The Summit Tunnel Eastern Portal

 Today, I found myself at a place where history and engineering meet nature's wild beauty: the eastern portal of the Summit Tunnel, nestled just outside of Walsden. It’s a spot that, at first glance, is simply a picturesque railway cutting framed by lush greenery and the dramatic Pennine hills. But looking closer, and listening to the low rumble of a passing train, you can feel the weight of its incredible history.

The series of photos I captured tells a small story of this location. From the first glimpse of the tunnel's mouth hidden amongst the trees to the powerful sight of a train emerging from its darkness, and even a peek at the intricate brickwork of the portal itself. The images show a train heading towards the tunnel, and then moments later, another view captures a different train heading away from it. This constant movement is a testament to the tunnel's enduring legacy as a vital artery of the UK's railway network.

The Summit Tunnel is not just any old railway passage; it's a colossal piece of Victorian engineering. When it was opened in 1841, it was the longest railway tunnel in the world, stretching an incredible 2,885 yards (about 2.6 kilometers) beneath the Pennine hills. It was a groundbreaking achievement of its time, a key part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway that connected these two great industrial cities.

The construction itself was a monumental effort. Digging through solid rock and battling difficult geological conditions, the engineers and navvies of the era faced immense challenges. The tunnel was built with a series of vertical shafts to aid in the excavation, and the sheer scale of the work is hard to comprehend today.

Looking at the photo of the tunnel's brickwork, you can see the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. The arches and the meticulously laid bricks are a silent monument to the people who built it. The railway lines themselves, shining in the daylight, lead the eye into the deep, dark mouth of the tunnel, a gateway to a different world.

Even today, as I stood on the bridge overlooking the tracks, the sight of a train disappearing into the tunnel or bursting out from it feels special. It’s a connection to the past, a link between the bustling cities and the serene countryside. This tunnel has seen the age of steam, the transition to diesel, and now modern trains continue to use it, carrying passengers and goods through the heart of the Pennines.

It's a reminder that beneath our feet and under our landscapes lie incredible feats of engineering that have shaped our country. The Summit Tunnel is more than just a route; it’s a living piece of history, a testament to human ingenuity, and a stunning landmark hidden in plain sight.

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Shepley Railway Station

On May 21st, 2016, I visited Shepley Railway Station, capturing a series of images with my Nikon d3300 SLR.

A Station Steeped in History

Shepley railway station serves the charming villages of Shepley and Shelley, nestled on the outskirts of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Its story began on July 1st, 1850, when it was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. The line itself was authorized by an act of parliament on June 30th, 1845, with the aim of connecting Huddersfield to the Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Manchester Railway at Penistone. For those interested in railway history, it's worth noting that the line from Penistone to Manchester, which passed through the iconic Woodhead tunnels, ceased operations in 1981.

Shepley's role in the railway network grew on September 1st, 1879, when it became a junction station with the opening of a 3.5-mile branch line to Clayton West. During this period, it was even known as Shepley and Shelley station. However, the branch line closed in 1983, and at the same time, much of the Penistone line was singled. Shepley, thankfully, retained its double track layout, providing a crucial passing loop between here and Stocksmoor.

Shepley Today: A Look at the Modern Station

Fast forward to today, and the modern Shepley station features a two-platform, staggered layout, situated on either side of a bridge. It's been unstaffed since 1966 and offers limited facilities. You won't find toilets, ticketing machines, disabled access, or shops here. Despite the minimalist amenities, the station remains a vital link for the local community. During 2018/19, it was used by 71,536 passengers, averaging around 1,375 per week. This represented a slight drop of approximately 55 passengers per week compared to the previous year.

Shepley Railway Station, with its rich past and continued service, truly stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Britain's railways.

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Milner Royd Junction: A Secluded Spot to Watch Time and Trains Go By

There are places that, for reasons often indefinable, simply call to you. For me, one such spot is Milner Royd Junction, nestled approximately a mile to the east of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station in West Yorkshire. It's not a grand tourist attraction, nor is it bustling with activity. Instead, it offers a quiet retreat, a place where the rhythm of passing trains provides a unique kind of solace.

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Where Lines Converge and History Lingers

Milner Royd Junction is a fascinating intersection of railway history and modern transport. This is the point where the Caldervale line, heading towards Halifax, diverges from the Calder Valley line, which leads towards Brighouse. The Calder Valley line, being the older of the two, carries a rich heritage. Interestingly, the section towards Brighouse was closed to passenger services in 1970, primarily serving as a freight line until its reopening for passengers in 2000.

Even today, the old signal box stands sentinel at the junction, a silent testament to a bygone era of railway operations, now redundant but still a proud fixture of the landscape. The junction itself is spanned by a distinctive four-arch bridge. This bridge once offered a pathway towards Norland, but for as long as I can remember, access from its northern side has been locked off. While the higher southern gate is typically unlocked, reaching it is a bit of an adventure, as the surrounding area is often overgrown.

Despite these minor access quirks, Milner Royd Junction remains a cherished spot. It's a place where you're virtually guaranteed to be left alone, allowing you to simply observe the constant flow of train transport passing by – a truly meditative experience for any railway enthusiast.

An Unforgettable Encounter: A Steam Train on the Valley Line

One particular day stands out vividly in my memory at Milner Royd Junction: Sunday, November 3rd, 2019. I had heard whispers that a majestic steam train was scheduled to journey along the valley, passing directly through the junction. This was an opportunity not to be missed. The train was making its way from Blackburn to Wakefield Kirkgate, a journey that promised a spectacular sight.

Knowing that punctuality isn't always a hallmark of British railways, I made sure to arrive early. This decision proved to be incredibly wise, as the steam train, defying expectations, arrived ahead of schedule! It was a truly exhilarating moment, the air filled with the iconic chuffing sound and the scent of coal, as the magnificent locomotive thundered through the junction.

The following two videos, from my YouTube account, capture the magic of that day, allowing you to experience a glimpse of that unforgettable steam train passage through Milner Royd Junction.

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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.