Where Industry Meets the Wild: A Journey to Blackstone Edge Reservoir

 The Pennines have long been the rugged backbone of England, a place where the elements command respect and the landscape tells a story of both natural endurance and human ambition. On a moody, overcast day on June 16th, 2015, I found myself standing on the banks of Blackstone Edge Reservoir, a high-altitude water body that perfectly captures the desolate beauty of the West Yorkshire moors.

The Haunting Beauty of the High Moors

Located near Littleborough and straddling the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, Blackstone Edge is perhaps most famous for its dramatic gritstone escarpment and the ancient "Roman Road" that carves through the peat. However, the reservoir itself offers a different kind of aesthetic—one that balances the organic textures of the moorland with the stark, skeletal lines of industrial infrastructure.

On this particular June day, the sky was a heavy tapestry of grey and white clouds, casting a soft, diffused light over the water. There is a specific kind of silence you find at this elevation. It is rarely a true silence; instead, it is a symphony of wind whistling through the grass, the distant cry of a curlew, and the faint hum of the power lines that march across the horizon.

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The Intersection of Nature and Infrastructure

One cannot ignore the striking presence of the electricity pylons that dominate the skyline around Blackstone Edge. To some, these are scars on the landscape, but through a lens, they provide a fascinating geometric contrast to the rolling hills.

The Industrial Sentinels

The pylons stand like giant iron sentinels, their cables cutting sharp, horizontal lines across the soft curves of the moorland. In the photographs from this trip, you can see how the vast scale of the Pennines dwarfs even these massive structures. There is a certain "industrial sublime" at work here—a reminder of how we have harnessed these wild spaces to power the world below.

Water and Stone

The reservoir's edge is a rugged mix of mossy banks and weathered stone. In the shallower reaches, scattered rocks break the surface of the dark, peat-stained water. These stones, worn by decades of waves and wind, provide a resting place for the local waterfowl. On this visit, a small flock of Canada geese could be seen drifting across the ripples, seemingly indifferent to the looming steel towers behind them.

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Architectural Details: The Spillway and Masonry

Moving away from the open water, the engineering of the reservoir becomes more apparent. The Pennine reservoirs are masterpieces of Victorian and early 20th-century water management, and Blackstone Edge is no exception.

The Stone Spillways

One of the most captivating features to photograph was the stone-lined spillway and the drainage channels. Built from local gritstone, these structures have weathered into a dark, atmospheric hue. I chose to process some of these images in high-contrast monochrome to emphasize the textures:

• The Masonry: The precision of the hand-cut stones in the arched outlets.

• The Flow: The way the water channels create leading lines that draw the eye toward the dam wall.

• The Valve Gear: Rusting iron wheels and mechanical components that look like relics of a steam-punk era, still standing guard over the water levels.

The black-and-white treatment brings out the "grit" of the North. It highlights the moss growing in the cracks of the stone and the silver sheen of the water as it trickles down the paved channels.

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Flora and Fauna of the 16th June

Mid-June in the Pennines is a brief window of vibrancy before the harshness of late summer or the deep damp of autumn sets in.

• Cotton Grass: The bogs surrounding the reservoir were dotted with the white, fluffy heads of cotton grass, swaying violently in the upland breeze.

• The Moorland Grasses: The slopes are covered in a mix of purple moor grass and heather, which, while not yet in full purple bloom in mid-June, provides a rich palette of ochre, olive, and deep green.

• Birdlife: Aside from the geese, the area is a haven for ground-nesting birds. The "bubble" call of the curlew is the definitive soundtrack to a walk at Blackstone Edge.

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Why Visit Blackstone Edge Reservoir?

If you are a photographer, a hiker, or someone who simply finds peace in "the middle of nowhere," this spot is a hidden gem. While many hikers head straight for the trig point at the top of the "Edge," the reservoir circuit offers a more level, reflective experience.

Photography Tips for Moody Days

Don't be discouraged by a flat, grey sky. As seen in the 2015 gallery, an overcast day is perfect for:

1. Capturing Texture: Without harsh shadows, the details in the moss, rocks, and grass pop.

2. Long Exposures: The wind at this height creates beautiful movement in the water, which can be smoothed out with an ND filter for a minimalist look.

3. Industrial Portraits: The pylons look more imposing and "monumental" against a backdrop of brooding clouds than they do against a bright blue sky.

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The Long Road Home

Walking back toward the road, with the wind at your back and the sight of the A6033 winding through the valley, you feel a sense of perspective. Blackstone Edge Reservoir is a place where the modern world and the ancient earth sit uncomfortably close to one another. It is a landscape of utility, but also one of profound, lonely beauty.

As I looked back at the water one last time on that June afternoon, the pylons seemed less like intrusions and more like a part of the local ecology—the modern trees of the Yorkshire moors.

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Trip Details

• Location: Blackstone Edge Reservoir, Near Littleborough/Ripponden.

• Date: 16th June 2015.

• Weather: Overcast, 14°C, moderate winds.

• Terrain: Peat moorland, rocky paths, and gravel tracks.

I took these pictures on the16th June 2015 with a Polaroid is2132. 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.

Walking the Calder & Hebble Navigation from Elland to Cromwell Bottom

 There is a specific kind of magic found in the post-industrial landscapes of West Yorkshire. It’s a place where the echoes of the "Workshop of the World" meet the relentless, quiet reclamation of nature. On a late spring day—specifically the 11th of June, 2016—the stretch of the Calder & Hebble Navigation between the town of Elland and the nature reserve at Cromwell Bottom offered a masterclass in this atmospheric duality.

Whether you are a seasoned "gongoozler" (a lover of canals), a weekend rambler, or a history buff, this particular stretch of water provides a level of peace that feels far removed from the nearby bustle of Halifax and Huddersfield.

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The Industrial Gateway: Departing Elland

The journey begins under the monumental concrete spans of the Elland Road Viaduct. It is a striking starting point; the modern engineering of the road bridge creates a vast, shadowed cathedral over the water. Looking at the reflections of the massive support pillars in the still canal surface, you’re reminded that this is a working landscape. The graffiti on the weathered stone walls adds a layer of urban grit, a signature of the canal's proximity to the heart of Elland.

As you move away from the viaduct, the scenery shifts rapidly. The towpath leads you past the remnants of the area’s textile heritage. Sturdy, golden-hued York stone warehouses line the banks, their architectural dignity intact even as their purposes have shifted from wool storage to modern apartments or offices.

The Architecture of the Waterway

One of the most charming aspects of the Calder & Hebble is its unique "handspike" locks. Unlike the standard rack-and-pinion gearing found on most English canals, many locks here require a wooden handspike to operate the paddle gear—a nod to the 18th-century origins of this navigation.

Passing through Elland, the canal is flanked by high stone walls that feel like the corridor of history. Small, arched windows in the masonry once allowed workers to peer out at the passing barges; today, they are framed by moss and ferns, slowly being absorbed back into the earth.

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Nature Reclaims the Banks: Heading Toward Lowfields

As the buildings of Elland begin to thin, the "Navigation" truly begins to earn its name. Unlike a pure canal, a navigation often uses sections of the original river—in this case, the River Calder.

By the time you reach the Lowfields area, the "Green Corridor" effect takes full hold. On this June day in 2016, the hedgerows were in full riot. The towpath is a ribbon of dark asphalt and gravel, bordered by:

• Queen Anne’s Lace (Cow Parsley): Its white, frothy flowers create a lace-like border against the water.

• Buttercups: Splashes of bright yellow that seem to catch the filtered sunlight.

• Wild Ferns: Clinging to the damp stone edges of the canal.

The water here changes character. It becomes darker, reflecting the overhanging canopy of Sycamore, Alder, and Willow trees. The sound of distant traffic fades, replaced by the rhythmic "plop" of a water vole or the sudden, electric-blue flash of a Kingfisher darting between the reeds.

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Cromwell Bottom: From Ash to Emerald

The destination of this walk is Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, and the approach via the canal is the most scenic way to arrive. It is hard to believe, looking at the lush greenery today, that this site was once used for gravel extraction and later as a disposal site for pulverized fuel ash from the nearby power stations.

Nature's resilience is the theme here. As you approach Cromwell Bottom, the canal widens, and the views open up to reveal the hills of the Calder Valley. On the opposite bank, modern timber-clad homes sit nestled into the hillside, showing how the valley continues to evolve as a place where people want to live and breathe.

Wildlife Highlights at Cromwell Bottom

In June, the reserve is a cacophony of birdsong. The mix of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands makes it one of the richest sites for biodiversity in the region.

• Dragonflies and Damselflies: Look for the Banded Demoiselle fluttering near the water’s edge.

• Waterfowl: Mallards and Moorhens are staples, but keep an eye out for the more elusive Grebe.

• Orchids: If you step off the towpath into the reserve meadows, June is the peak time to spot Northern Marsh Orchids.

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Why This Walk Matters

Walking the Calder & Hebble isn't just about exercise; it's about perspective.

In the span of just a few miles, you travel from the heavy, brutalist concrete of the bypass to the delicate, ancient-feeling woods of the nature reserve. You see the transition from the 1770s (when the canal was built) to the Victorian industrial peak, and finally to the 21st-century's focus on ecology and leisure.

The 11th of June 2016 was a day of soft light and heavy greens—a reminder that even in our most developed valleys, there is a vein of wildness that continues to flow, if only we take the time to walk beside it.

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Journey Through Halifax’s Architectural Rebirth

 The skyline of Halifax, West Yorkshire, is a striking dialogue between the industrial grit of the 18th century and the bold, glass-fronted ambition of the 21st. To walk through the town centre is to witness a masterclass in urban regeneration—where hollowed-out ruins have been transformed into cultural powerhouses.

On a crisp, clear day in late September 2018, the low autumn sun hit the Pennine stone just right, illuminating a story of resilience. From the defiant spire of a lost church to the grandest courtyard in Europe, here is a photographic exploration of Halifax’s most iconic landmarks.

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The Sentinel: Square Church Spire

Our journey begins looking skyward. The Square Church Spire stands as a magnificent, solitary finger of stone pointing toward the Yorkshire heavens. For many visitors, it is the first thing they see when arriving by train, a lighthouse of Gothic Revival architecture.

Completed in 1857, the Square Congregational Church was once a sprawling masterpiece designed by Joseph James. However, after two devastating fires in the 1970s, the main body of the church was lost. Most towns might have cleared the rubble and moved on, but Halifax chose a different path. They kept the spire—a Grade II* listed structure—and integrated it into the very fabric of the town's future.

Standing at the base of the tower, you can see the intricate stonework and the looming clock face. The contrast between the weathered, honey-coloured sandstone and the deep cerulean sky of a September afternoon is breathtaking. It serves as a reminder that even when the foundations of our past crumble, the peaks can still reach for the future.

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Where History Meets Literacy: The New Halifax Central Library

If the spire represents the past preserved, the Rose Window inside the new Halifax Central Library and Archives represents the past repurposed.

The library, which opened in late 2017, is a stunning example of "old meets new." It was built directly onto the remains of the Square Church. Walking through the sleek, modern entrance, you are suddenly confronted by the massive, skeletal beauty of the church’s original Rose Window.

A View Through the Glass

• The Contrast: The window is framed by modern glass balustrades and clean, minimalist bookshelves.

• The Light: As seen in the photography from September 26th, the afternoon sun streams through the tracery, casting geometric shadows across the library floor.

• The Purpose: It’s no longer a religious icon; it’s a literary one. It provides a quiet, contemplative space for readers to sit with a book, surrounded by centuries of craftsmanship.

Seeing the Rose Window from the interior mezzanine is a visceral experience. It bridges the gap between the industrial Halifax of the Victorian era and the digital, knowledge-driven Halifax of today.

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The Gateway to Grandeur: Piece Hall Eastern Entrance

Leaving the library, brings you to the Eastern Entrance of The Piece Hall. This specific entrance is a fascinating junction of materials. To your left, the modern brickwork and glass of the library extension; to your right, the rugged red brick of the Calderdale Industrial Museum; and straight ahead, the stone arches that lead into another world.

The metal signage above the gate—THE PIECE HALL—is understated, allowing the architecture to do the talking. This entrance acts as a "compression point." You move from the narrow, busy streets of the town into a sudden, sprawling expanse of history.

Note for Travelers: If you visit the Eastern Entrance, don't miss the Calderdale Industrial Museum right next door. It houses the working machinery that once made this town the "Town of a Hundred Trades."

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The Piazza of the North: Inside The Piece Hall

Finally, we step into the heart of Halifax: The Piece Hall.

Originally opened on January 1, 1779, this Grade I listed building is the only remaining 18th-century cloth hall in the world. It was built for "pieces" of hand-loomed woollen cloth to be sold, but today, following a multi-million-pound restoration, it feels more like a Mediterranean piazza dropped into the middle of West Yorkshire.

The Grand Scale

The courtyard is vast—66,000 square feet of open space. On a quiet Wednesday in September, the scale is even more apparent. The symmetry of the Rustic, Tuscan, and Arcade levels creates a rhythmic backdrop of columns and arches that seems to go on forever.

The 2017 renovation added the sweeping stone steps and the level floor you see today, making it a premier venue for concerts (hosting the likes of Nile Rodgers and Blondie) and community gatherings. In the photo taken on the 26th, you can see the play of light across the York stone paving, emphasizing the sheer cleanliness and revitalized energy of the space.

What to do in The Piece Hall:

1. Shop Independent: From traditional sweets at Joseph Chance to contemporary art at The Creative Co-op.

2. Dine Al Fresco: Grab a coffee or a local ale and sit in the courtyard to soak in the architecture.

3. The Heritage Centre: Located near the North Gate, it tells the story of the cloth trade that built this town.

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Why Halifax Matters Now

For decades, Halifax was seen as a town whose best days were behind it. The chimneys had stopped smoking, and the mills were quiet. However, the synergy between the Square Church Spire, the Central Library, and The Piece Hall proves that architectural heritage is not a burden—it’s an asset.

When you stand in the centre of The Piece Hall and look back at the Square Church Spire peeking over the roofline, you aren't just looking at old buildings. You are looking at a town that has successfully reinvented itself without losing its soul.

Halifax is no longer just a stop on the way to Leeds or Manchester; it is a destination in its own right, a place where stone, steel, and sunlight tell a story of triumph.

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Plan Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Late September offers beautiful "Golden Hour" light for photographers.

• Getting There: Halifax is easily accessible by train from Leeds (20 mins) and Manchester (45 mins).

• Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for The Piece Hall courtyard, but don't forget a zoom for the intricate details on the Square Church Spire.

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 Timeless Yorkshire Descent: Cobbles, History, and the Roar of the River Ryburn

 The Pennines have a way of holding onto the past, clutching it tightly within the creases of their steep valleys. On a damp, atmospheric day like 15th February 2014, nowhere feels more grounded in history than the village of Ripponden. If you find yourself standing at the top of Priest Lane, looking down toward the ancient crossing of the River Ryburn, you aren't just looking at a road—you’re looking at a physical timeline of West Yorkshire life.

Black and white photography captures this mood perfectly. The absence of colour strips away the modern distractions, leaving behind the raw texture of gritstone, the slick reflection of rain on centuries-old setts, and the skeletal beauty of winter trees.

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The Descent of Priest Lane

The journey into the heart of Ripponden’s history begins at the summit of Priest Lane. There is something visceral about a cobbled street. In the modern world, we are used to the silent, smooth transition of asphalt. But here, every step is a tactile experience.

On this February afternoon, the setts are slick with West Yorkshire rain. The lane curves steeply downward, hemmed in by the sturdy, darkened stone of traditional weavers' cottages and boundary walls. These buildings weren't just homes; they were the backbone of the local textile industry. The large windows on the upper floors of these dwellings were designed to let in every possible scrap of northern light for the hand-loom weavers who once lived here.

Standing at the top of the lane, the view is dominated by the sharp descent toward the valley floor. It is a path that has been trodden by packhorses, clergymen, and mill workers for hundreds of years. The perspective creates a sense of falling forward into history.

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The Old Bridge: A 14th-Century Sentinel

At the foot of Priest Lane lies the jewel of the village: the Old Bridge. This isn't just a picturesque spot for a photograph; it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and one of the finest examples of a packhorse bridge in the North of England.

Dating back to the 14th century, the bridge served as a vital link on the ancient trade route over the Pennines. Long before the modern A672 or the M62 existed, this narrow stone arch was the only way for traders to move goods between the wool towns of Yorkshire and the markets of Lancashire.

Architectural Strength

The bridge is a masterclass in medieval engineering:

• The Single Span: A powerful gritstone arch designed to withstand the volatile nature of the Ryburn.

• The Cutwaters: Massive triangular stone projections that "cut" the force of the water during a flood, protecting the structural integrity of the bridge.

• The Width: It is intentionally narrow, designed for a horse and its panniers, not for the carts or carriages that would come centuries later.

Standing on the bridge today, you can hear the River Ryburn below. In February, the river is rarely a gentle stream. Fed by the runoff from the high moors, it becomes a churning, coffee-coloured torrent. The sound of the water hitting the weir just downstream from the bridge provides a constant, rhythmic soundtrack to the village.

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The Old Bridge Inn: Hospitality in Stone

Directly adjacent to the bridge sits the Old Bridge Inn. To call it a "pub" feels like an understatement; it is a landmark of hospitality that has stood its ground since the 1300s.

The white-washed exterior of the Inn provides a stark, beautiful contrast to the dark gritstone of the surrounding buildings and the bridge. In the black and white images from 2014, the Inn glows against the grey Pennine sky. Its low-slung roofline and thick stone walls suggest a place built for shelter—a sanctuary for the weary traveller who had just navigated the treacherous trans-Pennine moors.

The Inn is famously one of the oldest in Yorkshire. Inside, the ceilings are low, the beams are heavy, and the fireplaces are large. It represents the "bottom" of the valley's social heart, where for centuries, the news of the day was traded over a pint of ale. Looking at the Inn from the vantage point of the bridge, you realize that the relationship between the road, the river, and the tavern is the original blueprint of English village life.

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The River Ryburn in Winter

The River Ryburn is the reason Ripponden exists. The water provided the power for the early corn mills and, later, the massive textile mills that fuelled the Industrial Revolution.

On 15th February 2014, the river was in its winter element. The images capture the Ryburn in a state of high flow. The water crashes over the weir, creating a white-water mist that hangs in the cold air. The trees lining the banks are bare, their dark branches reaching out over the water like veins.

There is a specific kind of beauty in a Pennine river during February. It feels powerful and slightly dangerous. It reminds us that while we have built our stone bridges and white-washed inns, the natural force of the water remains the dominant architect of the landscape.

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The Spiritual Backdrop: St Bartholomew’s

Peering over the rooftops and through the leafless trees is the spire of St Bartholomew’s Church. The church tower, with its distinctive clock face, acts as a vertical anchor for the village.

While the current church building is a Victorian reconstruction, the site has been a place of worship for nearly a millennium. The relationship between the church at the top and the bridge at the bottom creates a physical manifestation of the village's dual identity: the spiritual and the commercial.

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Why Black and White?

Capturing Ripponden in monochrome on this specific day in 2014 was a conscious choice that yields several visual rewards:

1. Texture: You can almost feel the grit of the stone and the dampness of the moss.

2. Contrast: The white walls of the Old Bridge Inn pop against the dark valley, drawing the eye to the centre of the community.

3. Timelessness: Without modern car colours or bright plastic signage, these photos could easily have been taken in 1914 rather than 2014. It honours the "Old" in Old Bridge.

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Final Thoughts: A Walk Through Time

Ripponden is a place where you don't just see history; you walk on it. From the top of Priest Lane, down across the Old Bridge, past the Old Bridge Inn, and along the banks of the River Ryburn, every yard tells a story of endurance, trade, and the rugged spirit of the North.

If you ever find yourself in this corner of West Yorkshire on a rainy February day, don't rush through. Stand on the bridge, listen to the Ryburn, and look up at the cobbles of Priest Lane. You are standing in a scene that has remained largely unchanged for seven hundred years.

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.