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!

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A Stroll Through History: Exploring the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Bridges 51 and 48

On a pleasant day, July 25th, 2020, I embarked on a delightful walk along a stretch of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, traversing the picturesque route between bridges 51 and 48, between the charming villages of Marsden and Slaithwaite. With camera in hand, I captured a number of images, which can be seen below, each one telling a story of this fascinating waterway, in a monochromatic way.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true engineering marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution. It's the highest canal in Britain, renowned for its challenging passage through the Pennines, including the famous Standedge Tunnel. Walking this section, you truly feel a connection to that rich history.

The path itself is a joy to navigate. Even on a summer's day, there's a sense of tranquillity as you follow the towpath alongside the water. The lush greenery on either side, with mature trees providing dappled shade, creates a serene atmosphere. You can see from some of the photos that parts of the towpath are well-maintained gravel, while others reveal the charming, traditional cobblestones, adding to the character of the walk. Even with a few puddles from recent rain, the path was easily walkable and added to the natural feel of the environment.

A highlight of this particular stretch is encountering the canal locks. I was fortunate enough to capture images of Lock 28E, 27E and Lock 26E. These grand structures, with their sturdy wooden gates and the mechanisms that control the water levels, are a constant reminder of the incredible effort it took to build and operate this canal. Seeing the lock numbers clearly marked, truly grounds you in the specific location along this vast network. It's easy to imagine the narrowboats of yesteryear patiently waiting their turn, carrying vital goods across the country.

Beyond the locks, the canal meanders through a landscape that seamlessly blends nature with remnants of human endeavour. The reflections of the trees in the calm water are particularly captivating, and the occasional glimpses of distant hills add to the scenic beauty. You can see the blend of open fields and densely wooded areas, providing a diverse visual experience.

This walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers more than just a pleasant ramble; it's an immersive journey into a significant piece of British heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, I highly recommend exploring this captivating waterway. It's a truly rewarding experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history that lie just a stone's throw away.

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Marsden Railway Station: Gateway to the Pennine Landscape

Marsden Railway Station, nestled in the picturesque village of Marsden, serves as a vital link on the Huddersfield - Manchester line, just east of the imposing Standedge Tunnels. This charming village stop, the last in West Yorkshire, offers a unique blend of historical railway architecture and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular spot for both commuters and leisure travellers exploring the nearby canal and tunnels.

The station, originally opened by the London & North Western Railway on August 1, 1849, has seen its share of changes. Once boasting four platforms, including an island platform 2, its layout was reduced to two lines and three platforms in the 1960s. Despite facing potential closure in the late 1960s, Marsden Station has persevered, continuing to serve trains heading towards Manchester and Leeds.

Access to the platforms varies. Platforms 1 and 2 are reached via steps descending from a nearby road bridge, while platform 3, located to the south of the station, offers a unique approach by crossing the tranquil Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which runs alongside it.

While the station is undoubtedly popular, especially for those venturing to the Standedge Tunnels and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, its facilities are somewhat limited. There is no visible disabled access, no public toilets, and only minimal shelter and seating on the platforms. Nevertheless, its appeal remains strong, with the station serving an impressive 175,000 passengers in the last full year before the pandemic, averaging approximately 3365 per week, ranking it as the 50th busiest in West Yorkshire.

This recent visit to Marsden Railway Station on July 25, 2020, was my second time exploring its character. My intention on this occasion was to embark on a walk along the scenic Huddersfield Narrow Canal towards Slaithwaite. For those interested, I have previously shared images from my last visit to the station. The photographs accompanying this post were captured using my Nikon D3300 SLR, aiming to showcase the station's charm and its beautiful surroundings.

Join me in these images as we take a closer look at Marsden Railway Station, a testament to railway heritage set against the stunning backdrop of the Pennine landscape.

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The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Lock 42 which sits adjacent to Marsden
Railway Station Platform 3.

Bench and sign on the station's platform 1.

Taken from Platform 2, which was once an island platform with a third
accessible platform to my right. Platform 1 is to the right and the station's
entrance steps can be seen coming down from the bridge.

Huddersfield bound train stopping at platform 1.

Taken from the end of platform 2 looking across from what once
would have been the third platform to what is the modern day platform 3.

The stations only platform 1 and 2 entrance, the steps down from the bridge.

Looking eastwards along platform 2 in the direction of
platform 1.

Platforms 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

Platform 2 pictured from the end of platform 1.

Platform 1 and 2.

Platforms 1, 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

The former island platform 3 pictured from the current platform 3.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.