Whispers on the Path: The History of Norland's Donkey Bridge

Deep within the wooded valley that divides the villages of Norland and Copley in West Yorkshire lies a hidden gem of local heritage: the Donkey Bridge. Surrounded by mossy stone walls and the vibrant green of the Maple Dean Clough, this little crossing may seem unassuming, but it carries the heavy weight of local history, marking a vital link in the region's industrial past.

Visiting this secluded spot, capturing its serene, almost timeless beauty. The stone abutments, draped in thick moss, and the wooden path over the water tell a silent story of trade, toil, and community connection.

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What the Donkey Bridge Crosses

The bridge spans the Norland Stream, also known as Maple Dean Clough. This small watercourse is more than just a stream; it acts as the historic boundary between the townships of Norland and Copley. The water itself, tumbling over stones in the steep valley, is a typical feature of the Calderdale landscape.

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The Historical Importance: A Pack Horse Route

The name of the bridge is the most telling detail of its past. The "Donkey" in Donkey Bridge doesn't necessarily mean donkeys were the only animals used, but it firmly establishes the structure as a crucial part of a pack horse route.

In the era before turnpike roads and widespread cart usage, pack horses were the primary means of moving goods across the rugged, hilly terrain of the Pennines.

• Trade Connection: This path would have been a lifeline for local commerce, linking the high-lying village of Norland with the lower valley communities, particularly Copley.

• A Route of Necessity: The bridge allowed for the efficient movement of essential goods, raw materials, and finished products between areas. Norland's history is steeped in the woollen industry and quarrying; this path was likely crucial for transporting quarried stone down from the Norland side and perhaps bringing in supplies.

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From Trade to Toil: An Industrial Link

As the Industrial Revolution transformed Calderdale in the 18th and 19th centuries, the bridge’s role shifted from primarily trade to daily toil.

• Factory Workers' Commute: The path over Donkey Bridge became a daily route for many Norland residents who worked in the burgeoning mills and factories down in the valley. Historical records suggest that many locals, including those who worked at Akroyd’s mill in Copley, would have walked this path every day.

• The Dawn Commute: Imagine the journey: walking to and from work over this bridge, often in the dark hours before sunrise and after sunset, as the mill schedule demanded. The rough, setted (paved with small stones) nature of the path would have been difficult even in daylight.

Today, the original stone bridge structure is clearly visible, though the decking and railings are modern replacements ensuring safe passage. The long, moss-covered walls leading up to the crossing create a funnel, suggesting the path was deliberately narrowed and contained, a common feature of old tracks that were too steep for wheeled traffic.

Standing here, listening to the rushing of the Maple Dean Clough, it’s easy to feel connected to the footsteps—human and equine—that have passed over this little bridge for centuries. It remains a poignant reminder of the enduring infrastructure that powered the Industrial Age in West Yorkshire.

I took these pictures on the 20th March 2019 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Uncovering the Urban Wild: A Stroll Along a Stretch of Halifax's Hebble Trail

There’s a unique charm in finding pockets of forgotten beauty amidst the urban sprawl. On June 13th, 2015, armed with a Polaroid is2132 camera, I ventured onto a stretch of the Hebble Trail in Halifax, specifically the path between Water Lane and Sedburgh Road. What I discovered was a captivating blend of industrial history, rebellious artistry, and nature's resilient reclaim.

The trail itself felt like stepping into a liminal space, a narrow canyon carved between towering walls. On one side, gabion basket walls, overflowing with stones and topped with wire fencing, hinted at past engineering and perhaps flood defences or land stabilization efforts. The raw, exposed rock and mesh provided a stark, almost brutalist aesthetic. Yet, clinging to these walls, and in every available crevice, was an explosion of tenacious greenery – ferns, weeds, and wild grasses pushing through, softening the edges of the man-made structures.

Across the path, older, more ornate brickwork, possibly remnants of bygone industrial buildings, stood as a testament to Halifax's rich manufacturing past. Arched window openings, now mostly bricked in or obscured, whispered stories of bustling factories and forgotten laborers. These walls, however, weren't silent. They were alive with a riot of colour and expression – vibrant graffiti tags, intricate murals, and bold statements painted by countless anonymous artists. One image in particular, a striking green, skull-like creature with glowing red eyes, captured the raw energy and subversive spirit of this urban art gallery.

Walking deeper into this concrete canyon, the path twisted and turned, at times narrowing, at others opening slightly to reveal glimpses of the sky. The ground underfoot shifted from rough asphalt, dappled with moss and fallen leaves, to uneven cobblestones, suggesting an older pathway that once served a different purpose. Litter, unfortunately, was also a constant companion – discarded papers, plastic, and general debris adding to the raw, untamed feel of the place. It's a reminder that even in these hidden gems, the challenges of urban neglect are present.

One of the most intriguing aspects was the presence of the Hebble Brook itself. Peeking through gaps in the foliage and under archways, the dark, fast-flowing water added another layer to the landscape. Its ceaseless movement contrasted with the static permanence of the walls, a natural force carving its way through the man-made environment. The way the brook disappeared into dark culverts and reappeared further along added a sense of mystery, making me wonder what other hidden passages and secrets lay beyond.

The overall impression was one of stark beauty and resilient life. It’s a place where nature battles concrete, where history meets modernity, and where anonymous artists leave their mark. The light shifted throughout my walk – some sections were bathed in bright, diffused light, while others, particularly where the path dipped under structures or narrowed, were shrouded in a captivating gloom. The black and white image, in particular, stripped away the colour to highlight the textures, the stark contrasts, and the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the raw, almost melancholic beauty of the trail.

The Hebble Trail, at least this section of it, isn't manicured or picturesque in the traditional sense. It's grittier, more authentic, and in its own way, incredibly beautiful. It's a testament to how urban spaces can evolve, becoming canvases for expression, havens for wildlife, and intriguing pathways for those willing to look beyond the obvious. My Polaroid captured not just images, but the very essence of this urban wild – a truly memorable and inspiring stroll.

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Tunnel to Lock: A Walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

 Date of Adventure: July 25, 2020 Camera: Nikon D3300

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true gem of the North, a testament to the grit and engineering prowess of the Industrial Revolution, and a stunning place for a walk. This particular summer's day took me along a picturesque stretch from the Standedge Tunnel entrance near Marsden to Lock 42 close to Marsden Railway Station. The weather was classic Yorkshire—a bit cloudy, but the lush greenery made everything pop.

The Standedge Tunnel Experience

Our walk started at the eastern portal of the incredible Standedge Tunnel. At over three miles long, it's the longest canal tunnel in Britain! The sheer scale of the operation is evident at the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre . The imposing stone building, with its distinctive red doors, sits right on the water's edge, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal's history. Tour boats moored here add to the scene, ready to take visitors a short distance into the tunnel's mouth.

Looking directly down the canal, the tunnel entrance is a dark, mysterious arch carved into the hillside . Flanking the canal are traditional stone buildings, including the waterside café —a perfect spot for a pre-walk brew and a moment to reflect on the incredible journey narrowboats make through the Pennines.

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Following the Towpath South

From the tunnel, we set off along the towpath. The canal here is a ribbon of deep, dark water, beautifully framed by dense trees, ferns, and the steep slopes of the Pennine hills. The path itself is a mix of gravel and mud, especially after a typical summer shower, adding to the rustic, immersive feel .

The walk is incredibly scenic, with stone bridges like Bridge 62 crossing the water . These historic structures, along with the surrounding well-kept cottages, are a reminder that the canal runs right through the heart of the community. Along this section near Marsden, you see the juxtaposition of nature and industry, with a brightly painted narrowboat moored quietly against a background of green ferns .

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The Descent through Marsden Locks

As we continued, the canal started its descent through the flight of locks leading toward the centre of Marsden. The section features several locks, including Lock 43 and Lock 42 . These are classic examples of narrow canal architecture, with their heavy, black-painted gates, sluice mechanisms, and stone-lined chambers.

It's always a pleasure to stop and watch the lock mechanisms in action, though today it was more about appreciating the structures themselves. Lock 42, our final destination for this section, stands close to modern road and rail bridges, highlighting how this historic waterway coexists with modern infrastructure.

This particular stretch of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers a beautiful blend of engineering history, peaceful nature, and local charm. It's a fantastic route for an afternoon's walk, whether you're a canal enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape into the Yorkshire countryside. Highly recommended!

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

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Sowerby Bridge Railway Station: A Gateway Through Time

Tucked into the heart of the Calder Valley, Sowerby Bridge railway station is more than just a stop along the line—it’s a beautifully preserved piece of industrial history that continues to serve the community today. Opened in 1876 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, to replace the earlier 1840 station, this station has witnessed the evolution of West Yorkshire’s transport network, from the age of steam to the modern Northern Rail services that still call here daily.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms – A Taste of the Past

The first image captures the charming Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, a rare surviving example of Victorian railway hospitality. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the building was once a bustling rest stop for travellers and railway staff alike, offering tea, coffee, and light refreshments to those journeying through the valley.

After years of neglect and near demolition, the structure was lovingly restored and reopened in 2009, reviving its role as a welcoming hub for passengers. Today, the building continues to echo with history—its brickwork, chimney stacks, and sash windows all whispering stories from the golden age of rail.

The Support Arches – Engineering with Purpose

The second image highlights a series of impressive brick support arches underneath the station, remnants of the engineering ingenuity that defined the railway age. These arches form part of the elevated sections that once supported sidings and goods facilities, essential for handling coal, textiles, and other cargo central to Sowerby Bridge’s industrial economy.

Beyond their functional strength, the arches demonstrate the Victorian engineers’ mastery of form and utility. Their curved design distributes weight evenly, allowing heavy locomotives and loads to pass safely above while enduring the test of time and weather. In recent decades, they’ve stood as silent witnesses to change—part of the enduring industrial landscape that defines this corner of Yorkshire.

A Living Heritage

Sowerby Bridge station remains a working reminder of Britain’s railway heritage. With the restored refreshment rooms, the solid arches, and the echoes of steam still lingering in the air, it connects past and present in a way few modern stations can. Whether you’re arriving for a scenic walk along the Calder or simply watching the trains pass by, there’s a sense that history is always just around the corner.

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A Night at the Gas Works Bridge: Sowerby Bridge's Industrial Past

Sowerby Bridge, a town steeped in industrial history, offers a unique blend of rugged Pennine landscape and a rich heritage shaped by its canals and rivers. As the sun sets and the streetlights cast a warm, golden glow, places like the Gas Works Bridge come to life, telling a story of a bygone era.

Standing on this unassuming pedestrian bridge over the River Calder, you're not just looking at a waterway; you're looking at the lifeblood of an industrial revolution. The River Calder, flowing beneath the bridge, was a key artery for trade, powering the textile mills and feeding the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, which meet just a stone's throw away. This confluence of waterways made Sowerby Bridge a vital trans-shipment hub, connecting the industrial heartland of Yorkshire to the ports of Hull and Liverpool.

But the Gas Works Bridge has its own fascinating history, one that's closely tied to the very name it bears. Built in 1816, this bridge is a significant piece of engineering. Made of cast iron by Aydon and Elwell of Shelf Ironworks in Bradford, it's one of the earliest surviving cast-iron bridges in the Calderdale area. Originally a road bridge, it was widened in the mid-19th century with a steel overlay, and today it serves as a footpath, a quiet walkway for those looking to connect with the town's past.

The bridge's name, however, isn't just a label—it's a historical marker. It was built for Thomas Fearnside & Son of Mearclough Bottom Mill, but it’s the nearby gas works that gave it its enduring name. The former gas works site, located near the bridge, was a crucial part of the town's infrastructure, supplying power for streetlights, factories, and homes. In fact, a gas-making plant was installed in Sowerby Bridge as early as 1805, a remarkably early example of commercial gas production. Though the gas works closed in 1954, the bridge remains as a testament to this important part of Sowerby Bridge's industrial legacy.

As you stand on the bridge at night, the lights of the town and the distant beacon of Wainhouse Tower on the hill create a striking contrast against the dark sky and the reflective surface of the river. The photos capture this atmosphere perfectly—the warmth of the lamplight, the cool blue of the distant town, and the haunting silhouette of bare winter trees. It's a scene that bridges the past and present, a quiet moment of reflection in a place that once thrummed with the energy of industry and innovation. The Gas Works Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a silent guardian of Sowerby Bridge's history, a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrious past in the calm of the night.

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Autumn along the Calder and Hebble Navigation

 Inspired by pictures taken in October 2017, this blog post captures the essence of an autumn stroll along the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, exploring the stretch from Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin to Copley. As the late October sun casts long shadows and a crispness fills the air, the canal reveals its layered history and serene beauty.

Our journey begins at the Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, a vibrant hub where the Calder and Hebble Navigation meets the Rochdale Canal. This basin is a testament to the area's rich heritage, with its historical buildings and a long tradition of boat building and repair. A short walk from the basin lies the formidable Tuel Lane Lock, one of the deepest locks in Britain. While it's on the Rochdale Canal, its presence here highlights the engineering marvels that connected these two vital waterways.

As we leave the bustle of the basin behind, the towpath towards Copley becomes a tranquil tunnel of autumnal colours. The trees that line the canal banks are a spectacle of gold, red, and orange, their leaves fluttering down to carpet the path and the water’s surface. This is a stretch of the canal that feels particularly remote and peaceful, a stark contrast to its bustling past.

This man-made section of the canal, part of a longer cut from Brighouse to Sowerby Bridge, was an artery of the Industrial Revolution. Its construction, starting in the mid-18th century and completed to Sowerby Bridge in 1770, was a significant undertaking, led by engineers John Smeaton and James Brindley. The canal was the M62 of its day, a crucial link that allowed for the transport of raw materials and finished goods, particularly for the textile industry that once boomed here.

As the towpath winds its way towards Copley, you'll pass the remains of old mills, silent sentinels to a bygone era. The canal, now primarily used for leisure, is a peaceful route for walkers, boaters, and cyclists, a place where you can feel the pulse of history beneath your feet while soaking in the beauty of the Yorkshire landscape in all its autumnal glory.

I took these pictures in October 2017 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The entrance to the canal basin.

Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, Wainhouse tower visible in the distance.

Shire cruisers boats moored up waiting for their next passengers.

Kirkham Turn, the junction of the Calder and Hebble Navigation with the Rochdale Canal.

Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge and the Navigation Inn. The bridge is so called because in days gone by they used to put a chain across to prevent boats accessing the wharf on Sunday's.

Walker Lane Bridge.

Mearclough Bridge.

The previous 3 pictures were all surrounded by a large mill until it's destruction by fire in the late 1970's - early 80's.

When the picture was taken the houses to the right were in the process of being built on the former Sterne Mills site, these are now complete.

Sterne Bridge.

The previous 2 pictures show Copley Footbridge.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.