Revisiting Rawcliffe Railway Station: A Portrait of the Parliamentary Halt

 It's a curious experience to return to a place that exists primarily to stave off official non-existence. Just over a year after my first visit in August 2024, I found myself back at Rawcliffe Railway Station, near Goole, on November 10th, 2025. The station, a quintessential "parliamentary halt" on the Pontefract Line, is a poignant monument to the golden age of rail and a stark reminder of service decline.

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Autumn's Embrace at a Forgotten Halt

The images capture the station in the quiet, damp embrace of late autumn. The Victorian station building—a lovely piece of architecture from the line's opening in 1848 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway—now stands as a private residence, its original purpose reduced to a charming backdrop for the single-track line.

The atmosphere is one of profound stillness, broken only by the sound of rustling leaves. The track bed and the single remaining operational platform are covered in a carpet of fallen leaves, making the 50 mph speed limit sign look almost redundant.

The Single Platform & The Single Line

Rawcliffe's decline began in the mid-1980s when the once-busy line to the inland port of Goole was singled between Hensall and Goole. This is immediately visible in the photographs:

• Platform Surface: The remaining platform is clearly delineated with the bright yellow safety line, slick with recent rain and strewn with brown, wet leaves. The contrast between the maintained, if leaf-strewn, area and the overgrown embankment on the far side is striking.

• The Former Platform: On the north side, the overgrown, disused platform wall is visible, a haunting outline of the former double-track line. This view truly underscores the station's history and downsizing.

These visual cues speak volumes about the station's status. It is unstaffed, with minimal facilities—just a basic waiting shelter and a timetable board. Tickets can only be bought in advance or on the train.

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The Parliamentary Paradox

Rawcliffe is famous—or perhaps infamous—for its minimal train service. It’s a classic example of a "parliamentary train" station, where just enough services are run (currently 3 per day, Monday to Saturday) to avoid the costly and lengthy formal closure proceedings. This residual timetable keeps the station 'open' and the route operational.

For rail enthusiasts, visiting Rawcliffe is a pilgrimage to one of the UK's least-used stations. In recent years, annual passenger usage has hovered in the low hundreds, making its grand Victorian architecture feel disproportionate to its modern utility. The irony of this situation is fascinating: the station exists not for the passengers it serves, but for the legal technicality it satisfies.

My return visit confirms that Rawcliffe remains a beautiful, melancholic place—a small piece of living railway history clinging on to its official status by the thinnest of timetables.

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A Line of Iron and Grit: Tracing Part of the Halifax to Queensbury Railway

Back in May 2015, I spent a day walking the ghost lines of the Halifax to Queensbury Railway, a spectacular and demanding route that was part of the Great Northern Railway’s challenging "Queensbury Lines" network. This railway was born of Victorian ambition, forging a path through the steep Pennine terrain—a task so difficult it earned the nickname 'the Alpine route' or 'the switchback'.

The short section I explored, captured in these photos, run from the former site of North Bridge Railway Station up toward where the Woodside Viaduct once stood. These remnants of a mighty line, which closed to passengers in 1955 and completely in 1974, speak volumes about the engineering and industrial power of West Yorkshire.

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The Haunted Halt: North Bridge Station

My journey started at the site of North Bridge Station. Opened in 1880, it was built by the Halifax and Ovenden Junction Railway, jointly operated by the Great Northern Railway (GNR) and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR).

The station itself was a marvel of Victorian compromise. The line had to run beneath the newly rebuilt North Bridge, which was raised an impressive 11 feet to clear the tracks. The passenger facilities were apparently "cramped & gloomy," but the site was a major hub for goods, including a large yard that served the nearby gasworks. Today, the station buildings are long gone, replaced by a leisure centre and its car park.

The only prominent survivors are the iron footbridge that once spanned the platforms and the dark, imposing mouth of the Old Lane Tunnel.

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Tunnels and Tragedies: The Route North

Heading north from North Bridge, the line immediately plunged into engineering challenges. The nearby Woodside Viaduct was a six-arched structure that carried the line toward the Old Lane (Woodside) Tunnel and Lee Bank Tunnel. Tragically, the viaduct was later demolished to make room for the A629 road, the main road between Halifax and Keighley.

All that remains now is the impressive southern abutment , a powerful stone statement of where a massive structure once began.

Further on, the line passed through the Lee Bank Tunnel(sometimes referred to as Woodside Tunnel). It’s an incredibly atmospheric stretch, the stonework damp and mossy, a true forgotten path. The entire Queensbury Lines project was notoriously difficult and dangerous, leading to the local press dubbing them "the slaughtering lines" due to the casualties sustained during construction. Lee Bank Tunnel will feature in a later post.

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The Photography: A Splash of History

To capture the mood of this forgotten industrial heritage, I chose a specific editing style for these photos: selective colour removal.

I stripped almost all colour, rendering the stone, moss, and foliage in moody, evocative black and white. The only colour I allowed to remain was red . This choice was deliberate, a visual metaphor for a past that was dramatic and often difficult:

• The Grit and Rust: Red represents the rust of forgotten ironwork and the danger of the great works.

• The Warning: It highlights the warning signs of demolition and decay that now mark these historical sites .

• A Trail of Memory: It forces the eye to focus on the small, contemporary markers that dot the landscape, sharply contrasting the scale of the forgotten Victorian infrastructure with its quiet modern life.

Walking these overgrown tracks is a humbling experience. They are a physical reminder of the sheer human effort and engineering ambition that powered the industrial North, now slowly being reclaimed by nature.

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Huncoat: A Lancashire Railway Station with a Powerful Past

 In August 2022, I took a trip to the quaint village of Huncoat in Lancashire, camera in hand (my trusty Nikon D3300!) to capture the essence of its modest but historically significant railway station.

This seemingly quiet stop on the East Lancashire Line holds a fascinating past, closely linked to the region's industrial boom. It's more than just a place to catch a train; it's a window into the coal, brick, and power-generating industries that once dominated this area.

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The Historical Significance

Huncoat Railway Station, currently managed by Northern Trains, first opened its doors on September 18, 1848, as part of the East Lancashire Railway. Interestingly, the station you see today isn't the original location—it was relocated to its current site in 1902 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to better serve the growing local industries.

• Industrial Hub: The area around the station exploded with industry between the two World Wars. It served three local collieries (coal mines), two coke ovens, and the famous Accrington Nori Brick Works. This meant a vast network of mineral lines converged here, making Huncoat a vital freight hub.

• The Power Station Link: Perhaps the most imposing piece of local history was the massive Huncoat Power Station, constructed between 1950 and 1956 right next to the station. It relied on the railway for the massive amounts of coal it consumed. While the power station was decommissioned in 1984 and the site is now a nature walk, the sheer scale of the operation it once supported is impressive.

• A Railway Award Winner: In a testament to its freight importance, the station actually won a railway award just before the start of the Second World War for the sheer tonnage of freight it handled!

Capturing the Modern Halt

Today, the bustling freight yards are gone, and the grand old 1912 station buildings—which once housed a booking office, waiting rooms, and a parcels office—have been replaced with simple, modern shelters, marking its evolution into a quiet, unstaffed commuter halt.

Despite the modernisation, the station's character shines through, especially thanks to the community effort from the local group, 'Hands on Huncoat', who often add beautiful floral displays, breathing new life into the platforms.

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Your Journey on the East Lancashire Line

The station sits on the East Lancashire Line, connecting destinations in a convenient one-hour frequency (hourly on weekdays and Saturdays, two-hourly on Sundays).

• Westbound: Trains head toward Accrington, Blackburn, and ultimately Preston.

• Eastbound: Services run to Burnley and Colne.

The contrasting elements of Huncoat make it a compelling subject for any rail enthusiast—the simple functionality of a modern Northern station set against a backdrop of deep industrial history. If you're ever travelling through Lancashire, it’s a spot well worth a pause to reflect on the industries that shaped the region.

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Colne Railway Station: Where History Pauses and the Future Beckons

Arriving at Colne Railway Station today, you step onto the platform and immediately sense the town's character. For a station that currently marks the end of the line on the East Lancashire route, its simple, single-platform setup belies a bustling past and an incredibly ambitious future.

Inspired by the sight of the 'Welcome to Colne' sign and the quiet track leading out, we wanted to delve into the fascinating story of this Lancashire terminus.

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A Joint History: The Railway Frontier

Colne station's origins date back to a time of booming textile production in East Lancashire. In the mid-19th century, it became a crucial point where two major railway companies met.

• 1848/49: The Midland Railway arrived first, followed shortly by the East Lancashire Railway (later absorbed by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, affectionately known as 'the Lanky').

• A Joint Station: Colne became a 'Joint Station,' which, while making it a hub, also created operational headaches, often requiring passengers to change trains for through journeys.

• A Busy Hub: In its heyday, the station was a hive of activity, boasting a goods shed, an engine shed with turntables, and a large carriage shed. The railway was vital for distributing the cotton and other goods that Colne was built upon.

However, the infamous Beeching Cuts of the 1960s brought a period of decline. The Midland's critical connection to Skipton closed in 1970, and the station was downgraded to an unstaffed halt in 1971. The grand original buildings were sadly demolished in the late 1970s, leaving the pared-down, functional station we see today.

A Welcome from 'Millie' the Mill Girl

Despite the lack of the original grand architecture the station offers a unique and touching tribute to Colne's heritage.

As you walk toward the platform, you are greeted by a distinctive piece of public art: 'Millie' the Mill Girl statue. This abstract, stainless steel sculpture was commissioned by the 'Colne in Bloom' team and created by sculptor Clare Biggar.

'Millie' stands as a proud, permanent welcome, honouring the thousands of workers whose labour built the town. She is a powerful visual reminder that Colne's identity is inextricably linked to the cotton mills, offering new arrivals a meaningful connection to the local history before they even step into the town centre.

The Future: A 'Game Changer' Reopening

The single track and buffer stop at Colne do not represent the end of ambition. In fact, the station is the focus of one of the North of England's most significant and hopeful rail campaigns.

The Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) is campaigning relentlessly for the reinstatement of the 12-mile connection to Skipton. This route is known as the 'missing link.'

• Economic Impact: Reopening this line is seen as a true 'game changer.' It would create a vital East-West Trans-Pennine link, connecting communities and businesses in East Lancashire with those in North and West Yorkshire.

• Feasibility: Crucially, a government-commissioned feasibility study has already declared the project 'technically feasible.' The current focus is on building a robust business case to secure funding.

The reinstatement would not only provide direct services to major destinations like Leeds but would also unlock significant opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and easier access to jobs and education across the Pennines.

From its role as a Victorian-era joint station to its current status as the line's terminus and the site of a forward-looking campaign, Colne Railway Station is more than just a place to catch a train to Blackpool. It is a historical marker, a tribute to the past, and a powerful symbol of potential for the future.

Colne is at the end of the line... but it's poised for a new beginning.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 19th August 2022, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Unveiling the Hidden Arches: A Norland Perspective of Copley Viaduct

The Copley Viaduct, a stoic sentinel of stone and rail, is a familiar and imposing sight to many in the Calderdale valley. Its grand, rhythmic arches, usually captured and admired from the more accessible Copley side of the river, are a profound testament to the ambition and structural ingenuity of Victorian engineering. However, on a crisp 5th of November in 2016, armed with my trusty Nikon d3300, I embarked on a personal quest to unveil a lesser-seen, often-overlooked side of this magnificent structure – the view from the wilder, higher Norland embankment.

The Quest for a New Angle

My intention was born from a desire for a unique perspective. The viaduct, an integral part of the railway line stretching towards Halifax, is the longer and more impressive of the two major crossings in the area. Yet, the rugged Norland bank of the River Calder at this point is rarely photographed. I wanted to see it through fresh eyes, framed by the wild, untamed beauty of the western slope, capturing the interplay between the raw landscape and the man-made marvel.

The viaduct itself, a Grade II listed structure completed in 1852 for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, is a marvel designed by the prominent engineer Sir John Hawkshaw. Its original purpose was to link Sowerby Bridge and Halifax more directly, bypassing the earlier, circuitous branch line. Its 21 to 23 arches (sources vary slightly) elegantly span the valley, crossing not just the River Calder, but also the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Wakefield Road (A6026). This sheer scale and historical importance add immense weight and character to every stone.

An Unrecommended Ascent

The specific viewpoint I sought demanded an ascent. The climb up the embankment was, to put it mildly, a significant challenge. It was a steep, difficult scramble, weaving through thick undergrowth and navigating treacherous, uneven terrain. As I pushed upwards, my mind was half-expecting to encounter a formidable fence at the summit, a clear, sensible demarcation preventing access to the elevated, active railway line.

To my surprise, when I reached the top of the banking overlooking the line, there was no fence. While this offered an unobstructed view, it instantly reinforced the absolute necessity of extreme caution. I maintained a safe and sensible distance away from the active railway lines at all times. The brief moments at the top were only for two quick, carefully composed shots before I commenced the careful and difficult descent back down the banking.

I must stress this point strongly: I absolutely would not recommend anybody else attempt this climb. The risks involved, especially the proximity to a busy, active main railway line like the Calder Valley route, are far too high, and the terrain itself was unforgiving. Safety, around any railway infrastructure, must always be paramount.

The Rewards of the North Bank

The effort, for me, was justified by the images captured, which offer a rare glimpse into the hidden world beneath and beside the viaduct from this unique vantage point.

Looking up from the base of the embankment, the sheer scale of the viaduct becomes strikingly apparent. The imposing, semi circular arches, usually perceived as elegant distant features, now loom overhead, their weathered, rock-faced sandstone a massive canvas of time and history. They dwarf the surrounding trees and give a visceral sense of the colossal effort that went into their construction.

The scene, captured on an autumnal day, is framed by the skeletal trees, stripped bare by the approaching November chill. Their branches reach like gnarled, dark fingers towards the sky, creating natural, gothic frames for the stone arches. The low, crisp light of the day filters through the canopy and between the arches, creating pockets of illumination and deep shadow—a moody, almost ethereal atmosphere that hints at the industrial and natural secrets held within the valley.

The Norland side, less manicured and more rugged, provides a powerful contrast to the structure itself. It reminds you that this incredible piece of Victorian infrastructure was driven right through a landscape that did not easily surrender, a landscape still defined by the steep banks of the River Calder.

The images taken from the top of the embankment offer the true prize: an unprecedented, sweeping view along the length of the viaduct as it vanishes towards Halifax. This perspective, often monopolized by the distant Copley side, reveals the full, majestic sweep of the arches from a parallel, elevated angle—a fitting reward for a difficult photographic quest to see a familiar landmark with completely new eyes.

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Sowerby Bridge Railway Station: A Gateway Through Time

Tucked into the heart of the Calder Valley, Sowerby Bridge railway station is more than just a stop along the line—it’s a beautifully preserved piece of industrial history that continues to serve the community today. Opened in 1876 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, to replace the earlier 1840 station, this station has witnessed the evolution of West Yorkshire’s transport network, from the age of steam to the modern Northern Rail services that still call here daily.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms – A Taste of the Past

The first image captures the charming Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, a rare surviving example of Victorian railway hospitality. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the building was once a bustling rest stop for travellers and railway staff alike, offering tea, coffee, and light refreshments to those journeying through the valley.

After years of neglect and near demolition, the structure was lovingly restored and reopened in 2009, reviving its role as a welcoming hub for passengers. Today, the building continues to echo with history—its brickwork, chimney stacks, and sash windows all whispering stories from the golden age of rail.

The Support Arches – Engineering with Purpose

The second image highlights a series of impressive brick support arches underneath the station, remnants of the engineering ingenuity that defined the railway age. These arches form part of the elevated sections that once supported sidings and goods facilities, essential for handling coal, textiles, and other cargo central to Sowerby Bridge’s industrial economy.

Beyond their functional strength, the arches demonstrate the Victorian engineers’ mastery of form and utility. Their curved design distributes weight evenly, allowing heavy locomotives and loads to pass safely above while enduring the test of time and weather. In recent decades, they’ve stood as silent witnesses to change—part of the enduring industrial landscape that defines this corner of Yorkshire.

A Living Heritage

Sowerby Bridge station remains a working reminder of Britain’s railway heritage. With the restored refreshment rooms, the solid arches, and the echoes of steam still lingering in the air, it connects past and present in a way few modern stations can. Whether you’re arriving for a scenic walk along the Calder or simply watching the trains pass by, there’s a sense that history is always just around the corner.

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Ince and Elton Railway Station

 Ince and Elton Railway Station, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, is more than just a stop on the line; it's a living piece of railway history. Stepping onto the platform, you can't help but feel a connection to the past, a sense of a bygone era when the railway was the lifeblood of the nation's industry and travel.

The station, which serves the neighbouring villages of Ince and Elton, has a rich and interesting history. Originally opened on 1st July 1863 as "Ince" by the Birkenhead Joint Railway, it was later renamed "Ince & Elton" in April 1884 to reflect the community it serves. For many years, services were a joint operation between the London and North Western Railway and the Great Western Railway, a partnership that continued until the 'Grouping' of 1923.

The station's location on the Hooton-Helsby line meant it was a key route for freight, particularly from the docks at Birkenhead and the later oil refineries at Ellesmere Port. This industrial heritage is still very much a part of the landscape you can see today.

Like many smaller stations, Ince and Elton faced the threat of closure under the infamous Beeching Axe proposals of the 1960s. Fortunately, the station was saved, though its passenger service has been significantly reduced over the years. Today, it operates a very limited "parliamentary service" to avoid full closure, with just a couple of trains a day in each direction. This sparse schedule gives the station a quiet, almost forgotten, charm, making it a unique spot for rail enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The images capture this tranquil atmosphere perfectly. You can see the platforms, which despite their age, are well-kept, thanks in part to the efforts of the "Adopt-a-Station" scheme. The lone shelter, the signage, and the railway tracks stretching into the distance all tell a story of a place that has endured.

In a world of high-speed rail and bustling hubs, Ince and Elton Railway Station stands as a testament to the local, community-focused railways of the past. It’s a quiet corner of the network, a place where you can pause, reflect, and appreciate the enduring legacy of the railways that helped build modern Britain.

The pictures below were taken on the 27th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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