The Enduring Charm of Baitings Reservoir

On a sunny day in May 2014, with a Polaroid iS2132 in hand, I set out to capture the serene beauty of Baitings Reservoir. It's a place that feels both grand and grounded, a testament to human engineering set against the dramatic landscape of the West Yorkshire Pennines.

Located in the valley of the River Ryburn, this impressive body of water was completed in 1956 to supply water to Wakefield. It's the higher of two reservoirs here, following the construction of Ryburn Reservoir in 1933. The sheer scale of the project is breath taking. The curved dam head is a massive 470 meters long and over 50 meters high. It took eight years to build, at a cost of £1.4 million—an extraordinary sum for the time.

One of the most fascinating details about Baitings is its connection to the past. Before the reservoir was built, an old road that linked Yorkshire and Lancashire passed through the valley, crossing the Baitings Bridge. The name "Baitings" itself is rooted in Old Norse, a combination of "beit" (pasture) and "eng" (meadow), hinting at the area's history long before the water arrived. To make way for the reservoir, a concrete viaduct was built to replace the old bridge. However, the original structure isn't lost forever. During periods of extreme drought, when the water levels drop, the forgotten stones of Baitings Bridge are revealed once more, offering a glimpse into a history now submerged beneath the surface.

The reservoir itself is a remarkable sight, covering 24 hectares and holding over 3.19 million cubic meters of water when full. Looking out over the shimmering expanse, it's hard to imagine the complex network of infrastructure that supports it. A tunnel stretching 2,400 meters, known as the Manshead Tunnel, was opened in 1962 to connect Baitings with other reservoirs to the north, allowing for the transfer of water.

The photographs from that spring day capture the reservoir's multiple moods—from the powerful cascade of water over the spillway to the calm, reflective surface of the water framed by rolling green hills. They show a place that is more than just a water source; it's a piece of local history, a place of quiet contemplation, and a beautiful spot for a walk in the heart of the Pennines. It's a reminder of how human ingenuity and nature can coexist, creating something both functional and truly beautiful.

The pictures below were taken on the 17th May 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

 Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

On May 27, 2025, I ventured out to Blackstone Edge, a magnificent gritstone escarpment on the border of Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, to explore the serene beauty of Light Hazzles Reservoir. Nestled amidst the dramatic Pennine landscape, this reservoir offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views and a sense of rugged isolation.

The weather was typical for a late spring day in the Pennines – a mix of dramatic clouds scudding across a bright sky, offering moments of brilliant sunshine and moody shadows. This ever-changing light only enhanced the already stunning scenery.

The Journey to Serenity

Our exploration began with panoramic views from higher up on Blackstone Edge. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of Greater Manchester stretched out before us, a sprawling urban tapestry contrasting sharply with the verdant foreground. In the mid-ground, a glimpse of the reservoirs, including Light Hazzles, could be seen, hinting at the tranquillity that awaited.

As we descended towards the reservoir, the vastness of the landscape truly enveloped us, capturing another impressive vista, showcasing the Crook Hill Wind Farm in the distance.

The stark white turbines, set against the rolling hills and dramatic clouds, served as a reminder of the region's commitment to renewable energy, yet somehow felt harmonious with the wildness of the moorland.

Exploring Light Hazzles Reservoir

Upon reaching Light Hazzles Reservoir itself, the sense of peace was immediate. The water, reflecting the shifting clouds, shimmered with an almost ethereal quality, with the path leading alongside it and the prominent electricity pylons marching across the horizon – a testament to the coexistence of nature and infrastructure in these parts. The slightly exposed banks hinted at varying water levels, adding to the rugged charm.

Walking along the well-maintained path that passes the northern edge of the reservoir was a true delight, with the gravel track winding its way beside the water, inviting a leisurely stroll. The gentle ripples on the water's surface and the sparse, resilient vegetation along the banks created a sense of understated beauty.

Further along the reservoir curves gently, revealing more of its expansive waters. The rocky banks, characteristic of the Pennine landscape, add to the natural feel, providing a habitat for various moorland plants. The distant pylons are still a feature, a familiar part of the Pennine skyline.

One of the striking features encountered was a stone structure in the middle of the water, This intriguing element adds a focal point to the wide expanse of water and sparks curiosity about its purpose. Perhaps it's an old measuring station or part of the reservoir's original construction.

The open, unadulterated views across the water and the surrounding moorland emphasize the remote and tranquil nature of this location.

A Highly Recommended Walk

Light Hazzles Reservoir on Blackstone Edge is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you're a keen hiker looking to explore the Pennine Way (which passes nearby) or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and peaceful walks, this reservoir offers it all. The views are expansive, the air is fresh, and the sense of calm is palpable.

Next time you're looking for an invigorating outdoor experience, consider a trip to Light Hazzles Reservoir. You won't be disappointed!

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Baitings Reservoir at Low Water

On September 24th, 2022, a remarkable sight awaited visitors to Baitings Reservoir—a place where history, normally hidden beneath millions of gallons of water, was laid bare for all to see. These photographs, taken on that very day with a Nikon D3300, document an extraordinary moment when the reservoir's water levels dropped to a near-historic low, revealing long-submerged secrets of the valley.

A Monument to Engineering

Baitings Reservoir, completed in 1956, is an impressive feat of civil engineering. Built to supply fresh water to the city of Wakefield, it's the higher of two dams that harness the flow of the River Ryburn in this scenic part of Yorkshire. The lower dam, Ryburn Dam, was constructed earlier in 1933. The creation of Baitings was an immense undertaking, costing approximately £1.4 million and taking 8 years to complete.

The project transformed the landscape, intentionally flooding a small hamlet known as Baitings. Perhaps the most poignant part of this history is the submersion of a centuries-old packhorse bridge—a vital road link that once connected Lancashire and Yorkshire. This historic bridge, normally lost to view, becomes a stark and beautiful reminder of the past whenever the reservoir's water levels fall. The photographs show the old stone bridge, its arch still perfectly intact, exposed by the receding water. It stands as a testament to the village that was sacrificed for progress. The modern, concrete Back O'th Heights Bridge stands high above the exposed valley floor, a powerful visual cue of the reservoir's immense depth when it's at full capacity. At its highest, the dam holds over 113,000,000 cubic feet of water, or about 703,858,407 gallons.

The River Ryburn's Journey

Baitings Reservoir is a crucial part of the local water system. It's fed by runoff from the surrounding moorland and serves as the official start of the River Ryburn. The river flows six miles down the valley, passing the lower Ryburn Dam and eventually joining the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge. The photographs show the river's path through the exposed reservoir bed, a serpentine channel carved into the dried mud.

The exceptionally low water level in September 2022 revealed another fascinating piece of infrastructure: a sluice gate near the dam head. It's a structure that predates the reservoir itself, likely used to regulate the flow of water into the Ryburn Dam before Baitings was even built. This low water level also sparked a question: would an old footpath bridge, once located between the sluice gate and the dam, be revealed? While the water hadn't dropped quite enough on that day, it hinted at more hidden history waiting to be discovered.

The images offer a unique perspective, capturing not just the dam and bridges but also the powerful, arid landscape left behind. A photograph from the dam's spillway looks down into the channel below, showcasing the engineering that controls the water's release. Another shot provides a beautiful view of the lush, rolling green hills of the Ryburn Valley, a stunning contrast to the cracked, desolate reservoir bed. These pictures are a stark visual representation of the effects of low rainfall and a poignant reminder of the hidden history that lies beneath the surface of our landscapes.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The packhorse bridge appearing from beneath the water has gone from a once in decade or so event to every couple of years.

Whilst it's likely that levels have been low enough before for the original dam and sluice gate to appear, this was the first time I had seen them.

The original packhorse bridge, often submerged seen through the legs of it's modern replacement.

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A Sunrise Walk at Baitings Dam

There's a certain magic to an early morning walk, especially when you're there to witness a landscape change before your eyes. Baitings Dam has been a regular fixture in the local news lately, with the unusually low water levels exposing secrets that are usually hidden beneath the surface. While some reports claim the old packhorse bridge has been seen for the first time in 50 years, that’s not quite right. In a world of changing weather patterns, what was once a rare sight is now happening every couple of years.

Just a few days ago, on August 19, 2022, I got up before the sun to capture a moment that beautifully illustrates this change. With my Nikon D3300 in hand, I headed to the dam, a place I often walk my dogs. As the sun began to rise, it cast a golden light over the landscape, illuminating a scene that tells a story of both nature and human history.

In the foreground, the original packhorse bridge stands revealed. This historic crossing once spanned the River Ryburn, long before the construction of Baitings Dam was completed in 1956. It's a humbling sight, a testament to a time when travel and trade relied on these simple, sturdy stone structures.

Just behind it, the more modern Back O'th Heights bridge seems to float above the water, a new path built for a new era. When the dam is full, the water level comes within just a couple of feet of this bridge, making the presence of the old one below even more remarkable.

As the sun climbed higher, it bathed the entire scene in a stunning glow. Its light caught the dam's headwall in the distance, a massive structure holding back the water that has both created this modern reservoir and submerged the landscape of the past.

This sunrise at Baitings Dam was a powerful reminder that history is not just found in museums or books; it's often right beneath our feet, waiting for the right moment to be revealed.

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Echoes of Industry and Rebellion: A Walk Through Lumbutts

 Nestled in the rolling hills southeast of Todmorden, West Yorkshire, lies the small community of Lumbutts. On a crisp December day in 2016, captured through the lens of a Nikon D3300, I explored this fascinating area, where the tranquillity of nature intertwines with a rich and sometimes tumultuous industrial past.

Lumbutts might seem unassuming at first glance, but it holds a significant place in the history of cotton spinning and even social unrest. The heart of this community once revolved around a bustling mill, initially a corn mill, that was transformed in the early 19th century by brothers Samuel and Robert Shaw, alongside their partners Abraham Crossley and Thomas Hughes, into a cotton spinning powerhouse.

The most striking remnant of this industrial era is the magnificent Lumbutts Mill Water Tower, a Grade II listed structure that proudly stands against the sky, still bearing the marks of its operational days with its weathered stone and moss-kissed walls. This tower was a marvel of its time, designed to harness the power of water to drive the mill's machinery. It originally housed two waterwheels, with a third eventually added, creating an impressive 50 horsepower from a remarkable 90-foot fall of water.

The lifeblood of this power came from four crucial dams: Mill Dam, Lee Dam, Heeley Dam, and the highest of them all, Gaddings Dam, perched 365 meters above sea level on the moor above Lumbutts. As I wandered, I came across the tranquil waters of Lee Dam and Heeley Dam, their surfaces reflecting the bare winter trees, offering a glimpse into the vital role they played in the mill's operation. The landscape around Lee Dam, with Jeremy Hill rising in the background, paints a picture of the natural beauty that coexisted with the industrial might.

But Lumbutts is not just a tale of industry; it also carries the scars of social rebellion. In 1838, this seemingly peaceful community became the stage for the Mankinholes riots. The catalyst was the implementation of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which led to a local board of guardians demanding £50 from the townsfolk – a demand that was met with steadfast refusal. On November 14th, 16th, and 21st of that year, riots erupted, culminating in the deployment of Dragoon Soldiers from Manchester on November 24th to arrest the men from Lumbutts Mill who had participated. It's a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by ordinary people in times of great social change.

The mill continued to be a source of employment for the community until 1926, when its final 62 employees were either transferred or retired, and Lumbutts Mill ceased operations. The mill itself was subsequently demolished, leaving only the stoic water tower as a sentinel of its past. Today, the site where the mill once stood is an activity centre, a testament to the area's ongoing evolution.

Walking through the wooded pathways at Lumbutts, the air was crisp, and the silence was only broken by the rustle of leaves underfoot. Even a slightly rickety bridge crossing a small stream added to the sense of discovery, leading one deeper into the quietude of the landscape. And from Mill Dam, the iconic Stoodley Pike stood proudly on the distant hilltop, a landmark visible for miles around, overseeing the valleys and communities below.

My visit to Lumbutts was a journey through time, revealing layers of history etched into the landscape. From the innovative spirit of early industrialization to the resilience of a community facing hardship, Lumbutts offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of West Yorkshire's heritage. It's a place where you can almost hear the echoes of the past, whispering tales of industry, rebellion, and the enduring beauty of the Pennine landscape.

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Heeley Dam

Lee Dam

The Grade II Listed water tower built to house the waterwheels that
powered the mill. The chimney features a spiral staircase inside. Listed status
was granted on the 22 February 1984.

This bridge crossed one of the water inlets in to the dams,
I can't remember which dame it was .

Mill Dam and in the distance Stoodley Pike and Monument, The 
monument was built in 1856 to commemorate the end
of the Crimean War.

Jeremy Hill and Lee Dam.

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 All the pictures are the copyright of Colin Green.