A Walk in the Rain: Exploring Brearley and the Route 66 Cycleway

There’s a unique beauty to the Calder Valley when it's raining. The greens become richer, the stone walls darker, and the atmosphere takes on a moody, contemplative quality. My recent walk, a loop starting from home in Sowerby Bridge and leading through Boulderclough and Mytholmroyd before returning along the Route 66 cycleway, offered a perfect, if soggy, opportunity to experience this.

The Murder Stone: A Dark Tale on a Pleasant Path

The Route 66 cycleway, is a well-loved trail for cyclists and walkers alike. As you pass through the hamlet of Brearley, just south of the railway bridge, you encounter a fascinating and rather macabre piece of local history: the memorial to William Deighton.

The "murder stone," as it's known, is a solemn reminder of a brutal crime. The memorial commemorates William Deighton, a tax inspector who was killed in Halifax while investigating the notorious coin counterfeiter "King" David Hartley and his gang. The stone, with its weathered, skeletal carving and a fragment of text, stands as a chilling artifact of a time when the law in this part of Yorkshire was a dangerous business. The photographs capture the stone in its atmospheric setting, nestled in the long grass beside the path, a quiet and unexpected monument to a violent past.

The path is part of the Route 66 cycleway (bridleway), with the railway bridge seen at the top of the picture and the green metal wall.

Underneath the skeletal artwork reads the following: A full and true account of a barborous, bloody, and inhuman murder. There is further artwork below this writing.

A Shelter, and a Soaking

Carrying on my walk past the former chapel, now converted into apartments, and through the heart of Brearley, the skies opened up. The rain, which had been threatening all morning, finally began to pour. Seeking shelter, I ducked under the arch of the Wheatley Royd Farm Bridge. It was a temporary reprieve, a dry spot from which I could watch the rain stream down the stone walls of the bridge and form rivulets on the path. The view from under the bridge, a framed shot of the lush, wet greenery beyond, was a beautiful moment of calm.

However, after nearly 30 minutes of waiting, with my weather app stubbornly refusing to offer any hope of a quick clearing, I conceded defeat. The path ahead called, and there was nothing for it but to embrace the inevitable soaking.

The images from the walk, from the striking memorial to the moody, rain-soaked landscapes of the Calder Valley, tell the story of the day perfectly. They capture the unique blend of history, nature, and unexpected weather that makes walking in West Yorkshire such a rewarding experience, even when you end up soaked to the skin.

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A Misty Morning on the Moors: Exploring Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head

There's a unique beauty to the Pennine landscape, especially when a gentle mist hangs in the air, softening the edges of the hills and adding an ethereal quality to the surroundings. These photos, taken on a misty May 22nd, 2022, capture just such a day around the top of Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head – a truly captivating corner of West Yorkshire.

Our journey begins with glimpses of quintessential country life. The scene is one of quiet solitude, with distant fields stretching out under a muted sky. The lush green of the pastures, bordered by dry stone walls, speaks of a timeless rural existence. A lone tree stands sentinel by the roadside, its branches still hinting at the cooler days of spring, while a hidden cottage peeks out from the trees, a cosy haven tucked into the landscape.

Venturing deeper, we find ourselves on a narrow, winding path – the kind that promises adventure and discovery. Overgrown with vibrant green foliage and sturdy ivy, it feels like stepping into a secret world. The path, likely well-trodden by walkers over generations, invites you to slow down, listen to the rustle of leaves, and breathe in the damp, earthy scent of the woods. It's a reminder of the many hidden routes that crisscross these hills, connecting isolated hamlets and offering breath taking views.

Further on, the landscape opens up to reveal the dramatic contours of the land, showcasing the top of Jumble Hole Clough, near Hebden Bridge. Here, the raw beauty of the moorland is on full display. A small stream meanders through the valley bottom, carving its way through the verdant slopes. The varied shades of green, from the bright, almost fluorescent grass to the deeper, richer hues of the heather-covered ground, create a rich tapestry under the overcast sky. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the rugged yet serene character of the Pennines.

But perhaps the most striking feature of this walk is the imposing presence of Great Rock, Blackshaw Head. Emerging from the rolling moorland, this magnificent rock formation stands like an ancient sentinel, its weathered face hinting at centuries of exposure to the elements. On a misty day like this, its grandeur is amplified, almost appearing to float amidst the swirling fog. It's a landmark that demands attention, a natural sculpture carved by time and weather, and a fantastic focal point for anyone exploring this part of the world.

These images truly capture the essence of a tranquil, yet powerful, landscape. The subtle light and muted colours of a misty day highlight the textures of the land, from the ancient rocks to the soft moss and damp grass. It’s a reminder that even on a seemingly grey day, the British countryside offers an abundance of beauty and opportunities for quiet reflection.

If you ever find yourself near Hebden Bridge, make sure to explore the trails around Eastwood Lane and Blackshaw Head. You might just discover your own hidden gems in the mist.

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Great Rock

Perched dramatically on the edge of Staups Moor, Great Rock isn't just any stone. This imposing natural formation, sculpted from Kinderscout Grit (a rugged form of Millstone Grit), is steeped in local lore. Among the many tales whispered about its origins, one stands out, giving the rock its chilling moniker: Devil's Rock.

Legend has it that the Devil, in a audacious wager with God, attempted to stride across the valley all the way from Stoodley Pike to Great Rock. He failed, of course, but not without leaving a lasting impression. To this day, it's said that his hoof print remains seared into the rock's surface—a testament to his hubris and a permanent scar on the moorland landscape.

The following pictures were taken along Staups Lane before I took the path down to Jumble Hole Clough.

The last picture was taken at the top of Jumble Hole Clough before heading down to find Staups Mill, the purpose of my visit. The stream would have powered the mill and eventually flows in to the River Calder at the valley bottom.

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Experience the Magic of Venice: A New Video Journey!

Get ready to be transported to the enchanting canals and historic piazzas of Italy's most unique city! I'm thrilled to announce my latest YouTube upload: "A Trip to Venice."

This captivating video, approximately 2.5 minutes long, is a curated collection of scenes I captured during my few days exploring Venice at the end of October and beginning of November 2018. From the moment you hit play, you'll glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a mesmerizing boat trip, witnessing the city's grandeur from its watery arteries.

The video also takes you through the bustling and magnificent St. Mark's area, showcasing its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the famous landmarks, you'll discover various other short, intimate clips highlighting Venice's charming smaller canals, intricate bridges, and the timeless beauty of its ancient buildings.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic architecture, holds an undeniable allure. But in October-November 2018, during my visit, the city offered a stark, firsthand glimpse into its unique challenges. I arrived to find Venice battling what hotel staff informed me was its worst flooding since 1968. My 1-minute, 50-second video, "St Marks Square Flooding," captures various scenes filmed around the iconic square on random days and times during my stay, showcasing the pervasive nature of the acqua alta.

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Waist-High Waters and Resilient Spirits

The moment I stepped off the vaporetto, the reality of the situation hit me – literally. I had to wade through waist-high water across St. Mark's Square just to reach my hotel. It was an immediate and unforgettable introduction to Venice's watery embrace. Every single day of my trip, the area was flooded to some degree, a constant reminder of the city's delicate balance with the sea.

What struck me most, beyond the sheer volume of water, was the incredible resilience of the Venetian people. They didn't lament or complain; they simply accepted the flooding as part of their everyday life. I saw locals navigating the submerged streets with a calm pragmatism, adapting their routines to the ever-present water. Their spirit was truly fantastic, a testament to generations of living in harmony with – and at the mercy of – the tides.

A Lingering Concern for Venice's Future

Recent news reports have sadly indicated that Venice has experienced even worse flooding since my 2018 visit. My heart goes out to the residents, and I feel desperately sad for the continuous challenges they face. It highlights the urgent need for long-promised flood defences, such as the MOSE project, to finally be completed and become fully effective. One can only hope that these crucial measures will soon provide the protection Venice so desperately needs, allowing its beauty and unique way of life to thrive for generations to come.

My video serves as a small, personal document of a truly impactful experience, a visual diary of a city learning to live with its extraordinary watery landscape.

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A Snowy Easter Surprise: Capturing Calderdale's Wintery Wharfs

Remember that unexpected blanket of snow that transformed Easter Monday 2018? Here in Calderdale, it was a truly magical, if somewhat surprising, sight. I managed to capture a few glimpses of this fleeting winter wonderland in a series of short videos, and I wanted to share them with you.

These videos, each running between 1 minute 26 seconds and 1 minute 42 seconds, offer a serene look at the Sowerby Bridge Wharf area. It's a place where the historic Rochdale Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation meet, creating a picturesque scene that took on an entirely different character under a delicate layer of snow.

What makes these videos special is the atmosphere. The gentle snowfall, combined with the tranquil waterways, creates a sense of peaceful isolation. To enhance that mood, I've paired the visuals with the beautiful background music "Christmas Homecoming" by Aaron Kenny. While it might seem odd to associate Christmas with Easter, the music's warm, nostalgic tones perfectly complement the snowy landscape, evoking a sense of cosey tranquillity.

What you'll see:

• The Rochdale Canal: Witness the canal's still waters reflecting the soft snowfall, creating a mirror-like effect.
• The Calder & Hebble Navigation: Observe the gentle flow of this historic waterway, its banks dusted with white.
• Sowerby Bridge Wharf: See this charming area transformed into a winter scene, highlighting the beauty of its architecture and natural surroundings.

The contrast between the historic industrial setting and the delicate snowfall is truly captivating. It's a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change, and how even a brief snowfall can transform a familiar place into something extraordinary.

These videos are a small snapshot of a unique moment in time. They're a reminder of that unexpected Easter Monday, when winter briefly returned to Calderdale, creating a scene of quiet beauty.

I hope you enjoy these short glimpses of a snowy Sowerby Bridge.

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All the images and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.