The Great Underground Gateway: Discovering the Summit Tunnel from Walsden to Littleborough

Hidden beneath the rugged peaks of the Pennines lies a monumental feat of Victorian engineering that once held the title of the longest railway tunnel in the world. Stretching between the quiet village of Walsden and the bustling town of Littleborough, the Summit Tunnel is more than just a dark passage for trains; it is a survivor of fire, ice, and the relentless march of industrial history.

Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a local historian, or a hiker looking for a walk with a story, the Summit Tunnel offers a fascinating glimpse into the sheer ambition of the 19th-century pioneers.

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A Vision in Brick: The Birth of a Legend

In the late 1830s, the Manchester and Leeds Railway faced a formidable obstacle: the Pennine range. To connect the industrial powerhouses of the North, they needed to pierce the "backbone of England."

Designed by the visionary engineer Thomas Longridge Gooch—a close collaborator of the legendary George Stephenson—construction began in 1838. The scale of the project was staggering for its time:

• The Workforce: Between 800 and 1,250 men and boys worked in shifts, hewing rock by the flickering light of candles.

• The Materials: Over 23 million handmade bricks were used to line the horseshoe-shaped tunnel, with up to 60,000 bricks laid in a single day during peak construction.

• The Cost: Originally estimated at £107,800, the final bill soared to over £251,000—an astronomical sum in 1841.

When the tunnel finally opened on March 1, 1841, it was a global marvel. At 1.6 miles (2,638 meters) long, it stood as a testament to human grit, though that victory came at a heavy price: 41 workers lost their lives during its perilous construction.

The Trial by Fire: The 1984 Inferno

For over 140 years, the tunnel served as a reliable artery for the North. However, its greatest test came not from age, but from a catastrophic accident.

On the morning of December 20, 1984, a freight train carrying over one million litres of petrol derailed deep inside the tunnel. What followed was one of the most intense railway fires in British history. As the petrol ignited, the tunnel’s ventilation shafts—originally designed to vent steam—transformed into giant chimneys.

Witnesses described terrifying pillars of flame 150 meters high erupting from the hillside above Walsden. The heat was so extreme (reaching $1,200^\circ\text{C}$) that it actually vitrified the brickwork, turning the surface of the tunnel walls into molten glass.

Miraculously, thanks to the heroic efforts of the fire brigades and the tunnel's robust Victorian design, there were no fatalities. The tunnel was repaired and reopened just eight months later, proving that Gooch’s masterpiece was built to last.

Exploring the Hillside: The "Air Shafts" of Walsden Moor

If you visit the area today, the most striking remnants of the tunnel aren't underground, but dotting the landscape above. To align the tunnel and provide ventilation, 14 vertical shafts were sunk from the moorland down to the track level.

Today, you can still find several of these iconic circular brick air shafts (or "pepper pots") as you hike the trails between Littleborough and Walsden. They stand like silent sentinels on the hillside, often surrounded by the wild beauty of the Pennines.

• Photography Tip: The shafts near Bottomley Road provide a fantastic subject for photographers, especially when the mist rolls over the moors, creating a brooding, atmospheric scene.

• Nature’s Influence: In 2010, the shafts made headlines again when a passenger train derailed after striking a massive block of ice that had formed inside a shaft and fallen onto the tracks—a reminder that the tunnel is still at the mercy of the Pennine elements.

Walking the Summit Route

A walk from Walsden to Littleborough is the best way to appreciate the scale of this engineering feat.

1. Start at Walsden Station: From here, you can see the northern portal where trains disappear into the darkness.

2. Follow the Rochdale Canal: The canal runs parallel to the railway, offering a flat, scenic path.

3. The Climb: For the more adventurous, head up onto the moors toward Warland Reservoir or Blackstone Edge. From these heights, you can look down and spot the alignment of the air shafts, tracing the invisible path of the railway deep beneath your feet.

4. Finish in Littleborough: Reward yourself with a visit to the Littleborough Coach House or a walk around Hollingworth Lake, which was originally built to feed the very canal you just walked beside.

Why the Summit Tunnel Still Matters

The Summit Tunnel isn't just a relic; it remains a vital part of the Calder Valley Line, carrying thousands of passengers between Manchester and Leeds every day. It serves as a bridge between our industrial past and our connected future.

Standing at the portal in Walsden and feeling the rush of air as a modern train exits the tunnel, you are experiencing the same sensation that Victorian spectators did nearly 200 years ago. It is a place where history isn't just remembered—it's still in motion.

I took these with a Polaroid is2132 on the 31st May 2015. 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.

The Legend and Legacy of Devil’s Bridge: A Guide to Kirkby Lonsdale’s Iconic Landmark

Perched on the edge of the Lune Valley, where the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales meet the dramatic peaks of the Lake District, lies one of England’s most enchanting historical sites: Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale. This ancient stone masterpiece is more than just a crossing; it is a tapestry of medieval engineering, eerie folklore, and a thriving modern community hub.

Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a weekend adventurer, Devil’s Bridge offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Cumbria. In this guide, we dive deep into the myths, the architecture, and the best ways to experience this "naturally divine" destination.

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The Legend: How the Devil Was Outwitted

The bridge takes its evocative name from a popular piece of English folklore. While there are several variations of the tale, the most beloved version tells of an elderly woman whose cow wandered across a shallow part of the River Lune and refused to return.

The Devil appeared to the woman, offering to build a bridge overnight so she could retrieve her livestock. His price? The soul of the first living thing to cross the new structure. The woman agreed, but she was cleverer than the Prince of Darkness anticipated. Once the bridge was complete, she tossed a loaf of bread (or a bun) across the stones. Her small dog chased after the food, becoming the first soul to cross. Enraged at being outsmarted by a simple countrywoman, the Devil vanished in a cloud of brimstone, leaving behind the bridge and—according to local lore—a handprint still visible in the stone.

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A Glimpse into History and Architecture

Beyond the myths, the real history of Devil's Bridge is equally impressive. Though its exact age is debated, historians suggest it dates back to the 13th or 14th century.

• Medieval Engineering: The bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed structure. It features three ribbed arches built of fine gritstone ashlar.

• Vital Connectivity: For centuries, it served as the only crossing over the River Lune for miles, acting as a crucial link for drovers and pack-horse routes.

• The Sundial: At the eastern end, look for a stone sundial installed in 1663, bearing the inscription "FEARE GOD HONER THE KING".

• Closure to Traffic: Due to its narrow 12-foot width, which became insufficient for modern vehicles, the bridge was closed to traffic in 1932. Today, motorists use the nearby Stanley Bridge, leaving Devil’s Bridge as a peaceful pedestrian haven.

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Top Things to Do at Devil’s Bridge

1. Join the Sunday Motorbike Meet

On any sunny Sunday, Devil’s Bridge transforms into one of the North’s most famous motorcycle meeting points. Hundreds of enthusiasts gather to showcase their bikes and enjoy the community spirit. It is a fantastic atmosphere where you can grab a "bacon butty" and a tea from the famous local snack van while chatting with riders.

2. Take the "Devil’s Bridge Wander"

For those seeking a scenic stroll, a 1.5-mile (2.5km) circular route connects the bridge to the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale.

• The Path: Start at the bridge and follow the riverside path toward the town.

• Radical Steps: Brave the steep "Radical Steps" that lead up from the riverbank.

• Ruskin’s View: At the top, you’ll be rewarded with Ruskin’s View. The Victorian critic John Ruskin famously described this panorama of the Lune Valley as "one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world".

3. Scuba Diving and Rock Pools

Surprisingly, the river beneath the bridge is a popular spot for scuba divers. The deep rock pools (around 16 feet deep) and clear visibility make it an ideal inland diving location for those looking for something different.

4. Picnic by the River

With large grassy banks and a tranquil atmosphere, the area around the bridge is perfect for a family picnic. On warm days, you’ll often find locals dipping their toes in the water or simply soaking up the sun with views of the three iconic arches.

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Exploring Kirkby Lonsdale

A visit to the bridge is the perfect excuse to explore the charming market town of Kirkby Lonsdale.

• St. Mary’s Church: A 12th-century marvel with stunning Norman architecture.

• The Vault: Visit "The Vault" at the old bank building to hear filmed stories of the town’s rich history.

• Dining: Enjoy local Cumbrian beef or lamb at award-winning spots like The Sun Inn or Plato’s.

• Shopping: Wander through cobbled streets filled with boutique shops and local butchers.

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Plan Your Visit

• Location: Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AH.

• Parking: There are two car parks near the bridge with public toilets adjacent.

• Best Time to Visit: Sundays are bustling with the motorbike meet, while weekdays offer a more serene, "naturally divine" experience.

Devil’s Bridge remains a timeless landmark where legend and reality meet. Whether you’re standing on the high centre arch looking for the Devil’s handprint or capturing the perfect reflection in the River Lune, it is a destination that captures the heart of every traveller.

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Ending the Year on a High: A New Year’s Eve Trek to Stoodley Pike

Date: December 31, 2016 Location: Todmorden, West Yorkshire Camera: Nikon D3300

There are few better ways to say goodbye to an old year than by climbing above the noise of daily life and standing on top of the world—or at least, on top of the Calder Valley.

On New Year's Eve, 2016, I took my Nikon D3300 up the muddy tracks to one of West Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks: Stoodley Pike Monument. The air was biting, the light was fading into a winter gloaming, and the moors were silent.

Join me on a walk to the "Sentinel of the Valley."

The Ascent

The climb up to Stoodley Pike is never a casual stroll, especially in the depths of winter. The Pennine Way crosses here, and the path is well-trodden by centuries of boots. As I made my way up, the winter light began to shift, turning the rough moorland grass into a sea of rusted gold.

The approach. The muddy tracks leading the eye straight to the obelisk, standing solitary against the grey winter sky.

There is a stark beauty to the moors in December. The Nikon D3300 did a fantastic job capturing the texture of the dry grasses and the heavy, cloud-laden sky. It felt like the weather was holding its breath, waiting for the year to turn.

A View of Todmorden

As you gain elevation, the town of Todmorden falls away beneath you. One of my favourite shots from the day was looking back down into the valley..

The view from the heights. You can just see the streetlights and house lights flickering on in Todmorden, warm specs of amber against the cooling blue of the hills.

This image captures the isolation of the Pike. Down there, people were likely preparing for New Year's Eve parties, warming their homes. Up here, it was just the wind and the sheep.

The Peace Monument

Standing at 121 feet (37 meters) tall, Stoodley Pike Monument is imposing up close. Interestingly, the structure we see today is actually the second monument on this site. The first, built in 1814 to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, collapsed in 1854 after a lightning strike and decades of weathering. The current structure was completed in 1856, built to mark the end of the Crimean War.

The monument framed by the rugged gritstone boulders that litter the summit.

Standing tall. The darkening stonework contrasts sharply with the pale winter sky, emphasizing the monument's brooding presence.

It is a structure born of war, yet built for peace, standing guard over the valley for over 160 years.

Into the Darkness

Unlike many follies and monuments that are sealed off, Stoodley Pike invites you in. The entrance is a small, dark opening at the base that leads to a spiral staircase. There are no windows on the way up—it is a pitch-black ascent (a torch or phone light is highly recommended!) that eventually opens up onto a balcony.

The heavy stone base and the entrance. The massive blocks of stone give you a sense of the engineering required to keep this standing against the fierce Pennine winds.

The Balcony View

Stepping out onto the balcony is a visceral experience. The wind usually hits you with renewed force, but the view is worth it. You are standing some 1,300 feet above sea level.

Looking out from the balcony. The weathered stone railing, carved with the initials of visitors from decades past, overlooks the vast expanse of the moorland plateau.

Final Reflections

As the light finally gave way, I captured a silhouette of the monument. It felt like a fitting end to the photo walk—a strong, enduring shape against the fading light of 2016.

The silhouette of the Pike. A simple, powerful geometry against the morning sky.

Visiting Stoodley Pike is a reminder of the permanence of the landscape compared to the fleeting nature of our years. If you find yourself in West Yorkshire, pack your boots and your camera. The hike is steep, but the perspective it offers is unmatched.

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The Salvage Archive: A September Afternoon at Fountains Abbey, 1975

There is a unique magic to holding a 35mm slide up to the light. It’s a tiny, suspended square of time—a moment captured in silver halides that hasn't been seen, perhaps, for decades.

As a collector of vintage photography, I often stumble upon these little windows into the past. Recently, I acquired a small set labelled simply: "Fountains Abbey, September 1975."

Today, Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire is a slick, well-oiled machine of heritage tourism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, managed by the National Trust and English Heritage. But what did it look like half a century ago, before the visitor centres and the designated World Heritage status?

Let’s load the carousel and take a trip back to the autumn of 1975.

The Gothic Giants

The first slide captures the sheer scale of the Cistercian engineering. This view, likely of the Chapel of the Nine Altars, shows the towering lancet windows reaching up to a sky that looks distinctly 1970s blue.

What strikes me most about this image is the light. Slide film from this era had a specific way of rendering contrast—deep, crushing shadows and vibrant, almost painterly greens.

Historically, 1975 is an interesting year for the Abbey. While the State had purchased the Abbey ruins in 1966, the surrounding Studley Royal estate wasn't acquired by the National Trust until 1983. In 1975, this site was managed by the Department of the Environment. You get a sense here of a site that is maintained, yet quiet. There are no crowds in the frame, just the silent, hulking skeletons of the monastic past.

A Wilder Ruin

This second slide offers a fascinating detail that you might not see today. Look closely at the top of the jagged masonry. You can see tufts of grass and vegetation clinging to the high stones.

In modern conservation, this is often known as "soft capping," but back in the 70s, ruins were often allowed to be a little more "romantic" and wild. Today, stonemasons and conservationists work tirelessly to keep invasive roots out of the mortar to prevent the structure from toppling.

This image captures the texture of the dissolution. When Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s, the lead was stripped from the roofs and the stone was quarried for other buildings. What we see here is the slow, centuries-long battle between the stone and the reclaiming nature of the Skell Valley.

Framing the Past

The unknown photographer who took these slides in 1975 had a keen eye for composition. This is my favourite of the set. By using the dark, heavy masonry of a doorway in the foreground, they have framed the sunlit tower in the distance perfectly.

It creates a sense of depth and mystery. It reminds us that Fountains Abbey isn't just one building, but a sprawling complex of dormitories, refectories, and cellariums.

The 1975 Context

When these photos were taken in September 1975:

• Pink Floyd had just released Wish You Were Here.

• The UK was experiencing a warm end to the summer.

• Fountains Abbey was still 11 years away from becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Viewing these places through the medium of 35mm slides adds a layer of nostalgia that digital photography simply cannot replicate. There is a grain, a texture, and a colour palette that roots these images firmly in their time.

These slides might have sat in a box in someone’s attic for forty years, but projected here on the screen, the sun shines on the Yorkshire stone just as brightly as it did on that September afternoon.

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Stepping Back in Time: A Sepia Afternoon at Hebden Bridge Station

 Date: November 21, 2013 Camera: Samsung Galaxy Tablet

There are some places that seem to resist the pull of the modern world, where the clock ticks a little slower, and the air feels heavy with history. Hebden Bridge Railway Station is one of those places.

On a crisp afternoon in November 2013, I found myself on the platform with my Samsung Galaxy tablet. Looking through the lens, the scene didn't feel like the 21st century at all. In fact, when I switched to sepia, the station transformed completely, revealing its true Victorian soul.

Join me for a walk through this historic gem of the West Riding.

The Arrival

The first thing you notice about Hebden Bridge is that it doesn't look like a modern commuter stop. It feels like a film set. As the train pulls away, you aren't left with concrete and plastic, but with iron, stone, and silence.

A train departs, leaving behind the quiet charm of the platform. Note the "Coffee Station" sign on the left—a beloved local fixture occupying the former parcels office.

The station you see today is actually the second iteration. The original Manchester & Leeds Railway station opened here in 1840, but the current buildings date back to 1891-1893, built by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR). The sepia tone of these photos captures that 1890s atmosphere perfectly; if you removed the modern train, this could easily be 1913.

Victorian Grandeur

Walking along the platform, the architecture demands your attention. In the 1990s, the station underwent a massive restoration to return it to its L&YR glory, including the installation of heritage-style signage and the preservation of the ironwork.

Looking down the platform. The sheer scale of the canopy reminds us of a time when railway travel was an occasion, not just a commute.

The intricate ironwork of the canopy. The "Way Out" signage and the gas-lamp style lights (now electric, of course) maintain the illusion of the Victorian era.

The main station building is constructed of rock-faced stone with ashlar dressings—a testament to the solid, confident engineering of the industrial north. It was built to serve the booming textile mills of the valley, and its grandeur reflects the wealth that once flowed through these hills.

The Booking Office exterior. The building originally housed first-class waiting rooms and "ladies' rooms," separating passengers by social standing—a practice long gone, thankfully.

Into the Depths

One of the most atmospheric parts of the station is the subway. Originally, passengers had to cross the tracks on foot, which was perilous. During the 1890s expansion, this subway was dug to connect the platforms safely.

The subway tunnel. The monochrome processing brings out the texture of the glazed bricks and the damp, moody lighting. It feels like a portal to another time.

The Sentinel of the Line: The Signal Box

Perhaps the crown jewel of the station's heritage is the signal box. While many mechanical signal boxes across the UK have been demolished in favour of modern digital signalling centres, the Hebden Bridge box has survived.

A view from the platform looking towards the signal box, nestled against the tree-lined valley side.

Built in 1891, this is a Type 4 L&YR box. It is now Grade II listed, recognized as a structure of national historic importance. It represents a lost era of manual labour, where signalmen pulled heavy levers to guide steam giants safely through the valley.

A closer look at the Signal Box. You can clearly see the timber upper structure sitting on the brick base. It’s rare to see one in such original condition.

A Timeless Stop

Leaving the station that day in 2013, I felt like I was stepping out of a time capsule. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee in a beautiful setting, Hebden Bridge station is a destination in itself.

These photos on my tablet may be digital, but the spirit they captured is undeniably analogue.

Clicking any of the images 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 images 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.