and red narrowboat moored on the water. Lush green trees line the canal banks, and their reflection creates a near-perfect circle with the bridge's arch in the still water.

A sepia-toned photograph showing a wide, gravel towpath curving alongside a quiet canal toward a classic stone arch bridge. Dense foliage and tall trees overhang the water, casting soft shadows. Through the bridge's arch, a narrowboat is visible in the distance, and the entire scene is reflected in the calm surface of the canal.

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.

A vibrant, eye-level shot of a paved canal towpath curving toward an arched stone bridge. To the right, still water reflects the dense green canopy of overhanging trees. Sunlight filters through lime-green leaves in the foreground, illuminating the grassy bank and a wooden bench in the distance.

A high-contrast, black-and-white photograph looking down a long, straight canal towpath. The canal sits to the left, bordered by wild grass and thick, dark woodland. The monochromatic tones highlight the textures of the foliage and the receding perspective of the path into the deep shadows of the trees.

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.

A peaceful, eye-level view of a narrow canal waterway flanked by dense, vibrant green trees and foliage. A paved grey towpath runs along the left side of the murky, reflective water. In the mid-ground, a stone bridge abutment and a small wooden bench sit under the shade of the canopy, while sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled light effect on the path and water.

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.

Sepia-toned view of a wooded canal towpath. Description: A sepia-filtered photograph looking down a curved asphalt towpath alongside a calm canal. Thick, leafy trees create a dense canopy over the water and path, with stone mooring posts lining the canal edge.

Colourful canal basin with moored narrowboats and stone buildings. Description: A vibrant landscape shot of a canal basin under a blue sky with light clouds. Traditional stone buildings sit on the left bank next to moored narrowboats. The still water creates a near-perfect reflection of the trees, sky, and boats. Rolling green hills are visible in the far distance.

High-contrast black and white photo of a canal bend. Description: A dramatic black and white image of a canal curving through a park-like setting. Weeping willow trees and benches line the right bank, while a narrow towpath follows the left. The glassy water surface reflects the dark trees and the bright, overcast sky, creating a symmetrical visual effect.

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.

A wide-angle, colour photograph of a calm canal basin. On the left bank, a traditional stone building (The Watermill pub) features a large glass conservatory that is perfectly reflected in the still, dark water. A paved towpath curves along the right side of the frame, lined with green grass and trees. The background shows a lush, wooded hillside under a bright, overcast sky.

A high-contrast, black and white photograph looking down a still stretch of canal. In the foreground, a stone-walled towpath with a metal railing sits on the left. The water creates a mirror-like reflection of the heavy foliage and trees lining both banks. In the distance, a small narrowboat is moored near a stone bridge. The composition emphasizes the textures of the masonry and the symmetry of the reflections.

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.

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

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.

A view looking away from Lock 33, where the canal bends gently into a wooded area. A stone building sits directly on the towpath to the right, and the scene is framed by thick green foliage and distant moorland hills.

A close-up perspective of the heavy timber lock gates at Bottomley Lock, clearly labeled with the number "33." The stone walls of the lock chamber and the wooden balance beams are in the foreground, with a stone bridge and hillside cottages visible in the background.

A wide-angle landscape shot showing the black and white wooden balance beams of Lock 33. A stone lock-keeper's cottage with a modern glass extension and a parked car sits on a manicured lawn to the left. A dirt towpath curves along the right side toward rolling green hills under a cloudy sky.

A serene view of the canal's still water reflecting a tall, slender poplar tree and a red-roofed house. The towpath runs along the left, leading toward the distant gates of Lock 32, with steep green pastures rising on the right.

Looking down a dirt towpath toward a traditional stone humpback bridge crossing the canal. Lush green trees and ferns line the water's edge, and a white-topped wooden mooring post stands prominently in the foreground.

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.

A wide view of Sands Lock 32 showing the black and white wooden lock beams positioned over the water. A gravel towpath leads the eye past a stone wall toward a cluster of houses and tall trees in the distance. The canal water is calm, and the surrounding Pennine hills are visible under an overcast sky.

A sturdy, dark stone arch bridge spans the canal, with water cascading through a lock gate visible beneath the arch. A dirt towpath runs alongside the water on the right, bordered by wildflowers and greenery. A sloping green hillside rises in the background under a cloudy sky.

A calm stretch of the Rochdale Canal curves gently through a lush green landscape. In the distance, a traditional stone cottage sits at the base of a grassy hill. Thick green trees and wild bushes line the water's edge, reflecting softly on the surface.

A view looking down a quiet stretch of canal toward a dark, weathered stone bridge. A dirt towpath curves along the right side of the water, bordered by lush green grass and wild white flowers. Dense green trees and shrubs line both banks, creating a natural tunnel effect that reflects in the still, dark water.

A vibrant red, green, and black narrowboat is moored on the calm waters of a canal. To the left, a dirt towpath follows the water toward a stone lock in the distance. The right bank features a manicured green lawn, scattered trees, and a steep, wooded hillside rising in the background under a soft, overcast sky.

A wide shot of a calm stretch of the Rochdale Canal leading toward Lightbank Lock 31. A dirt towpath runs along the left side, bordered by green grass and a white-topped wooden mooring post in the foreground. To the right, a lush, sloping green lawn rises toward a dense forest. The lock gates are visible in the distance under a soft, overcast sky.

A high-angle view looking down into a stone canal lock. Water cascades through the tightly shut black wooden lock gates into the lower chamber. In the background, a colorful red and green narrowboat is moored on the calm water beyond the lock. A traditional stone cottage and rolling green hills sit on the left bank under a cloudy sky.

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.

A wide-angle landscape shot of the Rochdale Canal on an overcast day. The dark, still water of the canal curves gently toward the center of the frame, flanked by a dirt towpath on the left and dense green trees on the right. In the background, a tall industrial stone chimney rises above the trees against a backdrop of rolling, forested hills. The scene is vibrant with summer greenery and small patches of pink wildflowers along the path.

A close-up view of a historic weathered stone arch bridge, labeled with a small white oval sign reading "36." The bridge spans over a dark canal lock with heavy wooden gates visible beneath the arch. Lush green ferns and foliage dominate the foreground, while a small stone staircase and a dirt path lead up the hill on the right side of the bridge. The background shows a glimpse of a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky.

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:

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.
Bring a Camera: From the reflections in the water to the architectural details of the locks, there is a "wow" moment around every corner.
Respect the Water: Remember that the canal is a living environment. Stay on the towpath and give way to boaters and cyclists.
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.