Colin Green Photography: Train Travel

Saturday, 27 December 2025

Huncoat: A Lancashire Railway Station with a Powerful Past

In August 2022, I took a trip to the quaint village of Huncoat in Lancashire, camera in hand (my trusty Nikon D3300!) to capture the essence of its modest but historically significant railway station.

This seemingly quiet stop on the East Lancashire Line holds a fascinating past, closely linked to the region's industrial boom. It's more than just a place to catch a train; it's a window into the coal, brick, and power-generating industries that once dominated this area.

The Historical Significance

Huncoat Railway Station, currently managed by Northern Trains, first opened its doors on September 18, 1848, as part of the East Lancashire Railway. Interestingly, the station you see today isn't the original location—it was relocated to its current site in 1902 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to better serve the growing local industries.

Industrial Hub: The area around the station exploded with industry between the two World Wars. It served three local collieries (coal mines), two coke ovens, and the famous Accrington Nori Brick Works. This meant a vast network of mineral lines converged here, making Huncoat a vital freight hub.
The Power Station Link: Perhaps the most imposing piece of local history was the massive Huncoat Power Station, constructed between 1950 and 1956 right next to the station. It relied on the railway for the massive amounts of coal it consumed. While the power station was decommissioned in 1984 and the site is now a nature walk, the sheer scale of the operation it once supported is impressive.
A Railway Award Winner: In a testament to its freight importance, the station actually won a railway award just before the start of the Second World War for the sheer tonnage of freight it handled!

Capturing the Modern Halt

Today, the bustling freight yards are gone, and the grand old 1912 station buildings—which once housed a booking office, waiting rooms, and a parcels office—have been replaced with simple, modern shelters, marking its evolution into a quiet, unstaffed commuter halt.

Despite the modernisation, the station's character shines through, especially thanks to the community effort from the local group, 'Hands on Huncoat', who often add beautiful floral displays, breathing new life into the platforms.

Your Journey on the East Lancashire Line

The station sits on the East Lancashire Line, connecting destinations in a convenient one-hour frequency (hourly on weekdays and Saturdays, two-hourly on Sundays).

Westbound: Trains head toward Accrington, Blackburn, and ultimately Preston.
Eastbound: Services run to Burnley and Colne.

The contrasting elements of Huncoat make it a compelling subject for any rail enthusiast—the simple functionality of a modern Northern station set against a backdrop of deep industrial history. If you're ever travelling through Lancashire, it’s a spot well worth a pause to reflect on the industries that shaped the region.

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Tuesday, 9 September 2025

All Aboard to Danby: A Journey into the Heart of the North York Moors

Nestled in the picturesque Eskdale valley, a short journey from Whitby, lies the charming village of Danby and its equally delightful railway station. Stepping off the train at Danby feels like a genuine step back in time, a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The station, a beautifully preserved example of North Eastern Railway architecture, stands as a testament to a bygone era of rural travel.

The station itself is a modest yet captivating stone building, its sturdy walls and classic design perfectly complementing the surrounding North York Moors. As you arrive on the single platform, the gentle curve of the track leads your eye deeper into the stunning landscape. The air is fresh, carrying the scent of wild grasses and the faint echo of distant birdsong. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be present.

Danby railway station has a rich history, having first opened its doors to the public on October 2, 1865. For over a century and a half, it has served as a vital link for the local communities of Danby and Ainthorpe, connecting them to the wider world. Its past is particularly interesting, even featuring a unique form of holiday accommodation. From 1936 to 1939, the station was home to a "camping coach," a converted passenger carriage that offered a novel and static holiday experience. This practice, popular with railway companies across the UK, allowed visitors to stay in a picturesque, rural location, enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside while still having the convenience of being on the railway network.

Beyond the station itself, Danby is a gateway to one of England’s most breath taking national parks. Just a three-quarter mile walk from the platform is the Danby Lodge National Park Visitors' Centre, a fantastic starting point for exploring the area. Here, you can learn about the local flora and fauna, the history of the moors, and find maps and guides for countless walks and trails. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike up to Danby Beacon or a gentle stroll along the River Esk, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

The Esk Valley Line itself is a hidden gem. Managed by Northern Trains, it offers a scenic and leisurely journey between the historic port town of Whitby and the bustling town of Middlesbrough. With a regular service of four to five trains per day, it provides the perfect opportunity for a day trip or a longer stay. Many of the trains continue on to Newcastle, making Danby a surprisingly well-connected little hub for those who know to seek it out.

In a world of high-speed travel and ever-increasing urbanization, Danby railway station stands as a quiet and beautiful reminder of the simple joys of a slower pace. It’s a place where you can appreciate the craftsmanship of a Victorian building, breathe in the fresh moorland air, and embark on an adventure into the wild beauty of the North York Moors. So, next time you're looking for a unique escape, why not take the train to Danby? It’s a journey you won't soon forget.

The pictures below were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2022, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.