An August Evening in the Pennines: Where Moorland Meets Motorway at Scammonden

Date: August 4th, 2018 Location: Scammonden, West Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Pennines, with their sweeping moorlands and dramatic valleys, hold a timeless quality. Yet, there’s one spot where the ancient landscape collides spectacularly with modern human ingenuity: Scammonden. Looking back at the photographs I captured on an early August evening in 2018, the unique character of this location—a crossroads of history, engineering, and stunning nature—is vividly apparent.

The Scenery: Golden Hour on the Moor

• The Light: The sun, low in the sky, bathes the scene in a warm, amber glow. On a summer evening, particularly following what was a famously hot summer in 2018, this light is intensely beautiful, bringing out the deep, earthy tones of the heather and rough grasses that cover the hills.

• The Landscape: You can sense the vastness of the exposed Pennine moorland—a land shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The slopes look rugged yet inviting, a perfect place for quiet reflection as the day cools down.

This area, high up on the backbone of England, offers a breath taking sense of isolation, a characteristic that makes its juxtaposition with the nearby motorway all the more striking.

The Modern Marvel: The M62 at Scammonden Dam

The M62, the vital trans-Pennine route, here performs one of its most impressive feats. Instead of a conventional bridge, the motorway runs along the crest of a massive structure known as the Scammonden Dam, which impounds the water to form Scammonden Reservoir (or Scammonden Water).

• A World-Class Design: Completed in the early 1970s, this dam was the first in the world to carry a motorway along its crest, and remains the only one of its kind in Britain. It's a spectacular example of multi-purpose civil engineering, solving the problems of both crossing a deep valley and providing a much-needed water supply for Huddersfield.

• The Viewpoint: Your pictures clearly show the elevated position of the motorway, giving an incredible vantage point for drivers and observers alike. The sheer scale of the cutting and the embankment is immense—a lasting monument to the ambition of the mid-20th-century road builders.

The faint streams of traffic in the images—perhaps captured with a slightly longer exposure as the light faded—represent the ceaseless flow of commerce and life connecting the East and West of the country, all happening atop this silent, earth-filled wall.

The Companion Reservoir: Booth Wood

• Booth Wood's Role: Lying just north of the M62 and Scammonden, Booth Wood Reservoir is another important feature in this water-rich landscape, supplying water to Wakefield. Like its larger neighbour, it was completed around the same time, in 1971.

• A Complex Water System: Looking out over Booth Wood, you get a sense of the complex network of reservoirs in this area, catching the water from the high moors and channelling it down to the towns and cities of West Yorkshire. It's a reminder that this scenic expanse is also a crucial utility landscape, quietly sustaining the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

A Village Beneath the Water

Perhaps the most fascinating detail of all lies beneath the surface of Scammonden Water. The reservoir's creation required a significant sacrifice: the valley floor was once home to the small village of Deanhead.

When the valley was flooded, most of the village's structures were demolished. However, the old Deanhead Church was spared and converted into what is now the local sailing club headquarters, sitting on the reservoir's edge—a tangible connection to the community that was displaced. Imagine the history held within the silent water, with the roar of the M62 overhead creating a truly unique historical contrast.

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Scammonden is more than just a stop-off; it is a profound location that tells a story of:

• Natural Beauty: The enduring wildness of the Pennines.

• Human Endeavor: The audacity and scale of its civil engineering.

• Lost History: The ghost of the village that sleeps beneath the dam.

Your photos from that August evening perfectly capture this three-part harmony. It's a place that commands attention, making you pause and appreciate the layers of life, nature, and engineering piled one atop the other.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Closed All Saints Church at Whitley

There's a certain melancholic beauty to a building that has outlived its original purpose, especially a church. Standing silent amidst the changing seasons, these structures become quiet sentinels, holding stories in their very stones. Such is the case with the closed All Saints Church at Whitley, a poignant landmark spotted from the A19, near junction 34 of the M62.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this intriguing site, drawn by its gothic charm and the air of quiet mystery that surrounds it. Approaching the church, the first thing that strikes you is its isolation. Surrounded by tall, unkempt grass and framed by mature trees, it feels like a forgotten piece of history, tucked away just out of reach. My Canon R100 was ready, eager to capture its essence, but a firmly padlocked gate barred access to the grounds. While the temptation to explore further was strong, my respect for property and the distinction between a photographer and an urban explorer kept me to the roadside. This meant the hidden side of the church remained unseen, adding to its enigmatic allure, but what was visible offered plenty to ponder.

The architecture itself speaks volumes. Built of a warm, honey-toned stone, characteristic of many Yorkshire churches, All Saints features classic Gothic Revival elements: lancet windows with elegant tracery, a steeply pitched roof, and a prominent bell tower crowned with a modest spire. Even from a distance, the craftsmanship is evident, hinting at a time when this building was the heart of the Whitley community. The bell, still visible in its belfry, seems to stand in eternal readiness, though its chime has long been silenced.

The overcast sky on that 10th November 2025 only enhanced the church's evocative atmosphere, casting it in a dramatic light. In black and white, the church takes on an even more timeless quality, its textures and forms emphasized against the brooding sky. It’s a scene that prompts reflection: what stories unfolded within these walls? What baptisms, weddings, and funerals did this church witness?

A Glimpse into Whitley's Past

While the exact opening and closing dates of All Saints Church can be elusive without deeper archival research, its architectural style suggests it likely dates from the Victorian era, a period of significant church building and restoration across England. Villages like Whitley, though now somewhat overshadowed by major road networks, would have once been vibrant agricultural communities. The church would have been more than just a place of worship; it would have been the social hub, a place for community gatherings, local news, and spiritual guidance.

The decision to close a church is never taken lightly. It often reflects changing demographics, dwindling congregations, and the significant financial burden of maintaining old, often listed, buildings. For All Saints, its closure likely marks a shift in the local population, perhaps with residents moving to larger towns or finding their spiritual homes elsewhere.

The Future of All Saints

So, what becomes of a beautiful, closed church like All Saints? Its future is uncertain, but there are several possibilities:

• Dereliction: Sadly, some churches fall into disrepair, becoming victims of the elements and neglect. Given its sturdy construction, All Saints appears to have resisted this fate for now, but without intervention, it's a risk.

• Conversion: Many redundant churches find new life through conversion into homes, community centres, art studios, or even unique commercial spaces. This requires sensitive planning to preserve the architectural integrity while adapting it for modern use.

• Preservation by a Trust: Organizations like The Churches Conservation Trust acquire and care for historic churches no longer needed for regular worship, ensuring their preservation for future generations to enjoy.

• Occasional Use: Sometimes, a closed church might still be used for special services, local events, or as a filming location, though regular public access remains limited.

For now, All Saints Church at Whitley stands as a beautiful, silent monument to its past, a landmark that prompts passers-by to pause and reflect. It's a reminder of the enduring power of architecture and the ever-changing tapestry of rural England. My brief encounter with it, even from behind a locked gate, left a lasting impression, a sense of history whispered on the wind that sweeps across the fields of Whitley.

I took these pictures on the 10th November 2025 with a Canon r100, Clicking either 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.

A Concrete River Through the Pennines: M62 at Scammonden

From the vantage point of Scammonden Bridge, the M62 motorway doesn't just look like a road—it looks like a river of light flowing through the Pennine hills. On an evening in August 2018, this concrete river was captured in a moment of twilight, heading east toward the heart of Yorkshire. The long exposure of the camera transforms the headlights and taillights of passing vehicles into streaks of colour, a stark contrast to the dark, ancient landscape that surrounds it.

The image shows more than just a motorway; it captures a unique moment where man-made infrastructure meets raw nature. The M62 cuts through the rolling, moor-covered hills, a testament to modern engineering. Below the bridge lies Scammonden Water, a reservoir nestled in the valley, its still surface reflecting the evening sky. High on the hills, the graceful, silent blades of wind turbines remind us of a different kind of progress.

This photograph isn't just about a road; it's about movement and stillness, light and shadow. It's a reminder of the millions of journeys that take place along this vital artery, a silent tribute to the endless flow of people and goods that connect the east and west of England, all under the vast, unchanging sky.

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!

The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

A Walk Along the Waterways: Exploring the River Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigation

Sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are found right on our doorstep. On a crisp day in late March 2019, with my trusty Nikon D3300 in hand, I set out to explore the waterways that wind their way through Brighouse and its surroundings. The goal was simple: to capture the essence of the River Calder and the Calder & Hebble Navigation as they unfolded before me.

The journey began near the heart of Brighouse, where the River Calder meets the navigation at the Calder & Hebble Junction. The water here seemed to hold a mirror to the world, reflecting the bare branches of the trees and the sturdy, red-brick buildings that line the banks. It’s a place where industrial heritage and natural beauty coexist—a reminder of the area’s rich history.

Moving away from the town, the landscape began to shift. The path became a quiet haven, a tranquil corridor flanked by trees, their reflections dancing on the surface of the water. At a spot near Cromwell Bottom, the setting sun cast a golden glow, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. The whole scene felt peaceful and timeless, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Further on, the walk brought me to some of the engineering marvels of the navigation. The Calder & Hebble Navigation under the M62 motorway is a study in contrasts. The colossal concrete pillars supporting the roaring traffic above loom large over the calm water below. It’s a powerful juxtaposition of modern infrastructure and the historical, slow-paced world of the canal.

At Brookfoot, the path became even more secluded, with lush greenery and overhanging trees creating a natural archway. I spotted a small waterfall cascading gently, adding to the soothing sounds of the water. This spot, at the Brookfoot Lock, felt particularly serene. The lock itself, with its black and white gates and the stone lock house, felt like a scene from another era, a testament to the hard work and ingenuity that shaped this landscape.

My journey on this day was a reminder of the simple joys of observation. Armed with my camera, I wasn't just walking; I was seeing. I saw the sun glinting off the river in Brighouse, the subtle play of light and shadow, the powerful presence of the M62, and the peaceful stillness of the canal. Each photograph tells a small part of the story of these waterways, and together, they paint a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and full of history.

It's amazing what you can discover when you take the time to look closely. I hope these images inspire you to take your own walk along a local path and see what stories you can find.

The pictures below are displayed in no particular order from the walk, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Calder & Hebble Navigation towards Ganny Foot Lock

The Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brookfoot bend.

Brookfoot Lock on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

The M62 Motorway over the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brighouse.

Calder & Hebble at Cromwell Bottom.

The junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and River Calder at Brighouse.

The River Calder at Brighouse.

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.

Exploring Scammonden from the Bridge

During a recent trip near Scammonden, I took the opportunity to film the area from the bridge that crosses the M62. This bridge, a fascinating landmark in its own right, goes by several names: Scammonden Bridge, a name that recalls the village submerged during the construction of the motorway and dam; Rainbow Bridge, perhaps inspired by the views it affords; and Brown Cow Bridge, a local moniker referencing a now-closed inn.

The bridge carries the B6114 road over the M62, which at this point sits at over 310 metres above sea level. The exposed location makes it susceptible to strong winds, a factor that once led the now-closed local school to provide a taxi service for children crossing the bridge during particularly blustery weather. Beneath the bridge, the M62, a vital artery connecting Liverpool and Hull, stretches across the north of England. Just west of the bridge lies the highest point on any motorway in England.

My videos offer eight distinct views of the surrounding area, including Stott Hall Farm, the impressive overflow of Booth Wood Reservoir, the substantial Scammonden Dam, and the panoramic natural beauty of the landscape. One of the videos is presented as a timelapse to offer a condensed viewing experience. Both videos are complemented by the evocative sounds of Kevin MacLeod's "Digya."

The second film is over 20 minutes long. It is the same film, but at normal speed, with 8 clips lasting no more than 3 minutes each. I have not replaced the soundtrack to give some idea of how windy it was with the wind noise and shaky camera, which was at the time on a tripod.

Wakefield to Brigg: A Waltz Through Yorkshire and Beyond

Ever wondered what a drive from Wakefield to Brigg looks like? I recently had to make this journey for work, and instead of just driving it, I decided to film it. Then, for a bit of fun, I compressed the 70-minute truck journey into a snappy 6 minutes 40 seconds and set it to the delightful "Waltz of the Flowers" by Tchaikovsky. The result? A surprisingly charming little road movie!

Now, let's be honest, with a forward-facing camera, the scenery wasn't exactly breathtaking. Think of it less as a visual feast and more of a time-lapse travelogue. But even so, there are a few landmarks worth pointing out along the way:

• 0:03: We begin at the newly redeveloped Kirkgate A61 roundabout in Wakefield, a glimpse of the city's changing face.
• 0:59: Hit the M62! The open road beckons.
• 1:35: A fleeting view of the mighty Ferrybridge Power Station.
• 3:15: Cruising onto the M18.
• 4:05: The M180 takes us further north.
• 6:08: Almost there! The A18 junction signals our approach to Brigg.

The journey starts by navigating the recently revamped Kirkgate A61 roundabout in Wakefield, then winds past Pinderfields and through Stanley before joining the M62 at junction 30. The M62 section included some roadworks (aren't there always?), but after junction 32, it was smooth sailing through the heart of Yorkshire and into North Lincolnshire, finally arriving in Brigg.

While the scenery might be understated, the combination of the sped-up footage and Tchaikovsky's whimsical score creates a surprisingly engaging experience. It's a fun, quirky way to experience a familiar route and appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape we traverse. Check it out – you might just find yourself humming along!