Echoes of the Past: The Lost Railway of Blake Dean

Hardcastle Crags is a place of timeless natural beauty, but hidden beneath the lush green slopes of Blake Dean are the fascinating, almost unbelievable, remnants of a short-lived industrial marvel. This is the story of the Blake Dean Railway and its spectacular wooden trestle bridge—a forgotten piece of engineering that briefly transformed the Hebden Valley over a century ago.

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A Railway to the Sky

In the early 1900s, the booming town of Halifax needed water, and the remote moorland above Hardcastle Crags, at Walshaw Dean, was chosen for three new reservoirs. Contractor Enoch Tempest needed a way to transport thousands of navvies, materials, and supplies to the high, distant construction site. His solution? A narrow-gauge railway, a daring 5.5-mile line that skirted the valley's edge.

The railway's most dramatic feature was the incredible trestle bridge at Blake Dean. Designed by Hebden Bridge architect William Henry Cockcroft and built by local joiner George Greenwood, this wooden giant was a sight to behold:

• Length: Over 700 feet

• Height: 105 feet (the equivalent of a ten-story building!)

• Material: Constructed entirely of sturdy pitch pine.

Locals considered it the Eighth Wonder of the World. Imagine the sight of steam locomotives and carriages packed with workers trundling over that massive wooden structure, high above the valley floor.

The mighty wooden trestle bridge at Blake Dean, a stunning temporary marvel, over 100 feet high.

🛠️ The Work and the Wonder

For just over a decade, the serene valley was alive with the sound of the railway. The line started at "Dawson City," a temporary workers' shantytown near Heptonstall, and delivered its precious cargo—the men and materials—to Walshaw Dean.

The bridge stood up to everything the Pennines threw at it, even a small fire caused by engine sparks in 1906. It was, however, a place of danger. Safety warnings were often ignored by curious visitors, and tragically, at least one death occurred on the bridge when a local lady fell from it in 1909.

A close-up of the dizzying height and complex structure of the trestle viaduct.

All That Remains

The Blake Dean railway was always destined to be temporary. Once the Walshaw Dean reservoirs were completed, the line had served its purpose. In 1912, the massive bridge was dismantled, the valuable pitch pine sold off for recycling, and the rails lifted. The valley quickly reclaimed its peaceful silence.

Today, if you walk deep into Blake Dean, following the path that winds down to the Hebden Water, you can find the only tangible evidence of this incredible feat of engineering: the stone foundations, or 'stumps,' that once supported the monumental wooden legs.

Standing here, looking up and across the deep ravine, it takes a leap of imagination to picture that massive structure soaring overhead. These moss-covered stones are a profound reminder of the ambition and hard labour of the past.

All that remains—the stone foundations of the trestle bridge, now peacefully reclaimed by the valley floor.

🚶 Visit the Ghost Railway

For those who enjoy a piece of history with their walk, seeking out the remains of the Blake Dean trestle bridge is a rewarding detour on a hike through Hardcastle Crags. You can also trace the level, overgrown trackbed (or 'terrace') high on the hillside, which once carried the trains on their journey to Walshaw. It is a stunning, quiet corner of Yorkshire where nature and history meet.

The wider valley view, showing the railway's level track bed high on the slope and the foundation ruins below.

I can not give credit on the first 2 pictures as the name has been lost to time, the second 2 of the foundation stones were taken by me on the 10th September 2016.

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Remembering Walkley Clog Mill (Canal Wharf Mills)

Nestled between the bustling towns of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, a silent sentinel of the industrial past once stood: Walkley Clog Mill, also known as Canal Wharf Mills. These images capture the mill in its later years, a testament to its imposing presence and the passage of time before its tragic destruction by fire.

From these photographs, we can discern the formidable stone structure of the mill, characteristic of the industrial architecture of the Pennine region. Its multi-story facade, punctuated by numerous windows, some sadly broken or boarded up, speaks to a history of industry and the hands that once toiled within its walls. The sheer scale of the building is evident, dominating the landscape and hinting at the significant role it played in the local economy.

One image shows the mill standing proudly alongside the River Calder, which would have been a vital source of power and transport for the mill's operations. The juxtaposition of the weathered stone and the verdant foliage, with trees and undergrowth reclaiming parts of the structure, paints a picture of a building slowly being absorbed back into nature.

Another perspective reveals its prominent roadside position, suggesting its accessibility and importance as a hub of activity. The surrounding landscape, with its characteristic hills and greenery, further emphasizes the mill's integration into the rugged beauty of the Calder Valley.

While the images capture a building in decline, they also hint at its former grandeur and the stories it held within its thick stone walls. Walkley Clog Mill was more than just a building; it was a living piece of local history, a tangible link to the area's clog-making heritage and broader industrial past.

Sadly, this iconic landmark met a devastating end, consumed by fire. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of what was lost, allowing us to reflect on the mill's architectural character, its historical significance, and the enduring legacy of the industries that shaped this corner of West Yorkshire. Though the mill itself is gone, its memory, and the stories embedded in its very foundations, continue to echo through the valley.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 21st July 2018, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Through a Glass, Darkly: Hebden Bridge Railway Station in Negative

 There's something hauntingly beautiful about old photographs, especially when they're presented in a way that flips our perception. Take this image of Hebden Bridge Railway Station, for example. Inverted, with its sepia tones replaced by an eerie, almost ghostly palette, it transports us to a different time, a different perspective.

The familiar elements are all there: the sturdy platform, the elegant Victorian canopies, the parallel lines of the railway track stretching into the distance. But the inversion transforms them.

Hebden Bridge, nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley, has always possessed a certain mystique. Its dramatic landscape, with steep hillsides and winding rivers, lends itself to a sense of otherworldliness. This image, in its altered state, amplifies that feeling. We're not just looking at a railway station; we're peering into a portal, a glimpse of a parallel reality where light and shadow dance in an unfamiliar way.

The station itself, a vital artery connecting Hebden Bridge to the wider world, has witnessed countless journeys, departures, and arrivals. It's a place of transition, of anticipation, of memory. In this inverted image, those memories seem to echo with a strange resonance. We can almost hear the ghostly whistle of a steam train, the distant murmur of passengers, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks.

This photograph, shared by Colin Green, is more than just a visual curiosity. It's a reminder of the power of perspective, the way a simple shift in light and colour can transform our understanding of a familiar scene. It invites us to look closer, to see beyond the surface, to appreciate the beauty and the mystery that lies hidden in the ordinary.

So, the next time you find yourself at Hebden Bridge Railway Station, take a moment to pause and imagine it in this inverted light. Consider the countless stories that have unfolded on its platforms, the lives that have passed through its doors. And perhaps, just perhaps, you'll catch a glimpse of that other reality, that ghostly echo of the past, captured so beautifully in this haunting photograph.

The pictures below were originally taken with a Samsung Galaxy tablet in November 2013, a little editing with photoshop creating the finished product below.

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

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Discover the Serene Beauty of Lumb Falls

Nestled in the picturesque Crimsworth Dean, Lumb Falls is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This stunning waterfall, with its cascading waters and lush green surroundings, is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Why Visit Lumb Falls?

• Natural Beauty: The falls are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including towering trees, vibrant foliage, and crystal-clear streams.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The serene ambiance of the area makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
• Photo Opportunities: The picturesque setting provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning photos.

Tips for Your Visit:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal times to visit, when the water flow is at its peak.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: The path to the falls can be slippery, so it's important to wear sturdy footwear.
• Respect the Environment: Please leave no trace and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
• Bring a Camera: Capture the beauty of the falls and the surrounding area.

How to Get There:

Lumb Falls is located in Crimsworth Dean, a short drive from the town of Hebden Bridge. There is ample parking available near the trailhead as Crimsworth Dean is found in the same National Trust managed woodland as Hardcastle Crags. The walk to the falls is relatively short and easy, approx. 1.7 miles from Midgehole, making it suitable for families with children although people with limited walking abilities may struggle.

So, if you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature, be sure to add Lumb Falls to your list of must-visit destinations.

The pictures below were taken in September 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Hawksclough Bridge: A Walk Through Myth and History

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Calder Valley, in the charming Yorkshire village of Mytholmroyd, lies the Grade II listed Hawksclough Bridge. This seemingly unassuming structure, crafted from the warm embrace of local sandstone, is more than just a passage over the River Calder. It's a bridge woven with myth, whispered secrets, and the echoes of a bygone era.

As you stand upon its weathered stones, the gentle gurgle of the water below serenades you, transporting you back in time. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil himself, enticed by a wager with a local builder. The deal? The bridge's completion within a night was in exchange for the builder's soul. But as the rooster crowed, signalling the dawn, the bridge remained unfinished, just one stone short. The devil, cheated of his prize, vanished in a puff of brimstone, leaving behind the incomplete bridge as a testament to his trickery.

While the truth behind the bridge's construction is likely less fantastical, the myth adds a touch of magic to its history. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary structures can hold extraordinary stories, waiting to be unravelled by the curious mind.

But Hawksclough Bridge is more than just a relic of the past. It's a vibrant part of the Mytholmroyd community. Children clamber along its edges. Artists capture its rustic beauty in their paintings, and photographers find endless inspiration in its weathered nooks and crannies.

Below are a set of pictures taken at the bridge with a Nikon d3300 in July 2024, Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Timeless Walk on the Rochdale Canal

There's something about a vintage photograph that adds a layer of timelessness, and when applied to the landscape of the Rochdale Canal, it feels like a journey back in time. On a crisp November day in 2013, I took a walk along the stretch between Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, armed with a Samsung Galaxy tablet. The images I captured, edited to have a sepia-toned, aged look, seem to echo the long and storied history of this waterway.

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A Glimpse into the Past

This section of the canal is particularly beautiful, winding through the heart of the Calder Valley. The path is often muddy and strewn with autumn leaves, and the trees, stripped bare of their foliage, reveal the skeletal beauty of the landscape. As the path meanders, you pass under stone bridges, their arches a constant reminder of the 18th-century engineering that created this vital transport link. These bridges, with their worn brickwork and mossy undersides, look as though they have stood for centuries, watching the world change around them. The canal itself is a mirror, reflecting the grey sky and the surrounding hills. Lock 7, with its white-painted lock gates, stands out against the muted tones of the landscape, a functional and artistic focal point. You can almost imagine the sound of the locks creaking open and the rush of water as barges passed through, a scene that played out for generations.

Where Nature and Industry Meet

As you continue towards Hebden Bridge, the canal becomes more populated with boats. Moored narrowboats, their names and histories hidden from view, float peacefully on the water, adding a touch of colour to the otherwise monochromatic landscape. The scene, captured from a higher vantage point, shows the canal snaking through the trees, a ribbon of water connecting the villages of the valley. It's a striking image of how nature and human-made industry have coexisted for over two centuries.

A Photographic Journey

Using a tablet to create these vintage-style photos felt like a fascinating experiment. The editing process transformed the modern digital images into something that felt like a glimpse into a bygone era. It highlighted the enduring beauty of the Rochdale Canal, showing that while technology and life move on, some places retain a timeless quality that transcends the decades.

This walk from Mytholmroyd to Hebden Bridge isn't just a physical journey but a historical one, too. It’s a chance to see the landscape through a different lens and appreciate the stories etched into every stone, every lock, and every reflection on the water.

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

Located a short distance from where Burnley Road crosses the canal, Lock 7 Broad Bottom is a Grade II listed structure. It was granted this status on June 21, 1984, and is situated near the former site of Walkley Clogs.

A classic shot of the peaceful Mayroyd Moorings in Hebden Bridge, taken from the historic Station Road Bridge overlooking the canal.

A view of the Broad Bottom Lane Bridge from Lock 7 in Mytholmroyd, a tranquil spot on the Rochdale Canal.

Bridge 12, Westfield Terrace Bridge, the canal had been drained for a stretch here, I can not remember why and for how far it stretched.

Mayroyd Bridge near the moorings at Hebden Bridge.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.