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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Timanfaya Water Geyser.

In July 2013, I had the extraordinary opportunity to explore the otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. This park, a testament to the raw power of volcanic forces, is a place where the earth itself seems to breathe. During my tour, I captured numerous photographs, previously shared, that attempt to convey the stark beauty of this volcanic terrain. However, it was the geyser demonstration near the restaurant area that truly brought the park's geothermal activity to life.

Witnessing this demonstration was a visceral experience. Park staff poured water into a seemingly innocuous hole in the earth, a conduit leading approximately 13 meters down into the island's fiery depths. Seconds later, the water returned with explosive force, erupting as a powerful geyser of steam and superheated water. This display, while seemingly simple, is a potent reminder of the volcanic heat that simmers just beneath the surface of Lanzarote. It's a direct connection to the volcanic eruptions that dramatically reshaped the island in the 18th century.

The demonstration highlights the residual heat from those historic eruptions, a heat that continues to manifest in remarkable ways. The Islote de Hilario, where this demonstration takes place, is a key location within the park, providing visitors with a safe way to witness these geothermal phenomena. The fact that the restaurant there uses this geothermal heat to cook food adds another layer of intrigue, showing how the islanders have learned to live with, and even utilize, this powerful natural force. I preserved this moment by capturing a video, which I've shared on my YouTube channel, allowing others to experience the dramatic geyser eruption first hand

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The video remains the copyright of Colin Green.