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.

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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.

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A Driver's View: Exploring the Scenic A40 from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth

I've just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel, It's a drive from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth, captured entirely from my DAF XF truck. If you're a fan of scenic drives, you're in for a treat.

This particular stretch of road is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Britain. The video covers approximately 12 miles, starting right from the end of the M50 motorway. We then cruise along the A449 and A40, finally completing the journey just after emerging from the Gibraltar Tunnel at Monmouth.

What makes this video a bit different is the perspective. Because I was in my truck, the dash cam footage gives you a higher vantage point than my usual videos. You really get to see the landscape unfold from a unique viewpoint.

It was a fantastic drive, and I hope the video conveys just how stunning the scenery is. Whether you're planning a trip to the area or just enjoy a good virtual road trip, I think you'll really appreciate this one.

The video was filmed on Wednesday January 29th 2020.

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Cruising the Clyde Corridor: A Driver's Perspective from Port Glasgow to Uddingston

The stretch of road connecting the industrial heritage of Port Glasgow to the more suburban landscape of Uddingston might seem like a straightforward hop across the central belt of Scotland. Clocking in at roughly 27 miles (or 43 kms), the journey is predominantly a ribbon of modern infrastructure, stitched together by the A8, M8, and M74 – a trio of motorways and dual carriageways designed for efficient transit.

For those behind the wheel of a wagon, as I was on that somewhat un-summery August 14th, 2018, this translates to a travel time of around 34 to 40 minutes when the traffic gods are smiling. And thankfully, on that particular day, the roads were indeed serene, even if the skies above weren't exactly radiating summer cheer.

But beyond the straightforward efficiency, this route holds fleeting glimpses of Scotland's character, particularly in its early stages. Just 43 seconds into the drive, as you merge onto the A8, the landscape opens up, revealing tantalizing breaks in the treeline. Through these natural frames, the majestic River Clyde comes into view, a vital artery that has shaped the fortunes of this region for centuries. For a good two minutes and nine seconds thereafter, the silvery ribbon of water accompanies the road, a constant reminder of the maritime history etched into the very fabric of Port Glasgow.

It's a view that truly deserves more than a fleeting glance. Imagine the bustling shipyards that once lined these banks, the echoes of industry and the stories of countless vessels launched onto the world's oceans. The Clyde, in this section, isn't just a river; it's a living testament to Scotland's shipbuilding prowess and its connection to global trade. Sadly, the limitations of my camera angle meant capturing the full, breathtaking beauty of this coastal and riverside panorama proved elusive. Trust me, though – the reality is a vista that stirs the soul.

Later in the journey, there's a notable stretch of freshly laid tarmac as you transition onto the new section of motorway connecting Junction 21 of the M8 to Junction 3 of the M74. It's a smooth, modern testament to infrastructure development, designed to streamline travel across the region.

However, beyond these specific points – the captivating glimpses of the Clyde and the smooth glide of the new motorway section – the remainder of the drive is, admittedly, less visually striking. The landscape becomes more functional, focused on the efficient movement of people and goods.

Yet, even in the seemingly mundane stretches of motorway, there's a story to be told. These roads are the lifelines of the central belt, connecting communities, facilitating commerce, and enabling the everyday movements that underpin modern life. While the scenery might not always be picture-postcard perfect, it's a vital part of the Scottish landscape, a testament to its industrious spirit and its ongoing development.

So, while my journey from Port Glasgow to Uddingston on that August day might not have been filled with dramatic twists and turns, it offered moments of genuine beauty and a reminder of the historical and economic significance of this well-traveled route. Sometimes, even the most functional of journeys can offer glimpses into the heart and soul of a place, if you know where – and when – to look.

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Journey Through Cumbria and Scotland: A Dashcam Time-Lapse

Experience the beauty of one of the UK's most scenic motorway stretches in this captivating time-lapse video! Filmed from my dashcam, this journey takes you on a 75-mile trip through stunning landscapes, from the edge of the Lake District to the Scottish border.

Our adventure begins near Burton in Kendal Services, just inside Cumbria, as we cross over from Lancashire. From there, we travel north on the motorway, offering glimpses of rolling hills and majestic mountains, even under less-than-ideal weather conditions. Keep an eye out for the dramatic climb to Shap Summit and the exhilarating descent that follows! The anticipation builds as we approach and cross the Scottish border, marking a transition into new territory.

This time-lapse condenses approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of driving into a fast-paced 8-minute journey. The original footage was captured on Monday, October 16, 2017, using a Vivitar DVR 783HD waterproof action cam.

These dash cam and scenic view videos are a new venture for me, a way to explore different aspects of visual storytelling beyond still photography. I hope you find them interesting. In this video, the camera is fixed facing north, but future uploads will feature angled shots showcasing more of the surrounding scenery.

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!

Across the Pennines: A Time-lapse Drive on the M62

Ever wondered what it's like to drive across the highest stretch of motorway in Britain? This time-lapse film offers a unique perspective on the M62, specifically the challenging section between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Filmed on September 1st, 2017, the journey begins at Ainley Top and climbs to the dizzying heights of Rishworth Moor, reaching 1221 feet (372 metres) above sea level near junction 22. This monumental feat of engineering, completed in 1970 after years of planning and construction, traverses some of the most unforgiving terrain in the UK. Notice how the clear skies at the start of the film quickly give way to a thick blanket of fog as we approach Saddleworth. This dramatic weather shift highlights the very conditions that plagued the construction of this section of the M62, making it one of the most complex and costly stretches of motorway ever built. The accompanying music, "Cylinder Seven" by Chris Zabriskie, adds an atmospheric layer to this fascinating glimpse into the challenges of building on the "roof of England."

The video was doubled in speed as I was driving a truck, and whilst it may look dangerously close at some points to the Abbey trailer, I wasn't, and at that point he was really struggling for power as we were barely doing 40mph and I couldn't get out to pass.

 

A few notable points of scenery, blink and you'll miss some to look out for, and the time in view,

 

Outlane Junction 23 slip road and Outlane Golf Club 1:30

Scammonden (Rainbow) Bridge 2:42

Scammonden Reservoir and Water Tower 3:01

Rishworth Moor, 3:38

Stott Hall Farm is barely visible to the right of the picture (3:46).

The fog comes into view and reduces the long-range visibility (4:37).

Junction 22 Saddleworth 5:58

Highest Motorway in England, Sign 6:08

M62 Pennine Way Bridge, 6:18

Rakewood Viaduct (Windy Hill) 7:38