Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Mixenden Reservoir

 Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Halifax, lies a hidden gem of industrial heritage and natural beauty: Mixenden Reservoir. Beyond its shimmering waters and tranquil walking paths, this seemingly quiet spot holds a fascinating history that speaks to the ingenuity of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the local community.

Inspired by my visit and the captivating scenery captured in these images, we've delved into the story of Mixenden Reservoir to uncover some of its most intriguing facts. It's more than just a place for a Sunday stroll; it's a living monument to the past.

The Man Behind the Water: J.F. Bateman's Legacy

The story of Mixenden Reservoir begins not with a shovel in the ground, but with the vision of one of the 19th century's most celebrated civil engineers, John Frederick Bateman. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, so did the population of Halifax, creating an urgent need for a reliable water supply. The town turned to Bateman, a man whose reputation stretched far beyond the Yorkshire moors—he had already designed major waterworks for cities like Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast.

Bateman's grand scheme was to harness the moorland water above the town, using gravity to supply water to the growing population. On May 1st, 1867, the Mayor of Halifax, Thomas Shaw, ceremonially cut the first sod, marking the beginning of construction. The reservoir was built to hold a staggering 106 million gallons of water, covering 22 acres of land. Six years later, in 1873, the project was complete, and Mixenden Reservoir officially opened, becoming a vital part of the Halifax water supply system and a testament to Bateman's engineering genius.

Interestingly, Bateman's work was influenced by his travels abroad, particularly to Egypt. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and even represented them at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869—a fact that adds a touch of international flair to this very local landmark.

A Landscape Rich in History

The reservoir itself is a relatively modern addition to an ancient landscape. The name 'Mixenden' itself has a rich past, derived from the Old English 'gemot-denu,' meaning "valley where meetings are held." This suggests the area has been a place of gathering for centuries.

Walking the paths around the water, you're treading on ground that has witnessed countless historical moments. In 1963, a local archaeological group made a remarkable discovery on the nearby Ogden Moor: a section of an ancient Roman road that once ran from Manchester to Ilkley. This road actually crosses the northern end of the reservoir, a fascinating link to a time long before Halifax's mills and factories. The area's history runs even deeper; a large Bronze Age urn containing cremation remains was found here in 1877, a powerful reminder of early human settlement.

The local council and community have embraced this history, creating an interactive "Mixenden History Hike." The trail features a series of wooden posts, each with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio clips detailing snippets of local history. It's a brilliant way to bring the past to life and a perfect activity for families exploring the area.

A Modern Retreat for All

Today, Mixenden Reservoir is no longer just a functional piece of water infrastructure. It has been transformed into a cherished recreational space for the local community and visitors alike. As the photographs show, the views are breath taking, with the still water reflecting the open skies and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection, a vigorous walk, or a bit of birdwatching—the reservoir is known to attract various species, including cormorants, gulls, and goldeneye.

Recent community-led projects, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, have focused on revitalizing the area. Volunteers have cleared overgrown paths and installed new footbridges, making the routes more accessible. A parallel initiative, the "Wild Walk," is a 1km circular route with 12 posts dedicated to local wildlife, encouraging younger explorers to listen for the drumming of a green woodpecker or the call of a tawny owl.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Mixenden Reservoir offers something for everyone. It's a place where the grandeur of Victorian engineering meets the quiet beauty of the Pennine landscape, a testament to a local history that continues to evolve. So next time you're in the Halifax area, lace up your boots and take a walk around Mixenden—you'll be walking through a rich and inspiring past.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is3132 camera on the 7th June 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

 Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

On May 27, 2025, I ventured out to Blackstone Edge, a magnificent gritstone escarpment on the border of Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, to explore the serene beauty of Light Hazzles Reservoir. Nestled amidst the dramatic Pennine landscape, this reservoir offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views and a sense of rugged isolation.

The weather was typical for a late spring day in the Pennines – a mix of dramatic clouds scudding across a bright sky, offering moments of brilliant sunshine and moody shadows. This ever-changing light only enhanced the already stunning scenery.

The Journey to Serenity

Our exploration began with panoramic views from higher up on Blackstone Edge. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of Greater Manchester stretched out before us, a sprawling urban tapestry contrasting sharply with the verdant foreground. In the mid-ground, a glimpse of the reservoirs, including Light Hazzles, could be seen, hinting at the tranquillity that awaited.

As we descended towards the reservoir, the vastness of the landscape truly enveloped us, capturing another impressive vista, showcasing the Crook Hill Wind Farm in the distance.

The stark white turbines, set against the rolling hills and dramatic clouds, served as a reminder of the region's commitment to renewable energy, yet somehow felt harmonious with the wildness of the moorland.

Exploring Light Hazzles Reservoir

Upon reaching Light Hazzles Reservoir itself, the sense of peace was immediate. The water, reflecting the shifting clouds, shimmered with an almost ethereal quality, with the path leading alongside it and the prominent electricity pylons marching across the horizon – a testament to the coexistence of nature and infrastructure in these parts. The slightly exposed banks hinted at varying water levels, adding to the rugged charm.

Walking along the well-maintained path that passes the northern edge of the reservoir was a true delight, with the gravel track winding its way beside the water, inviting a leisurely stroll. The gentle ripples on the water's surface and the sparse, resilient vegetation along the banks created a sense of understated beauty.

Further along the reservoir curves gently, revealing more of its expansive waters. The rocky banks, characteristic of the Pennine landscape, add to the natural feel, providing a habitat for various moorland plants. The distant pylons are still a feature, a familiar part of the Pennine skyline.

One of the striking features encountered was a stone structure in the middle of the water, This intriguing element adds a focal point to the wide expanse of water and sparks curiosity about its purpose. Perhaps it's an old measuring station or part of the reservoir's original construction.

The open, unadulterated views across the water and the surrounding moorland emphasize the remote and tranquil nature of this location.

A Highly Recommended Walk

Light Hazzles Reservoir on Blackstone Edge is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you're a keen hiker looking to explore the Pennine Way (which passes nearby) or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and peaceful walks, this reservoir offers it all. The views are expansive, the air is fresh, and the sense of calm is palpable.

Next time you're looking for an invigorating outdoor experience, consider a trip to Light Hazzles Reservoir. You won't be disappointed!

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Warland Reservoir: Unveiling History and Hidden Depths

Nestled amidst the dramatic Pennine landscape, Warland Reservoir offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels, and intriguing history. A recent visit provided a fascinating glimpse into this impressive body of water, revealing its past and the secrets it holds.

Our journey to Warland Reservoir began at an intriguing old entrance, marked by two weathered stone pillars bearing the inscription "R.C. W.W 1925." This carving points to the reservoir's deep historical roots, likely indicating the Rochdale Corporation Water Works, who extended the reservoir in 1927. While this date marks an expansion, the reservoir itself has a much older lineage; it was originally constructed around 1857 by the Rochdale Canal Company to ensure a consistent water supply for the canal, a vital artery of commerce in the region.

As we ventured further, the sheer scale of Warland Reservoir became apparent. On a cloudy day, the vast expanse of water stretched out before us, flanked by the sturdy dam wall and the rugged, moorland terrain. The water levels were noticeably low, exposing significant portions of the reservoir bed, which added a unique and somewhat stark beauty to the scene.

A prominent feature of the reservoir is its imposing intake tower, a testament to the engineering prowess involved in its creation. This castellated structure stands sentinel in the water, connected to the bank by a robust bridge, efficiently managing the water supply.

One of the most intriguing aspects of our visit was the sight of the "boat remains" exposed on the bed of Warland Reservoir. These skeletal remnants, looking like decaying wooden frames and structures, offer a poignant reminder of past activities on the water. Local accounts suggest that these boats, reportedly three in total, were deliberately submerged during World War II. The theory is that they were joined together with cables to prevent enemy seaplanes from landing on the reservoir and using it as a strategic staging point. While I only saw the remains of one boat during my visit, the idea of these submerged vessels playing a role in wartime defence adds a fascinating layer to Warland Reservoir's history.

Further exploration of the exposed reservoir bed revealed a surprising "waterfall" cascading down a rocky outcrop, an unusual sight in what would normally be submerged land. The vast, sandy, and muddy expanse, aptly named "The Beach" in one of the image descriptions, showed signs of erosion and the forces of nature at play.

Warland Reservoir is not just a functional body of water; it's a place with a story to tell. The visible "R.C. W.W 1925" sign, the majestic intake tower, and especially the mysterious sunken boat remains all contribute to a rich tapestry of history and intrigue. Our visit offered a unique perspective on this remarkable landscape, highlighting not only its natural beauty but also the human footprint left upon it over the decades. It's a place that invites contemplation, sparking questions about its past and the lives it has touched.

I took these pictures with Nikon d3300 on 27th May 2025, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The next 3 pictures were taken with my Canon EOS R100, again clicking on them should open a link to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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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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Baitings Reservoir at Low Water

On September 24th, 2022, a remarkable sight awaited visitors to Baitings Reservoir—a place where history, normally hidden beneath millions of gallons of water, was laid bare for all to see. These photographs, taken on that very day with a Nikon D3300, document an extraordinary moment when the reservoir's water levels dropped to a near-historic low, revealing long-submerged secrets of the valley.

A Monument to Engineering

Baitings Reservoir, completed in 1956, is an impressive feat of civil engineering. Built to supply fresh water to the city of Wakefield, it's the higher of two dams that harness the flow of the River Ryburn in this scenic part of Yorkshire. The lower dam, Ryburn Dam, was constructed earlier in 1933. The creation of Baitings was an immense undertaking, costing approximately £1.4 million and taking 8 years to complete.

The project transformed the landscape, intentionally flooding a small hamlet known as Baitings. Perhaps the most poignant part of this history is the submersion of a centuries-old packhorse bridge—a vital road link that once connected Lancashire and Yorkshire. This historic bridge, normally lost to view, becomes a stark and beautiful reminder of the past whenever the reservoir's water levels fall. The photographs show the old stone bridge, its arch still perfectly intact, exposed by the receding water. It stands as a testament to the village that was sacrificed for progress. The modern, concrete Back O'th Heights Bridge stands high above the exposed valley floor, a powerful visual cue of the reservoir's immense depth when it's at full capacity. At its highest, the dam holds over 113,000,000 cubic feet of water, or about 703,858,407 gallons.

The River Ryburn's Journey

Baitings Reservoir is a crucial part of the local water system. It's fed by runoff from the surrounding moorland and serves as the official start of the River Ryburn. The river flows six miles down the valley, passing the lower Ryburn Dam and eventually joining the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge. The photographs show the river's path through the exposed reservoir bed, a serpentine channel carved into the dried mud.

The exceptionally low water level in September 2022 revealed another fascinating piece of infrastructure: a sluice gate near the dam head. It's a structure that predates the reservoir itself, likely used to regulate the flow of water into the Ryburn Dam before Baitings was even built. This low water level also sparked a question: would an old footpath bridge, once located between the sluice gate and the dam, be revealed? While the water hadn't dropped quite enough on that day, it hinted at more hidden history waiting to be discovered.

The images offer a unique perspective, capturing not just the dam and bridges but also the powerful, arid landscape left behind. A photograph from the dam's spillway looks down into the channel below, showcasing the engineering that controls the water's release. Another shot provides a beautiful view of the lush, rolling green hills of the Ryburn Valley, a stunning contrast to the cracked, desolate reservoir bed. These pictures are a stark visual representation of the effects of low rainfall and a poignant reminder of the hidden history that lies beneath the surface of our landscapes.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The packhorse bridge appearing from beneath the water has gone from a once in decade or so event to every couple of years.

Whilst it's likely that levels have been low enough before for the original dam and sluice gate to appear, this was the first time I had seen them.

The original packhorse bridge, often submerged seen through the legs of it's modern replacement.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.