Autumn Whispers on the Knottingley and Goole Canal

Inspired by the serene, almost cinematic view captured near Whitley, Eggborough, North Yorkshire, this photograph of the Knottingley and Goole Canal on a crisp November day speaks volumes. The glassy, dark water reflecting the overcast sky, the scatter of fallen leaves, and the line of moored narrowboats create a scene that is both tranquil and a reminder of the region's industrial past.

---

The Working Waterway: A History of Innovation

The Knottingley and Goole Canal is a vital section of the Aire and Calder Navigation, a waterway system with a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. This specific cut, opened in 1826, bypassed a slower, more circuitous route to the River Ouse, cementing its importance for trade.

Unlike many canals that faded completely after the railway boom, the Aire and Calder Navigation adapted and continued to thrive as a key commercial artery. Its enduring legacy is tied to the movement of coal from the Yorkshire collieries. This section of canal was engineered for efficiency, most famously through the use of 'Tom Puddings'—compartment boats linked together in long trains and towed by steam tugs. These innovative trains, which could carry up to 740 tons of coal per trip, were a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering and helped establish the inland port of Goole.

• 1704: Initial improvements to the Rivers Aire and Calder are completed.

• 1826: The Knottingley to Goole cut opens, shortening the route to the Humber.

• 1860s: The famous Tom Pudding compartment boat system is introduced, enabling the bulk transport of coal.

• Today: The navigation remains a working waterway, carrying freight like oil, sand, and gravel, alongside its use for leisure.

---

Life on the Water at Whitley

The image captures the modern reality of this historical canal: a peaceful mooring spot for residents. The row of narrowboats, nestled against the grassy bank, suggests a life of tranquillity and connection to nature, even with the backdrop of distant industry (note the high-voltage power lines and commercial buildings in the distance).

The boats themselves are miniature homes, often equipped with solar panels (visible on the roof of the narrowboat closest to the camera), highlighting a blend of traditional canal living and contemporary, sustainable technology. The contrast between the brilliant blue narrowboat and the subtle, autumnal colours of the foliage and the grey sky is striking. The reflective water amplifies the calmness of the scene, broken only by the gentle ripples spreading from the stern of the boat.

For those interested in exploring this area, the village of Eggborough is known for its proximity to the River Aire and its own rich local history, including the decommissioned power station which was a major landmark.

---

Your Next Yorkshire Canal Adventure

Whether you're a seasoned boater, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful walk, the towpaths along the Knottingley and Goole Canal offer a unique blend of heritage and nature. It's a place where you can trace the paths of the Tom Puddings while watching modern-day narrowboats cruise by. It's a reminder that sometimes, the oldest routes are still the best.

I took this image on the 10th November 2025 with a Canon r100, I was in the area to picture the nearby railway station and closed All Saints Church at Nearby Whitley, the church will feature in my next post.

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!

The pictures remains the copyright of Colin Green.

The Untamed Beauty of Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Cheviots, high in the wild expanse of Northumberland National Park, lies a place steeped in history, breathtaking views, and an undeniable sense of raw, untamed beauty: Carter Bar.

More than just a point on a map, Carter Bar is a symbolic gateway, marking the exact spot where England bids farewell and Scotland extends a welcoming embrace (or vice-versa, depending on your direction of travel!). For centuries, this strategic mountain pass has witnessed countless tales – from fierce border reivers and warring clans to the peaceful passage of travellers seeking new adventures.

A Panoramic Welcome to Scotland

Driving north on the A68, the ascent to Carter Bar is a journey in itself. As you climb, the landscape gradually transforms, opening up to ever-more spectacular vistas. Then, you arrive.

On one side, the Saltire of Scotland proudly flutters, while on the other, the St. George's Cross of England stands sentinel. Between them, a stone cairn marks the precise border. But it's the view that truly captures the soul. Looking out across the vast, undulating moorland, often swathed in a vibrant purple haze of heather during late summer, you feel an incredible sense of scale and wilderness.

Echoes of a Turbulent Past

Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful, popular stopping point for tourists. However, its history is anything but tranquil. For centuries, the Anglo-Scottish border was a lawless land, a battleground where the "Border Reivers" – notorious raiders from both sides – wreaked havoc, stealing cattle and clashing in bloody skirmishes. The very landscape seems to whisper tales of these turbulent times. You can almost imagine the clang of steel and the thundering hooves of horses echoing across these very hills.

While the conflicts are long past, the distinct identities of both nations remain strong, making the border crossing a tangible experience.

More Than Just a View: What to Do at Carter Bar

Even if you're just passing through, a stop at Carter Bar is highly recommended.

• Soak in the Views: Take your time to absorb the magnificent panoramic scenery. On a clear day, you can see for miles across both English and Scottish terrain.

• Photo Opportunities: Naturally, the border marker with the flags provides an iconic backdrop for photographs. Get a picture with one foot in England and one in Scotland!

• Visitor Information: There's usually a small mobile shop or visitor information point where you can grab a warm drink, a snack, and perhaps a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

• Continue Your Journey: From here, you can choose to delve deeper into the Scottish Borders or continue your exploration of Northumberland.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, approximately 8 miles north of Byrness, England, and 12 miles south of Jedburgh, Scotland.

• Accessibility: There's a free car park right at the viewpoint.

• Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer. It's an exposed location, so wind and rain are not uncommon. Layers are always a good idea!

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply passing through on a road trip, Carter Bar offers a memorable experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the landscape meets the echoes of history, and where two proud nations meet in a stunning embrace. So next time you're traversing the Anglo-Scottish border, make sure to pull over, take a breath, and truly appreciate the untamed beauty of Carter Bar.

I took the pictures below with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 21st February 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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.

A Night at the Gas Works Bridge: Sowerby Bridge's Industrial Past

Sowerby Bridge, a town steeped in industrial history, offers a unique blend of rugged Pennine landscape and a rich heritage shaped by its canals and rivers. As the sun sets and the streetlights cast a warm, golden glow, places like the Gas Works Bridge come to life, telling a story of a bygone era.

Standing on this unassuming pedestrian bridge over the River Calder, you're not just looking at a waterway; you're looking at the lifeblood of an industrial revolution. The River Calder, flowing beneath the bridge, was a key artery for trade, powering the textile mills and feeding the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, which meet just a stone's throw away. This confluence of waterways made Sowerby Bridge a vital trans-shipment hub, connecting the industrial heartland of Yorkshire to the ports of Hull and Liverpool.

But the Gas Works Bridge has its own fascinating history, one that's closely tied to the very name it bears. Built in 1816, this bridge is a significant piece of engineering. Made of cast iron by Aydon and Elwell of Shelf Ironworks in Bradford, it's one of the earliest surviving cast-iron bridges in the Calderdale area. Originally a road bridge, it was widened in the mid-19th century with a steel overlay, and today it serves as a footpath, a quiet walkway for those looking to connect with the town's past.

The bridge's name, however, isn't just a label—it's a historical marker. It was built for Thomas Fearnside & Son of Mearclough Bottom Mill, but it’s the nearby gas works that gave it its enduring name. The former gas works site, located near the bridge, was a crucial part of the town's infrastructure, supplying power for streetlights, factories, and homes. In fact, a gas-making plant was installed in Sowerby Bridge as early as 1805, a remarkably early example of commercial gas production. Though the gas works closed in 1954, the bridge remains as a testament to this important part of Sowerby Bridge's industrial legacy.

As you stand on the bridge at night, the lights of the town and the distant beacon of Wainhouse Tower on the hill create a striking contrast against the dark sky and the reflective surface of the river. The photos capture this atmosphere perfectly—the warmth of the lamplight, the cool blue of the distant town, and the haunting silhouette of bare winter trees. It's a scene that bridges the past and present, a quiet moment of reflection in a place that once thrummed with the energy of industry and innovation. The Gas Works Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a silent guardian of Sowerby Bridge's history, a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrious past in the calm of the night.

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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.

More Than a Pub: Uncovering the Timeless History of The Navigation Inn

 The sepia-toned photographs, captured in 2014, offer a window into the timeless character of a truly historic building: The Navigation Inn in Sowerby Bridge. Nestled by the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, the pub, affectionately known as "The Navi" by locals, is a place where history isn't just a story—it’s etched into the very stone walls.

The building itself is a Grade II listed structure, a testament to its architectural and historical significance. Its roots are said to extend as far back as the 15th century, and for a period, it was the site of the local Moot Hall, a place for local gatherings and the administration of justice. This means that for centuries, this very spot has been a hub of community life.

The current building likely dates from the early-mid 17th century, though it has seen its share of changes. In the late 18th century, it was converted into cottages with a weaving shop above, reflecting the region's booming textile industry. It was only in the early 19th century that it found its true calling as a public house, a conversion that was undoubtedly a direct result of the thriving canal trade.

The name "The Navigation" is, of course, a nod to its waterside location. The area was a key interchange point between the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, making it a bustling centre of commerce. The bridge here, known as Chain Bridge, even had a chain fixed across it on Sundays to prevent boats from entering the wharf.

As you look at the images, you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era—the clatter of horse-drawn carts, the murmur of lock-keepers, and the conversations of weary boatmen sharing a pint. The stone fireplace inside, with its "IMW 1722" inscription, serves as a tangible link to a specific moment in time, a reminder of John and Mary Wainhouse who once owned the house.

While The Navigation Inn has undoubtedly adapted to the modern world, offering a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of today, its true appeal lies in its enduring history. It's a place that connects the present to the past, a living monument to Sowerby Bridge's industrial and social heritage.

The pictures below were taken with Samsung Galaxy Tablet and Polaroid IS2132 in January 2014. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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