Glaisdale Railway Station, North Yorkshire

Glaisdale Railway Station is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, offering a glimpse into the region's rich railway heritage. This charming station, with its quaint architecture and scenic surroundings, provides a captivating experience for visitors and railway enthusiasts alike.

A Brief History

Glaisdale Station was opened on the 2nd October 1865 by the North Eastern Railway Company. It served as a vital stop for passengers and goods traveling through the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. The station's unique location, surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

A Picturesque Setting

The station's beauty lies not only in its historic architecture but also in its idyllic setting. Nestled amidst the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Glaisdale Station offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby fields, or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Exploring the Station

Glaisdale Station is a treasure trove for railway enthusiasts. The station buildings feature waiting rooms, toilets and a signal box closed in 1989, as well as one of the two passing loops remaining on the Esk Valley railway. The station is served by 6 trains per day towards Whitby, and another 6 per day towards Middlesborough.

A Gateway to Adventure

Glaisdale Station serves as a gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors. From here, visitors can embark on scenic train journeys, hike through the stunning countryside, or explore the charming villages and towns in the area. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which operates from Glaisdale Station, offers a nostalgic journey through the region's picturesque landscapes.

A Must-Visit Destination

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Glaisdale Railway Station is a must-visit destination. Its combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and scenic train journeys makes it a truly unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey back in time to this hidden gem in the heart of North Yorkshire.

I took the pictures below with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2022, they can be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap by clicking any image. All links open in another window.

The railway viaduct to the east of the station. Beggar's Bridge and the River Esk are just beyond the arch.

The disused signal box, closed in 1989

Inside the very clean and well kept waiting room.

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Smithy Bridge: A Tale of Two Stations and Enduring Connectivity

Nestled on the Caldervale Line, midway between the bustling metropolises of Leeds and Manchester, lies Smithy Bridge Railway Station. While it might appear, at first glance, to be a modest, unstaffed two-platform stop, its history is anything but ordinary, a testament to the evolving needs of a community and the enduring importance of rail travel.

A Modern Yet Modest Hub

Today, Smithy Bridge Station serves as a vital link for the local community, evidenced by its impressive passenger numbers – 167,000 in 2017/18, equating to over 3,200 journeys per week. Despite its unstaffed status, the station offers essential facilities. Small shelters on both platforms provide respite from the elements, while information boards keep passengers informed. For convenience, ticket machines are available for both purchasing and collecting tickets prior to travel.

Accessibility is a key feature, with both platforms reachable via ramps, ensuring that the station is usable by all. A small car park sits between the station and the picturesque Rochdale Canal, though passengers are advised this is not station property. A defining characteristic of Smithy Bridge is its proximity to the level crossing that carries Smithy Bridge Road, a route leading up to the scenic Hollingworth Lake – a popular local attraction.

From Victorian Origins to Modern Revival

The story of Smithy Bridge Station is a fascinating journey through time, a narrative of closure and triumphant re-opening. The original station, a product of the Victorian railway boom, was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in October 1868. This was nearly three decades after the initial line through Smithy Bridge had been laid, extending to Littleborough. For over 90 years, this initial incarnation of Smithy Bridge Station served its purpose, connecting the community to the wider rail network.

However, the mid-20th century saw significant changes in the railway landscape. British Rail, undergoing rationalisation, made the difficult decision to close Smithy Bridge Station in May 1960, a common fate for many smaller stations during this era. For 25 years, the tracks through Smithy Bridge lay silent, at least in terms of passenger services.

But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the foresight and financial backing of Greater Manchester PTE (Passenger Transport Executive), a new chapter began. On August 19th, 1985, a new Smithy Bridge Station, built on the very site of its predecessor, was officially opened. This revival underscored a renewed understanding of the importance of local rail connections and the role they play in sustainable transport and community development.

Echoes of the Past: The Signal Box

Just to the east of the current station, a level crossing marks a spot with a more recent historical footnote. Until 2014, a signal box stood proudly on the opposite side of the road to the station, diligently controlling the crossing. These iconic structures, once ubiquitous along railway lines, are now a rare sight, gradually being replaced by modern signalling systems. The Smithy Bridge signal box, a silent sentinel for many years, was ultimately taken out of use and subsequently demolished, another sign of the ever-evolving nature of the railway infrastructure.

A Snapshot in Time

The accompanying images, captured on a Nikon D3300 SLR camera on a crisp December day in 2019, offer a contemporary glimpse of Smithy Bridge Station. They show a station that, while unstaffed, is clearly well-used and continues to serve its community effectively. They are a visual reminder of the station's present-day function, a testament to its successful rebirth.

Smithy Bridge Railway Station is more than just a stop on the Caldervale Line. It's a living piece of railway history, a testament to the ebb and flow of rail travel, and a vital link for the people it serves. Its journey from Victorian origins to modern revival highlights the enduring value of accessible and well-connected public transport, a story that continues to unfold with every passing train.

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Halifax Station: A Journey Through Time, Tracks, and Transformations

Halifax. A town steeped in industrial history, and like many northern towns, its story is inextricably linked to the railways. But the tale of Halifax Station is more than just tracks and timetables; it's a fascinating journey through Victorian ambition, wartime adjustments, and modern-day revitalization hopes.

Let's rewind to 1844. Imagine a single track, snaking its way to the edge of Halifax, terminating at a humble spot called Shaw Syke, near where the roar of the Shay's football and rugby crowds echo today. This was Halifax's first taste of the railway age. A rudimentary connection, but a connection nonetheless.

Fast forward to 1855, and a significant upgrade. The line connecting Halifax to the burgeoning industrial powerhouse of Bradford was established, and a new station was built in its current location. Shaw Syke, the original terminus, transitioned into a goods yard. And here's a delightful twist: the original 1855 station building still stands, a proud relic of Victorian engineering, now cleverly incorporated into the vibrant Eureka! Children's Museum, a testament to how history can be repurposed for modern enjoyment.

But the station's story doesn't stop there. The following decades witnessed a flurry of development. A new road bridge provided a higher entrance, reflecting the town's growing prominence. Platforms multiplied, reaching a peak of seven, buzzing with activity. A restaurant and even a pub catered to the bustling crowds of travellers. This was a station at its zenith, a hub of commerce and connection.

And then, the names began to change, mirroring the shifting tides of the times. From the simple "Halifax," it became "Halifax Old Station" in 1890, perhaps to distinguish it from other railway developments. In 1951, it was christened "Halifax Town," reflecting a sense of civic pride. Finally, in 1961, it reverted to "Halifax," a return to simplicity.

However, this final name change coincided with a gradual decline in services. Platforms were decommissioned, leaving only the island platform to serve the reduced traffic. The grand station, once a symbol of progress, began to shrink.

But the story isn't over. There's a spark of hope, a plan to breathe new life into this historic space. A proposed £40 million project aims to bring the platform adjacent to the 1855 building back into use and remove the bridge access, returning the station to a more pedestrian-friendly configuration. Will this ambitious plan come to fruition? Only time will tell.

Halifax Station's journey is a microcosm of British railway history, reflecting the ebb and flow of progress, decline, and potential renewal. It's a reminder that even the most solid structures are subject to change, and that history, like a railway line, is a continuous journey. Whether the planned revitalization takes place or not, the station remains a fascinating chapter in Halifax's rich tapestry.

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The picture above was taken on the 1st June 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 from Beacon Hill, the following 5 pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd October 2017.

The signal box has closed since I took this picture.

The next 5 pictures were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

The bridge may be demolished under current plans being discussed. The spire is all that remains of Square Church.

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Todmorden Railway Station: A Journey Through Time

Todmorden Railway Station, a charming two-platform station nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, whispers tales of a bygone era. Originally constructed in 1841 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it straddles the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage.

The station's story is intertwined with the rise and fall of the Copy Pit Line, a branch line that snaked its way through the picturesque Cliviger gorge to Burnley. Imagine the steam-powered locomotives of 1849, puffing their way into Todmorden, only to reverse out again towards Burnley! This quirky arrangement was later superseded in 1862 by a more direct connection, bypassing Todmorden station altogether. A second station, Stansfield Hall, sprang up at the junction, briefly becoming the hub for Burnley-bound passengers. Though it eventually closed in 1949, its existence paints a vivid picture of the bustling railway landscape of the time.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn in 1965 with the closure of the Todmorden Curve, severing the direct link between Todmorden and Burnley. By 1972, the tracks were gone, and the Copy Pit Line itself faced imminent closure. But fate had other plans. The late 1980s witnessed a resurgence, with services extended and a renewed appreciation for the line's importance. Finally, in 2015, after six long years of planning, the Todmorden Curve was triumphantly reinstated, reconnecting the town to Burnley and restoring a vital transport link.

Today, Todmorden Station offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. While Platform 1 boasts waiting rooms, daily staffing, and disabled access, Platform 2 remains a relic of the past, accessible only by steps. Adding a touch of artistic flair, the Platform 1 Gallery, managed by the Todmorden Art Group, breathes life into the station buildings, transforming them into a vibrant community space.

These images, captured on a crisp November day in 2013 using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, offer a glimpse into the station's enduring character. They serve as a reminder of Todmorden Railway Station's remarkable journey through time, a journey that mirrors the ebb and flow of the region's industrial and social landscape. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Trains at Walsden and the Summit Tunnel.

A glorious Sunday afternoon beckoned, and with a few free hours, the Calder Valley called. A quick hop on the train whisked me to Walsden, my starting point for a leisurely stroll back along the historic Rochdale Canal to Todmorden. Camera in hand, I was eager to capture the picturesque scenery. My first stop: the eastern portal of the legendary Summit Tunnel, a feat of Victorian engineering. Intrigued by the prospect, I decided to try and film a train's passage through this iconic structure. Fortune smiled upon me; it wasn't long before an eastbound train thundered past, offering a fleeting glimpse into the tunnel's depths.

Sadly I was not aware of the distraction of the weeds in front of the camera at the time but I don't think they remove much of the feel of the video.

A testament to Victorian ingenuity, the Summit Tunnel stands as one of England's oldest railway tunnels. Completed between 1837 and 1841, this engineering marvel once claimed the title of the world's longest tunnel, stretching an impressive 1.6 miles. However, its history is not without incident. In 1984, a devastating fire ripped through the tunnel when a petrol train derailed and burst into flames, forcing an eight-month closure and highlighting the inherent dangers of such subterranean passages.

 

I also, before walking up, took a short time to film trains in operation at Walsden station, including a westbound train running straight through. An eastbound train was filmed from the iron bridge (the only remaining part of the original station closed in 1961 with the current station reopening in 1990), and another westbound train slowing on approach to platform 1 was filmed from platform 2 as it arrived.

The following video was filmed on November 14, 2014, using my handheld tablet. I was just beginning to take an interest in photography and filmed a short clip of a pacer train passing on its way into the mouth of the Summit Tunnel.