Holmes Park: A Hidden Gem in Luddendenfoot

 Nestled in the picturesque village of Luddendenfoot, Holmes Park is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This charming park, with its lush green spaces, winding pathways, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply a moment of quiet reflection.

What to Expect at Holmes Park:

• Serene Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you wander through the park's well-maintained grounds.
• Scenic Views: Take in breath taking panoramic views of the Calder Valley, distant Pennine Hills, River Calder and Rochdale Canal.
• Picnic Spots: Find a cosy spot under a shady tree and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
• Play Areas: Let the kids burn off some energy at the park's play areas, equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames.
• Walking Trails: Explore the network of walking trails that wind through the park, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Local Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the park's blooming flowers and warm weather.
• Parking: There is ample free parking available near the park.
• Facilities: The park lacks any facilities, their is a pub nearby to purchase refreshments.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, Holmes Park is a must-visit destination. So, pack a picnic, grab your walking boots, and head to this delightful park for a truly unforgettable experience.

The pictures below were taken in November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Crossfield Fountain.

Erected in the memory of John William Crossfield a local mill owner.

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A Summer Stroll: From Canal Towpath to Hillside Vistas

On a sun-drenched summer day, I embarked on a camera-in-hand adventure along the Rochdale Canal. My journey started at Bridge 3 (Rose Grove), where I followed the tranquil waterway towards Luddendenfoot. The towpath was a peaceful green tunnel, and I enjoyed capturing the play of light and shadow as I passed under Bridges 4 and 5.

Upon reaching Bridge 6 (Station Road) at Luddendenfoot, I ventured inland. My path ascended a winding track that led me through lush woodlands and grassy meadows toward the township of Warley. Each step brought me higher, revealing new views of the beautiful landscape.

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The View from the Top

My journey culminated at a breathtaking hilltop, where the Luddenden Valley stretched out before me. The rolling green fields, scattered with quaint houses and drystone walls, were a perfect picture of the West Yorkshire countryside. In the distance, Oats Royd Mill at Booth stood as an outstanding industrial landmark, a testament to the region’s rich history.

The entire walk was a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The pictures below, taken on July 28, 2024, with my Nikon d3300, capture the serene spirit of the canal and the grand scale of the valley.

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Rose Grove Bridge, Number 3 over the Rochdale Canal.

The Rochdale Canal, pictured between Bridge 3 (Rose Grove) and Bridge 4 (Longbottom) on a stretch of the canal at Tenterfields between Sowerby Bridge and Luddendenfoot.

Bridge 6 over the Rochdale Canal, Station Road Bridge is just off Burnley Road and used to provide access to Luddendenfoot Railway Station which closed in 1962. The station would probably be a busy little halt now with all the housing developments that have completed in the local area since its closure.

The previous 2 pictures were taken on the walk up from Luddenden to Warley. Although the 2nd picture looks like a dried up river bed I believe it to be a footpath that suffers from drainage problems when the weather is wet, which in Northern England is quite often.

Oats Royd Mill, Booth.

Sometimes called Moggy's Mill, Oats Royd Mill was built in stages between 1842 and 1886. It was a worsted spinning mill until 1984 when it was separated into units occupied by several different industries. Large parts of the buildings were badly damaged by fire in February 1989. Despite local opposition the remaining buildings were converted in to private housing.

The Luddenden Valley pictured from Deep Lane, Warley.

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A Walk in the Rain: Exploring Brearley and the Route 66 Cycleway

There’s a unique beauty to the Calder Valley when it's raining. The greens become richer, the stone walls darker, and the atmosphere takes on a moody, contemplative quality. My recent walk, a loop starting from home in Sowerby Bridge and leading through Boulderclough and Mytholmroyd before returning along the Route 66 cycleway, offered a perfect, if soggy, opportunity to experience this.

The Murder Stone: A Dark Tale on a Pleasant Path

The Route 66 cycleway, is a well-loved trail for cyclists and walkers alike. As you pass through the hamlet of Brearley, just south of the railway bridge, you encounter a fascinating and rather macabre piece of local history: the memorial to William Deighton.

The "murder stone," as it's known, is a solemn reminder of a brutal crime. The memorial commemorates William Deighton, a tax inspector who was killed in Halifax while investigating the notorious coin counterfeiter "King" David Hartley and his gang. The stone, with its weathered, skeletal carving and a fragment of text, stands as a chilling artifact of a time when the law in this part of Yorkshire was a dangerous business. The photographs capture the stone in its atmospheric setting, nestled in the long grass beside the path, a quiet and unexpected monument to a violent past.

The path is part of the Route 66 cycleway (bridleway), with the railway bridge seen at the top of the picture and the green metal wall.

Underneath the skeletal artwork reads the following: A full and true account of a barborous, bloody, and inhuman murder. There is further artwork below this writing.

A Shelter, and a Soaking

Carrying on my walk past the former chapel, now converted into apartments, and through the heart of Brearley, the skies opened up. The rain, which had been threatening all morning, finally began to pour. Seeking shelter, I ducked under the arch of the Wheatley Royd Farm Bridge. It was a temporary reprieve, a dry spot from which I could watch the rain stream down the stone walls of the bridge and form rivulets on the path. The view from under the bridge, a framed shot of the lush, wet greenery beyond, was a beautiful moment of calm.

However, after nearly 30 minutes of waiting, with my weather app stubbornly refusing to offer any hope of a quick clearing, I conceded defeat. The path ahead called, and there was nothing for it but to embrace the inevitable soaking.

The images from the walk, from the striking memorial to the moody, rain-soaked landscapes of the Calder Valley, tell the story of the day perfectly. They capture the unique blend of history, nature, and unexpected weather that makes walking in West Yorkshire such a rewarding experience, even when you end up soaked to the skin.

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The Lord Nelson Inn: A Historic Gem in Luddenden

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Luddenden, West Yorkshire, the Lord Nelson Inn is more than just a pub—it's a living piece of history. Situated on High Street, it's the village's last remaining pub, making it a beloved gathering spot for locals and a well-regarded destination for visitors.

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A Pub with a Past

The building's story begins long before it became a public house. Constructed in 1634 as a home for local landowner Gregory Patchett, it was originally called Newhouse. By the mid-1700s, it had been converted into a pub, first known as the White Swan. Its current name, the Lord Nelson, was adopted in 1805 in honor of the British naval hero following the Battle of Trafalgar, and it has kept that name ever since.

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More Than Just a Public House

The Lord Nelson Inn has a storied past that goes beyond serving drinks. From 1776 to 1917, it housed the Luddenden Library. One of its most famous patrons was Branwell Brontë, the brother of the celebrated Brontë sisters, who was often seen at the pub during his time working at the nearby Luddendenfoot Railway Station. The inn has also served as a stand-in for the local St. Mary's Church for various functions, further cementing its role as a central hub of the community.

With its rich history and cosy atmosphere, the Lord Nelson Inn is a must-visit for anyone exploring the charming countryside of West Yorkshire. Have you ever visited a pub with such a fascinating history?

The 2 pictures below are all that remains of a set of 6 I took around the pub, they were taken on the 13th October 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Clicking on them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle,

I took this from the garden - seating area at the junction of Old Lane and High Street.

I took this picture from the churchyard of St Mary's, the high building directly behind the Lord Nelson used to be the village school known as St Mary's Old School, it was closed in 1993 and is now a private residence.

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Unplanned Beauty: My Train Trip from Sowerby Bridge to Mytholmroyd

"Step aboard for a glimpse of a New Year's Eve train journey from Sowerby Bridge to Mytholmroyd! On December 31st, 2018, at approximately 11:15 am, with the carriage blissfully uncrowded, I decided to capture the passing scenery. My Nikon D3300 SLR was already mounted, and the thought of 'why not?' led to this spontaneous video.

Our westward journey commenced from Sowerby Bridge Railway Station Platform 1. Almost immediately, the iconic County Bridge, the majestic Town Hall Clock, and the gentle flow of the River Calder swept past. We then skirted Goodalls Transport, a reminder of the area's industrial past, built on the grounds of the former goods yard and near the original 1876 station site. The world outside then narrowed as we plunged into Cemetery Tunnel – known locally as Dixy Tunnel – burrowing beneath the serene Dixon Scar Woods and the peaceful Sowerby Bridge Cemetery. Though the tunnel section lasted a minute, I've fast-forwarded it for brevity in the video.

Emerging from the darkness, the landscape blossomed into open country as we sped towards Sowerby Bridge's Tenterfields, a once-bustling mill complex now humming with modern businesses. Next came the former VTL works, now a quiet haven for caravans within Fairlea Mills, followed by the historical echo of Luddendenfoot Railway Station, now repurposed into bustling industrial units.

Beyond Luddendenfoot, the rolling countryside stretched out again, punctuated by the blink-and-you'll-miss-it hamlet of Brearley, a scattering of homes and businesses barely discernible from the train. Finally, as Mytholmroyd drew near, the modern lines of Moderna Business Park peeked through the trees, and the venerable St. Michael's Church appeared as my cue to prepare for disembarkation.

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Whispers of Mills and Murders: Unearthing Brearley's Hidden History

Nestled between the rumble of the mainline railway and the busy A646 Burnley Road, between Luddendenfoot and Mytholmroyd, lies the unassuming hamlet of Brearley. It's easy to pass by, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot in the verdant embrace of West Yorkshire. But beneath its tranquil surface, Brearley holds tales that echo through the centuries, whispering of industry, faith, and even murder.

One of the first things that catches the eye is the former Baptist Chapel. Once a vibrant hub of community life, its stone walls now house apartments, a silent testament to the changing fortunes of the area. The closure of the mills, once the lifeblood of Brearley, led to a gradual exodus, leaving the chapel's pews empty. It's a poignant reminder of how industrial shifts can reshape entire communities, leaving behind echoes of a bygone era.

But Brearley's history isn't just about the rise and fall of industry. Venture along the Route 66 cycleway, towards Mytholmroyd, and you'll encounter a stark reminder of a darker chapter: the memorial to William Deighton.

Deighton, a tax inspector, arrived in Halifax in April 1759. He quickly became aware of the rampant practice of coin clipping, a form of counterfeiting that plagued the region. His investigations led him to the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang who were systematically defrauding the government. The story takes a tragic turn in November 1769, when Deighton was ambushed and murdered on Swires Road, Halifax, by Robert Thomas and Matthew Normington, two members of the Coiners.

The initial acquittal of Thomas and Normington in August 1770 is a chilling reflection of the times, but justice, though delayed, was not denied. They were eventually convicted and executed for highway robbery in 1774, bringing a grim end to the Coiners' reign of terror. Deighton's memorial serves as a stark reminder of his dedication and the ultimate price he paid for his pursuit of justice.

And then, there are the bridges. Brearley boasts not one, but two 18th-century bridges, each a testament to the engineering prowess of the time. One gracefully spans the River Calder, while the other arches over the historic Rochdale Canal. These sturdy structures, weathered by time and traffic, offer a glimpse into the transport networks that once connected this bustling region.

Brearley, then, is more than just a quiet hamlet. It's a place where the echoes of industrial revolution mingle with tales of faith and crime. It's a place where you can stand on centuries-old bridges and contemplate the lives that have passed beneath them. It's a place where history whispers from every stone and every bend in the cycle path. So, next time you find yourself travelling through West Yorkshire, take a moment to pause in Brearley. You might just hear the whispers of its fascinating past.

The pictures were taken on consecutive August weekends in 2016 with a Nikon d3300 Camera. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

This first set of 7 were taken on the 14th August 2016.

The former Brearley Baptist Chapel and Sunday School, now apartments.

The River Calder towards Brearley Bridge.

Stoney Springs House.

The former Baptist Chapel and Sunday School.

Brearley Bridge and the River Calder.

The next set of 6 pictures were taken on the 20th August 2016.

Brearley Bridge and Weir.

The former Baptist Chapel and Sunday School.

This stone chair is found on the footpath the runs between Brearley and Luddendenfoot alongside the railway.

The William Deighton Memorial Stone. The stone is a dedicated to William Deighton, a local tax inspector who was murdered by the Cragg Vale Coiners Gang.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.