On a sun-drenched summer day, I embarked on a camera-in-hand adventure along the Rochdale Canal. Starting at Bridge 3 (Rose Grove), I followed the waterway towards Luddendenfoot, capturing the tranquil beauty of the towpath and passing under bridges 4 and 5. After reaching Bridge 6 (Station Road) at Luddendenfoot, I ventured inland, ascending a winding track through lush woodlands and grassy meadows towards the township of Warley. My journey culminated at the hill top overlooking the Luddenden Valley with Oats Royd Mill at Booth an outstanding industrial structure in the distance.
I took the pictures below on the 28th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap by clicking any image.
Rose Grove Bridge, Number 3 over the Rochdale Canal.
The Rochdale Canal, pictured between Bridge 3 (Rose Grove) and Bridge 4 (Longbottom) on a stretch of the canal at Tenterfields between Sowerby Bridge and Luddendenfoot.
Bridge 6 over the Rochdale Canal, Station Road Bridge is just off Burnley Road and used to provide access to Luddendenfoot Railway Station which closed in 1962. The station would probably be a busy little halt now with all the housing developments that have completed in the local area since its closure.
The previous 2 pictures were taken on the walk up from Luddenden to Warley. Although the 2nd picture looks like a dried up river bed I believe it to be a footpath that suffers from drainage problems when the weather is wet, which in Northern England is quite often.
Oats Royd Mill, Booth.
Sometimes called Moggy's Mill, Oats Royd Mill was built in stages between 1842 and 1886. It was a worsted spinning mill until 1984 when it was separated into units occupied by several different industries. Large parts of the buildings were badly damaged by fire in February 1989. Despite local opposition the remaining buildings were converted in to private housing.
The Luddenden Valley pictured from Deep Lane, Warley.
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The stone trough is a familiar sight in many gardens, but its history and uses are surprisingly varied. These troughs were originally used for watering livestock, but they have found a new life in contemporary gardens as planters, birdbaths, and even water features.
Stone troughs are made from a variety of materials, including granite, limestone, and slate. They are often simple in design, with a rectangular or oval basin.
Stone troughs were once an essential part of any farm. They were used to provide livestock with water to drink, and they could also be used to mix feed or to bathe animals. With the advent of modern plumbing, stone troughs have become less common in agriculture.
However, stone troughs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a garden feature. Their timeless design and natural materials make them a perfect complement to any garden style. Stone troughs can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Here are a few ideas:
Planter: Stone troughs are a great way to add height and interest to a flower bed. They can be planted with a variety of flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs.
Birdbath: Birds need a place to drink and bathe, and a stone trough can provide the perfect spot. Just be sure to add a few stones to the bottom of the trough so that birds of all sizes can easily reach the water.
Water feature: A stone trough can be used to create a beautiful and relaxing water feature in your garden. Simply add a small pump and some aquatic plants. The sound of bubbling water can be very soothing.
Stone troughs are a versatile and attractive addition to any garden. With a little creativity, you can find a way to use a stone trough in your own garden.
The 2 pictured below can be found near the township of Warley, in the suburbs of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The lions head trough now more of a garden display than a useful watering aid is on the roadside of Stock Lane heading in to Warley from Highroad Well. The second trough is on Water Hill Lane heading down from Warley towards Sowerby Bridge.
The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR on the 9th June 2024. They can also be seen on my Clickasnap account and copies can be purchased on various products from my Zazzle Stores.
Clicking either image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution version on Clickasnap.
All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Another single shot picture taken whilst walking in Warley, Near Halifax, West Yorkshire. I am currently going through a number of pictures I have on my iPhone and this was one I thought worth sharing. The colours and lack of leaves on the trees gave the impression to me of autumn ending and winters approach nearing.
You can see a full resolution and un-watermarked version of this picture on my Clickasnap account, click the picture to view in another window.
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All the pictures are the copyright of Colin Green.
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
Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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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Nestled in the Highroad Well area of Halifax, West View Park stands as a testament to Victorian philanthropy and a cherished green space for the community. Opened in 1896, this approximately 14-acre public park boasts a rich history, intriguing features, and a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
The very existence of West View Park is thanks to the vision and generosity of two prominent local figures: Mr. Henry Charles McCrea and Mr. Enoch Robinson. Built on the site of a former quarry, the land itself was a donation from Lord Saville. McCrea and Robinson, driven by a desire to create a public amenity, funded the park's development on the condition that the local council would assume responsibility for its ongoing upkeep. This unique partnership ensured the park's longevity and its accessibility to all.
McCrea's influence is also evident in the park's name. "West View," he insisted, was a fitting moniker, reflecting the breathtaking vistas over the Norland Hillside, the distant Pennines, and the winding Calder Valley to the west of Halifax. Even today, these views remain a defining characteristic of the park, offering a sense of expansive beauty and connection to the wider landscape.
West View Park is not just a patch of grass; it's a meticulously designed space offering a variety of experiences. Visitors can stroll through formal gardens, enjoy the open spaces of the play areas, or simply relax on the terrace. It's a place where generations have come to unwind, play, and connect with nature.
A poignant addition to the park's landscape arrived in 1904: a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers from the area who lost their lives in various conflicts. Standing proudly on the terrace area, the memorial commemorates two soldiers who perished in the Afghan Wars (1839-42 and 1878-81) and a significant 73 who died in the South African War (1899-1902). This impressive statue, reaching a height of 76 feet (23 meters), serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made. Interestingly, its history isn't without incident; it was famously blown over in a gale in 1937. In the same year, three field guns that originally surrounded the memorial when it was unveiled were also removed. The memorial's historical significance was formally recognized on November 23rd, 1973, when it was granted Grade II listed status, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
While the provided text makes a curious jump to a train station and tunnel, these details appear to relate to a different location and project a sense of confusion when associated with West View Park itself. It's important to clarify that the information regarding the level crossing, stream, bombing during WWII, and Winterbutlee Tunnel pertains to a railway station in the Todmorden area, not West View Park. The photographic details, however, confirm the dates and equipment used for capturing images of West View Park in February 2019, providing a recent snapshot of the park's appearance.
In essence, West View Park remains a vital part of Halifax's heritage. From its philanthropic origins and thoughtful design to its solemn war memorial and stunning views, it offers a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, inviting visitors to reflect, play, and appreciate the enduring legacy of a truly remarkable green oasis.
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Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Images from Calderdale is a YouTube slideshow I uploaded today set to music. It features 60 pictures taken within the boundaries of Calderdale from Walsden to Brighouse, and from Warley to Norland. They were all taken over a period starting in 2013 up to December 2017 and include many notable local landmarks.
A full list of place names can be found underneath the slideshow on YouTube. The images refresh every 8 seconds and has a background soundtrack, please mute the music if not to your taste.
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