An August Evening in the Pennines: Where Moorland Meets Motorway at Scammonden

Date: August 4th, 2018 Location: Scammonden, West Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Pennines, with their sweeping moorlands and dramatic valleys, hold a timeless quality. Yet, there’s one spot where the ancient landscape collides spectacularly with modern human ingenuity: Scammonden. Looking back at the photographs I captured on an early August evening in 2018, the unique character of this location—a crossroads of history, engineering, and stunning nature—is vividly apparent.

The Scenery: Golden Hour on the Moor

• The Light: The sun, low in the sky, bathes the scene in a warm, amber glow. On a summer evening, particularly following what was a famously hot summer in 2018, this light is intensely beautiful, bringing out the deep, earthy tones of the heather and rough grasses that cover the hills.

• The Landscape: You can sense the vastness of the exposed Pennine moorland—a land shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The slopes look rugged yet inviting, a perfect place for quiet reflection as the day cools down.

This area, high up on the backbone of England, offers a breath taking sense of isolation, a characteristic that makes its juxtaposition with the nearby motorway all the more striking.

The Modern Marvel: The M62 at Scammonden Dam

The M62, the vital trans-Pennine route, here performs one of its most impressive feats. Instead of a conventional bridge, the motorway runs along the crest of a massive structure known as the Scammonden Dam, which impounds the water to form Scammonden Reservoir (or Scammonden Water).

• A World-Class Design: Completed in the early 1970s, this dam was the first in the world to carry a motorway along its crest, and remains the only one of its kind in Britain. It's a spectacular example of multi-purpose civil engineering, solving the problems of both crossing a deep valley and providing a much-needed water supply for Huddersfield.

• The Viewpoint: Your pictures clearly show the elevated position of the motorway, giving an incredible vantage point for drivers and observers alike. The sheer scale of the cutting and the embankment is immense—a lasting monument to the ambition of the mid-20th-century road builders.

The faint streams of traffic in the images—perhaps captured with a slightly longer exposure as the light faded—represent the ceaseless flow of commerce and life connecting the East and West of the country, all happening atop this silent, earth-filled wall.

The Companion Reservoir: Booth Wood

• Booth Wood's Role: Lying just north of the M62 and Scammonden, Booth Wood Reservoir is another important feature in this water-rich landscape, supplying water to Wakefield. Like its larger neighbour, it was completed around the same time, in 1971.

• A Complex Water System: Looking out over Booth Wood, you get a sense of the complex network of reservoirs in this area, catching the water from the high moors and channelling it down to the towns and cities of West Yorkshire. It's a reminder that this scenic expanse is also a crucial utility landscape, quietly sustaining the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

A Village Beneath the Water

Perhaps the most fascinating detail of all lies beneath the surface of Scammonden Water. The reservoir's creation required a significant sacrifice: the valley floor was once home to the small village of Deanhead.

When the valley was flooded, most of the village's structures were demolished. However, the old Deanhead Church was spared and converted into what is now the local sailing club headquarters, sitting on the reservoir's edge—a tangible connection to the community that was displaced. Imagine the history held within the silent water, with the roar of the M62 overhead creating a truly unique historical contrast.

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Scammonden is more than just a stop-off; it is a profound location that tells a story of:

• Natural Beauty: The enduring wildness of the Pennines.

• Human Endeavor: The audacity and scale of its civil engineering.

• Lost History: The ghost of the village that sleeps beneath the dam.

Your photos from that August evening perfectly capture this three-part harmony. It's a place that commands attention, making you pause and appreciate the layers of life, nature, and engineering piled one atop the other.

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Skies Over Old Kent Road: A Glimpse of the Everyday Sublime

 There's something uniquely captivating about the skies above London. Even in the most urban of settings, where concrete and industry dominate the landscape, moments of unexpected beauty can emerge. This shot, taken On Verney Road, a short walk off the bustling Old Kent Road, perfectly encapsulates that feeling.

At first glance, it's a typical industrial backdrop. We see the silhouette of a chimney stack reaching skyward, a testament to the area's working-class heritage and ongoing activity. To the right, the skeletal frame of a crane hints at development and change – a constant in this ever-evolving city. And of course, the dark, angular roofline of a building grounds the scene, providing a sense of scale.

But then, your eyes lift, and the magic happens. The expansive sky, a canvas of soft blues and gentle greys, stretches out above. A lone aeroplane, a tiny speck against the vastness, slices through the air, leaving a crisp white contrail in its wake. This fleeting line, a temporary scar on the heavens, speaks of journeys, connections, and the invisible pathways that crisscross our world.

It's a reminder that even amidst the grit and grime of city life, there are always elements of grace and grandeur. The sky, unburdened by the earthly structures below, offers a sense of freedom and perspective. It's a place where dreams take flight, quite literally, and where the mundane can momentarily transform into something profound.

Next time you're navigating the familiar chaos of the Old Kent Road, take a moment to look up. You might just catch your own glimpse of the everyday sublime.

I took this picture with a Nikon d3300 on the 28th April 2016, clicking it should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Tower of Passion: The Story Behind the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower Artwork

 Every piece of art tells a story, and this one is no different. My artwork of the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower is not just a depiction of a building; it's a conversation with history, a tribute to the passionate struggles that once defined this landscape.

The vibrant sunset colour scheme wasn't chosen at random. It's a deliberate artistic choice, a nod to the area's powerful and often turbulent past. The bold oranges and fiery reds are a direct reference to the 1838 Mankinholes Riots. The passion and fury of those events—fuelled by social and economic hardship—are symbolized in the intense, glowing light that seems to emanate from the tower itself. It's meant to evoke a feeling of simmering unrest and raw emotion.

The piece is a bridge between then and now. The Lumbutts Mill Water Tower, a sturdy structure that has witnessed decades of change, now stands as a quiet monument. By bathing it in the colours of a tumultuous sunset, the artwork gives the impression of a passion that still lingers in the air, a reminder that the history of this place is carved not just in stone, but in the spirit of the people who lived and fought here.

This isn't just a picture of a tower; it’s a representation of a moment in time, a feeling, and a history that deserves to be remembered. It’s a visual reminder that even the most stoic structures can hold within them the echo of human passion.

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Painting the Sky: A Kelso Sunrise to Remember

There's something truly magical about a sunrise, and some linger in your memory long after the last rays have faded. This photograph, captured near Kelso, Scotland, on October 24th, 2018, is one such moment.

The sky is ablaze with an incredible palette of vibrant purples, deep fuchsias, and soft blues, blending seamlessly into one another. It's as if nature itself decided to become an artist, using the vast canvas above to create a masterpiece of light and colour. The clouds, catching these dramatic hues, add texture and depth to the scene, making the display even more breath taking.

Below this fiery spectacle, the tranquil waters of a loch or pond reflect the colours of the sky, mirroring the beauty above and adding a serene counterpoint to the vibrant drama. The dark silhouettes of the surrounding landscape—the rolling hills, distant trees, and the gentle curve of the land—frame the vibrant sky perfectly, enhancing its impact. A fence in the foreground grounds the image, hinting at pastoral surroundings and the quiet beauty of the Scottish Borders.

This image reminds us of the profound beauty that nature offers, especially in places like the Scottish Borders, where the landscapes are already so evocative. A sunset like this isn't just a daily occurrence; it's a profound experience, a moment of stillness and awe that leaves you feeling connected to something larger than yourself.

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Chasing the Horizon: Unforgettable Ibiza Sunsets from Portinatx (2014)

 There's something truly magical about an Ibiza sunset, and even a less-than-stellar hotel couldn't dim that glow for me back in July 2014. My trip to the White Isle, specifically the northern outpost of Portinatx, yielded a small but cherished collection of photos capturing the stunning daily spectacle from around my hotel, the Club Vista Bahia.

While the Club Vista Bahia, which I believe has since closed its doors, left a lot to be desired in terms of accommodation, its location more than compensated. Perched on the outskirts of Portinatx, it offered uninterrupted, panoramic views of the sun dipping below the ocean's horizon – a sight that quickly became the highlight of each day.

Armed with my Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, I spent evenings capturing the vibrant oranges, fiery reds, and soft purples that painted the sky as the day drew to a close. These aren't professional shots, but they hold a special place for me, encapsulating those serene moments of pure natural beauty.

Even now, looking back at these images, I'm transported to that balcony, feeling the gentle sea breeze and listening to the distant hum of the island coming alive for the night. It's a testament to how even simple pleasures, like a spectacular sunset, can elevate an experience and create lasting memories.

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Chasing the Golden Hour: My Scammonden Sunset Experiment

Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are fleeting. A perfect sunset, a burst of vibrant colour, a gentle transition from day to night. Capturing that magic is a challenge, but one I decided to take on back in August 2018.

On Saturday, August 4th, I found myself perched near the serene Scammonden Reservoir, nestled in the heart of the Ryburn Valley. The air was alive with a restless wind, a constant reminder of nature's untamed energy. My mission? To track the setting sun as it dipped behind the distant hills, painting the valley in hues of orange and gold.

"Scammonden Sunset" is the result of that evening's endeavour. I set up my tripod, pointed my camera, and let the sun dictate the scene. For a full 20 minutes, I patiently recorded the slow, mesmerizing descent. The wind, however, had other plans. It buffeted my tripod, causing a few wobbles that, while a tad frustrating at the time, now add a touch of raw authenticity to the final product.

The real magic happened in the editing room. I compressed those 20 minutes of real-time sunset into a mere 37 seconds, transforming the gradual shift into a breathtaking, accelerated spectacle. The result is a short, punchy video that captures the essence of the sunset's beauty in a blink.

To enhance the experience, I added a musical score, carefully chosen to complement the visual journey. The music, I believe, adds an emotional layer, amplifying the sense of awe and tranquility that the sunset evokes.

This was my first attempt at filming a sunset in this way, and while it wasn't without its challenges (thanks, wind!), I'm quite pleased with the outcome. It's a reminder of the simple beauty that surrounds us, and the power of time-lapse to condense those moments into something truly captivating.

Sometimes, imperfections add character. Those little tripod wobbles, the gusts of wind – they’re part of the story, a testament to the real, unfiltered experience of capturing nature's fleeting beauty.

If you've ever found yourself mesmerized by a sunset, I hope "Scammonden Sunset" resonates with you. It's a small window into a moment in time, a reminder to pause and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.

Perhaps this inspires you to capture your own sunset, or simply to take a moment to appreciate the next one you witness. After all, every sunset is a unique masterpiece, painted across the canvas of the sky.

The video was filmed using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera.

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Early Morning Sunrise in Zeebrugge.

These photos capture a moment etched in my memory: the November dawn breaking over the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. Our ship was just arriving, a prelude to a magical trip to Bruges. That sunrise, a burst of color against the industrial harbour, felt like a promise of the beauty to come. It's funny how the start of a day can amplify the wonder of a place, and Bruges certainly lived up to that promise

 

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid IS2132 bridge camera on November 2, 2015. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

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Technicolour Sunset in Brechin, Scotland.

There are moments when the world seems to shed its ordinary skin, trading the muted tones of the everyday for a palette that feels almost supernatural. We’ve all had those evenings—the ones where you’re mid-sentence, perhaps washing dishes or walking to your car, and a sudden shift in light pulls your gaze upward. For a few fleeting minutes, the atmosphere performs a symphony of color so loud it demands absolute silence from everyone below.

The images before us aren't just snapshots of a day ending; they are a masterclass in atmospheric drama. With clouds rippling like molten gold against a backdrop of deep, electric indigo, they serve as a vivid reminder that nature is the ultimate artist, and we are lucky enough to have a front-row seat.

The Science of the Spectacle

To understand the beauty of a "fire sky," we have to look at the physics of Rayleigh scattering. During the day, the sun’s light travels a relatively short distance through the atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and giving us a bright blue sky. But as the sun dips toward the horizon, that light has to travel through much more of the Earth's atmosphere to reach our eyes.

The atmosphere acts as a filter, scattering away the violets and blues and leaving behind the long-wavelength heroes: the reds, oranges, and yellows. When you add a textured layer of altocumulus or cirrus clouds into the mix—like the ones seen in these photos—those clouds act as a canvas, catching the sun's low-angle rays from beneath. The result is a high-contrast, high-drama landscape that feels more like a painting than a photograph.

A Study in Contrast: Blue vs. Gold

In the first image, what strikes the viewer most is the tension between the colours. We often think of sunsets as "warm," but the most breathtaking ones are those that maintain a "cool" counterpoint. Here, the deep, bruised blues of the upper atmosphere haven't quite given way to the evening. They sit heavily above a layer of clouds that look like they’ve been dipped in liquid phosphorus.

This contrast represents the duality of our own lives. We often operate in the "blue"—the steady, predictable, and sometimes heavy routine of the day. But then, there are the "golden" moments: the flashes of inspiration, the sudden bursts of joy, and the unexpected beauty that breaks through the ceiling of the mundane. The beauty isn't just in the gold; it’s in how the gold looks against the blue.

The Industrial Silhouette: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

The second image offers a different perspective. We see the silhouettes of an industrial building and a line of trees. Usually, these are things we ignore. A warehouse or a treeline by the side of a road is part of the "background noise" of our commutes.

However, under the influence of such a sky, these structures are transformed. They become sharp, dark anchors for the chaos above. It’s a poignant reminder that beauty doesn't require a pristine mountain range or a white-sand beach to manifest. It can happen over a parking lot. It can happen over a suburban roof.

There is a profound lesson here about presence. If we wait for the "perfect" setting to be inspired, we miss the daily miracles occurring right above our heads. The most industrial, gray corners of our lives are still capable of being illuminated if the light is right.

The Road Ahead: The Neon Horizon

The third image captures a rare phenomenon: a sliver of neon green-yellow light cutting through the horizon just as the sun disappears. It looks like a gateway to another world. The road below is dark, almost invisible, but the sky is a roadmap of fire.

In literature and film, the "road" is the ultimate symbol of the journey. To drive toward a sky like this is to drive toward the unknown with a sense of awe rather than fear. It’s an invitation to keep moving, even when the path immediately in front of us is shrouded in shadow. As long as there is light on the horizon—no matter how strange or electric it may look—there is a reason to keep the engine running.

Why We Stop and Stare

Why is it that, despite having seen thousands of sunsets in our lifetimes, we still pull out our phones to take a picture? Why do we still point them out to our partners or friends?

It’s because a sunset is a reminder of impermanence. Unlike a painting in a gallery or a digital file on a hard drive, the sky is a live performance. It will never look exactly like this again. The wind will shift the clouds, the Earth will continue its tilt, and within ten minutes, the fire will fade into a soft, dusty purple, eventually giving way to the velvet black of night.

In a world that demands we be "productive" every waking second, stopping to look at a sunset is a radical act of stillness. It is one of the few things we do that serves no purpose other than to appreciate being alive. You can’t "use" a sunset. You can’t sell it. You can only witness it.

Capturing the Moment: A Photographer’s Challenge

For those trying to capture these moments, as seen in these highly saturated, HDR-style images, the goal is often to translate the feeling of the light rather than the literal reality. Human eyes have a dynamic range that cameras often struggle to match. To get the details in the dark trees and the bright highlights of the clouds simultaneously requires a bit of digital magic.

These images lean into that drama. They aren't trying to be subtle. They are shouting. They use saturation and contrast to mimic the "retinal shock" we feel when we see something truly spectacular. They remind us that sometimes, reality is too big for a standard lens.

Final Thoughts: The Fire Within

As the sun sets on another day, take a look at these images and ask yourself: When was the last time I looked up?

We spend so much of our time looking down—at our phones, at the pavement, at our desks. But the sky is a constant, ever-changing gallery that belongs to everyone. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are; the "Electric Sky" is yours for the taking.

Tonight, if the clouds are right and the sun is low, step outside. Leave the phone on the counter for a moment. Watch the gold bleed into the blue. Watch the silhouettes of your neighbourhood turn into art. And remember: no matter how dark the road ahead might seem, there is always a fire waiting to be lit in the clouds.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.