Discover the Spen Valley Greenway. Low Moor to the M62.

Imagine a tranquil, traffic-free path winding through the heart of West Yorkshire, connecting Low Moor to Ravensthorpe. This is the Spen Valley Greenway, an 8-mile haven for cyclists and pedestrians, tracing the forgotten routes of the old Spen Valley Railway and Ravensthorpe Branch Lines.

Opened in 2000, just two years after Sustrans acquired the disused track bed, the Greenway isn't just a path; it's a living museum. As you journey through towns like Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, and Liversedge, you'll discover more than just picturesque scenery. Keep an eye out for tell-tale railway signposts and unique ornamental benches – subtle nods to the line's industrial past. But the true gems are the scattered artworks that surprise and delight: spot Sally Matthews' charming flock of Swaledale sheep and the intriguing form of Trudi Entwistle's "Rotate."

One of the Greenway's greatest appeals is its accessibility. It's blissfully traffic-free and remarkably flat, with only gentle slopes to keep things interesting. And for those mid-journey refreshment breaks, convenience is key! You'll find a Tesco right alongside the former Cleckheaton Station site, and a Morrison's just a short walk from what was once Heckmondwike Station.

So, whether you're a keen cyclist, a leisurely stroller, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Spen Valley Greenway offers a unique blend of nature, history, and art.

The following is a short video I put together of the pictures I took along the line, it includes images of the station sites whilst still operational.

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From Rails to Trails: The Spen Valley Greenway's Storied Past

Before it became the beloved Spen Valley Greenway, a pleasant tarmacked route for cyclists and pedestrians, this peaceful stretch of land had a bustling past as the Mirfield and Low Moor Railway. This double-track line opened in two stages: first, from Low Moor to Mirfield on July 18, 1848, followed by the Ravensthorpe Branch, connecting Thornhill with Heckmondwike, on June 1, 1849.

At its peak, the line boasted eight stations. Along the main Mirfield route, travellers could alight at Low Moor, Cleckheaton Central, Liversedge Central, Heckmondwike Central, and then, after the split, Northorpe North Road and Mirfield. The Ravensthorpe Branch served Ravensthorpe Lower and Thornhill. The railway hummed with activity until passenger services were withdrawn in July 1965, with goods traffic finally ceasing in the late 1980s.

A Future on the Horizon? Reopening the Spen Valley Line

Today, whispers of the past are growing louder. Small but passionate campaigns are advocating for the reopening of the line, a seemingly straightforward, albeit potentially expensive, endeavour given that much of the track bed remains clear and undeveloped.

The argument for reinstatement is compelling: over 50,000 people reside along the Spen Valley route with limited access to rail services without lengthy commutes. Competing proposals envision both heavy rail and light rail solutions, each offering a different vision for reconnecting these communities. Could the former Mirfield and Low Moor Railway once again carry passengers, transforming the region's connectivity

The following pictures are taken on the route from Low Moor to the M62 Motorway Bridge at Chain Bar. They were taken on the 30th December 2019 with a Nikon d3300.

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Low Moor's Phoenix Moment: A Modern Station Reconnecting West Yorkshire

In an age where railway stations often feel like relics of a bygone era, Low Moor stands out as a vibrant testament to progress. Reopened in 2017 after a hiatus of over half a century, this isn't just a stop on the Caldervale line; it's a £10.8 million investment in connecting communities, offering a crucial link between Bradford and Halifax, and a smart solution for commuters in West Yorkshire.

The Past Paves the Way for the Future: Low Moor might be "new," but its roots run deep. The original station graced this very spot back in July 1848. In its early days, it was a bustling hub – a vital terminus for trains arriving from Halifax and the Spen Valley line, which weaved its way through towns like Heckmondwike, Liversedge, and Cleckheaton. The direct line to Bradford wasn't even completed until 1850! This grand era of rail travel continued for over a century, with Low Moor remaining a busy junction until the infamous Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Passenger services ceased on June 14, 1965, followed by goods traffic two years later, leaving a silent void where once there was a thriving railway heart.

A Modern Comeback: But the story of Low Moor wasn't over. Fast forward to April 2017, and the triumphant return of a railway station designed for the 21st century. Serving the local villages of Low Moor and Oakenshaw, its strategic location near the M62 and M606 motorways quickly cemented its status as a key park-and-ride facility. This foresight has been a success, with passenger numbers steadily climbing. In 2017-18 alone, over 133,600 passengers (around 2,570 per week) passed through its gates – a figure undoubtedly bolstered by recent timetable enhancements that now see more services stopping at the station.

Streamlined for Today's Traveller: While Low Moor Station is designed for efficiency, its modern amenities are geared towards the self-sufficient traveller. You'll find sleek, modern shelters on both platforms and convenient card-only ticket machines, emphasizing the need to purchase your ticket before boarding. It's an unmanned station, so don't expect refreshments, toilets, or cash machines – plan accordingly! Access between platforms is made easy with both steps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for all.

Capturing the Essence: I visited Low Moor Station on a brisk December 30th, 2019, armed with my  Nikon D3300 SLR. The aim was to capture the essence of this modern transport hub, its sleek lines a stark contrast to the ghost of its past. The images showcase a station that, while minimalist in its offerings, is a vital lifeline for countless commuters and a proud symbol of West Yorkshire's revitalized rail network.

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Here's a video slideshow I put together for YouTube.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below, Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.