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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Just a single shot picture for this post taken on the 4th August 2018 using a Nikon d3300 SLR.
Taken from Scammonden Bridge looking eastwards towards the reservoir - Leeds bound motorway direction. This was a first attempt at long exposure by me, I think it turned out ok
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Baitings Dam is a reservoir built to supply Wakefield with fresh water, completed in 1956 it is the higher of the 2 dams that block the flow of the River Ryburn here, the lower being Ryburn Dam. Construction cost around £1.4 million and took 8 years to complete, it involved flooding a small hamlet known as Baitings and sub merging the old packhorse bridge that provided a road link between Lancashire and Yorkshire, the bridge still stands and is revealed every time the water level is low. The bridge was replaced by a concrete structure called Back O'th Heights Bridge which gives a good indication of how high the dame is when full by the time marks just underneath the road level. When full the dam can hold over 113,000,000 cubic feet of water, or approx. 703,858,407 gallons.
Baitings is fed by runs offs from the local moorland and is the start of the River Ryburn that flows down the valley eventually reaching the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge approx 6 miles down the valley. It also flows in to the Ryburn Dam a little lower down the valley and built in 1933, also to supply water to Wakefield.
The dam must be somewhere near a historically low level now, the bridge completely uncovered and recently a sluice gate has appeared. I am assuming this was to regulate the flow in to the Ryburn Dam prior to Baitings being built. There was a footpath bridge between this sluice gate and the dam head but the water hasn't got low enough yet to reveal wether this is still there. Maybe a couple more weeks of low rainfall and it might appear if still there.
These pictures were taken on the 24th September 2022 using a Nikon d330 SLR camera, they can be seen below and on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.
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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Baitings Dam has featured in our local newspapers quite regularly during the recent hot weather, due to how low the water level has dropped. Reading some of them online, they have claimed that the bridge which can be seen in the foreground of the picture has been unveiled for the first time in over 50 years. This is incorrect, whilst it used to be perhaps a once in a decade event the water level dropping so low that the bridge appears, it is now every couple of years. I took a set around the bridge in September 2019 with the level similarly low in the dam, and I believe it has happened again since then.
Baitings Dam is a place I regularly walk my dogs and it was whilst out walking them a couple of days ago I thought i'd try and get up there early and picture the dam and bridges as the sun was rising. The following picture is the first of the set, the others to follow in a few days. The picture can also be seen on my Clickasnap account full size, resolution and un-watermarked.
The picture was taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR on the 19th August 2022.
The bridge in the foreground is the original packhorse bridge that crossed the River Ryburn before Baitings Dam was completed in 1956. Its replacement bridge Back O'th Heights seen behind, the water level at it's highest a couple of feet below it. The sun is rising in the distance with the dam head wall just visible beyond the higher bridge.
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Nestled approximately six miles north of Halifax, along the historic route to Haworth, lies the captivating expanse of Warley Moor. This isn't just any stretch of open land; it's a place where the wild beauty of the Pennines truly comes alive, offering a unique blend of stunning vistas, historical echoes, and a climate all its own.
Perched around 1,440 feet above sea level, just above the quaint village of Wainstalls in the area affectionately known as Top Withins, Warley Moor possesses a character as untamed as the winds that sweep across it. I've often set out from my home in the valley, perhaps Sowerby Bridge, under clear, calm skies, only to arrive at Warley Moor to be greeted by a dramatic shift – rain lashing down and a storm brewing. This meteorological capriciousness is one of the moor's defining features, giving it an almost mythical quality.
Locally, this enigmatic landscape is known by several names, each hinting at a different facet of its identity: Fly Flatts, conjuring images of open, windswept spaces; Top Withins, grounding it in its geographical context; and Ovenden Moor, reflecting its broader topographical connections.
Beyond its ever-changing weather patterns, Warley Moor offers truly unbeatable views. From its elevated position, your gaze can sweep across the intricate tapestry of the Calder, Hebble, and Oxenhope Valleys, a breath taking panorama that stretches to the horizon, revealing the rugged beauty of the West Yorkshire landscape.
Adding to the moor's distinctive character are two prominent landmarks. The tranquil waters of Warley Moor Reservoir lie cradled within the landscape, a serene counterpoint to the wild expansiveness of the moor. And standing as a testament to modern ingenuity, the towering turbines of Ovenden Moor Windfarm punctuate the skyline, a contemporary addition to a landscape steeped in history.
These photographs, captured on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on October 5th, 2013, offer just a glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of Warley Moor. They hint at a place where nature reigns supreme, where every visit offers a new experience, and where the line between land and sky often blurs into a captivating embrace
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Warley Moor Reservoir
Nestled within the dramatic embrace of Warley Moor, the serene expanse of Warley Moor Reservoir, affectionately known as Fly Flatts, stands as a testament to Victorian ambition and engineering prowess. This isn't merely a body of water; it's a vital piece of infrastructure, a hub of leisure, and a captivating landmark in its own right.
Its construction, a monumental undertaking, spanned a formidable eight years, finally reaching completion in 1872. This colossal project was spearheaded by the Halifax Waterworks Extension Scheme, a crucial initiative to quench the growing thirst of Halifax's burgeoning population during the industrial revolution. Imagine the sheer dedication and grit required by the navvies and engineers who toiled on this exposed moorland, transforming the landscape to serve a critical need.
When brimming to its capacity, Warley Moor Reservoir transforms into an impressive inland sea, covering a vast 68 acres. At its deepest point, the water plunges to 45 feet, holding an astonishing approximately 193 million gallons. This colossal volume underscores the scale of the Victorian vision to secure a reliable water supply for the expanding urban centres down in the valleys.
Today, this vital asset is meticulously owned and maintained by Yorkshire Water, ensuring its continued function as a key component of the region's water infrastructure. However, the reservoir's story extends beyond its utilitarian purpose. Since 1959, its waters have been the proud home of the Halifax Sailing Club. This is no ordinary sailing club; thanks to the reservoir's impressive elevation, it boasts the unique distinction of being the highest sailing club in Britain.
Imagine the exhilaration of harnessing the strong, unpredictable winds that sweep across Warley Moor, with panoramic views stretching out beneath you. The club's members not only enjoy the thrill of sailing in such a dramatic and elevated environment but also contribute to the vibrant community that thrives around this magnificent Victorian legacy. Warley Moor Reservoir, therefore, is not just a body of water, but a living piece of history, a crucial resource, and a beacon for those who seek adventure on the highest waters of Britain.
Ovenden Moor Wind Farm
The story of Ovenden Moor Wind Farm is a fascinating microcosm of the evolving landscape of renewable energy in the UK, particularly when set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pennine moors.
Opened in 1993, the original Ovenden Moor Wind Farm was a pioneering project, representing a significant investment of £12 million (equivalent to approximately €9.1 million with a €2 million contribution from the EU's Thermie Programme). At its completion, the site hosted 23 Vestas WD34 400 kW turbines, each standing 32 metres high with a 34.8-metre rotor diameter, combining to generate a total capacity of 9.2 MW. These early turbines were projected to have a lifespan of around 25 years and were designed to power approximately 5,500 homes.
However, the wind farm's presence was not without its controversy. Situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty, directly overlooking the globally renowned Brontë Country and the picturesque Calder and Hebble Valleys, the sight of these towering structures sparked considerable debate. Local communities and heritage groups, including the Brontë Society, voiced concerns about the visual impact on the cherished landscape and the potential disruption to the very essence of this historic literary setting. This tension between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage remains a recurring theme in the development of onshore wind farms.
Fast forward to 2015, and the original turbines had served their purpose. In a move reflecting the rapid advancements in wind turbine technology, they were decommissioned. What followed was a significant repowering project, replacing the 23 older, smaller turbines with just 9 new, more powerful Gamesa G80-2MW units. These modern giants stand significantly taller, with a hub height of 75m and a tip height of 115m, and are capable of generating 2.5 MW each, for a total installed capacity of 22.5 MW. This dramatic reduction in the number of turbines, coupled with a substantial increase in individual turbine capacity, meant a far more efficient use of the site. The result? The repowered Ovenden Moor Wind Farm can now generate enough clean electricity to power an estimated 11,000 homes, effectively doubling its original output with fewer, but more impactful, structures.
The evolution of Ovenden Moor Wind Farm from its pioneering origins to its modern, repowered state exemplifies the ongoing journey of renewable energy. It highlights the technological leaps that have made wind power increasingly efficient, while also underscoring the enduring challenge of balancing energy needs with environmental and aesthetic considerations in cherished landscapes.
The video below shows a number of pictures taken around the moor on a number of visits including this one on the 5ht October 2013.
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