Timanfaya: A Volcanic Revelation on Lanzarote

Back in July 2013, I found myself on a trip to Lanzarote, an island I initially had little enthusiasm for. It was my wife and daughter's plan, and honestly, the closer it got, the less I looked forward to it. Well, I'm happy to admit now how wrong I was! Lanzarote turned out to be one of the most enjoyable places I've ever visited, and I genuinely look forward to the day I can go back.

One of the many highlights of that trip was our island tour, which included a visit to Timanfaya National Park. I wasn't sure what to expect. Knowing it was home to an active volcano filled me with a mix of anticipation and a little trepidation. While there wasn't any flowing lava or bubbling pools to see (a slight disappointment, I'll confess!), the trip was still incredibly worthwhile.

We witnessed fascinating demonstrations of just how close the intense heat is to the surface, and we even got a peek inside the El Diablo Restaurant, where food is cooked directly over an open well of volcanic heat – truly a unique dining experience!

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Exploring the Fire Mountains

Timanfaya National Park was established in 1974 and encompasses nearly 20 square miles of southwestern Lanzarote. To protect its unique environment, public access is regulated, with most of the park viewable only via a guided coach trip. There's also an area where visitors can enjoy camel rides and a restaurant for refreshments. In 1993, the park, along with the rest of Lanzarote, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its incredible and protected flora and fauna.

A Land Forged by Fire

While the volcano is active, it's considered dormant, with its last eruption occurring in 1824. The most significant volcanic activity to shape the island happened during a six-year period between 1730 and 1736. This intense period created much of the dramatic landscape we see today around the park. Sadly, it also led to the loss of several villages, including Tingfa, Mancha Blanca, and Timanfaya itself. Much of the island's most fertile land was covered in volcanic ash, making it a time of immense hardship for the inhabitants.

Today, this land is of immense interest to scientists. As one of the newest places on Earth, they are keen to study how it develops with minimal human interference.

Feeling the Heat

Though the volcanic activity isn't visible on the surface, it's certainly active just below ground. At a depth of only 13 meters, temperatures can soar to between 100 and 600 degrees Celsius! The park offers a fascinating geyser demonstration to vividly illustrate just how hot it is beneath your feet.

The pictures and video were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Clicking any of the pictures below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Fire Pit is used as a demonstration to show how hot the temperature is
just underneath the surface of the park.

The parks restaurant can be seen to the left of the crater.

El Diablo, created by Cesar Manrique is the symbol of
Timanfaya National Park.

The restaurant uses geothermal heat channelled through open pits like this
to cook the food served.

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Discover the Spen Valley Greenway. Low Moor to the M62.

Imagine a tranquil, traffic-free path winding through the heart of West Yorkshire, connecting Low Moor to Ravensthorpe. This is the Spen Valley Greenway, an 8-mile haven for cyclists and pedestrians, tracing the forgotten routes of the old Spen Valley Railway and Ravensthorpe Branch Lines.

Opened in 2000, just two years after Sustrans acquired the disused track bed, the Greenway isn't just a path; it's a living museum. As you journey through towns like Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, and Liversedge, you'll discover more than just picturesque scenery. Keep an eye out for tell-tale railway signposts and unique ornamental benches – subtle nods to the line's industrial past. But the true gems are the scattered artworks that surprise and delight: spot Sally Matthews' charming flock of Swaledale sheep and the intriguing form of Trudi Entwistle's "Rotate."

One of the Greenway's greatest appeals is its accessibility. It's blissfully traffic-free and remarkably flat, with only gentle slopes to keep things interesting. And for those mid-journey refreshment breaks, convenience is key! You'll find a Tesco right alongside the former Cleckheaton Station site, and a Morrison's just a short walk from what was once Heckmondwike Station.

So, whether you're a keen cyclist, a leisurely stroller, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Spen Valley Greenway offers a unique blend of nature, history, and art.

The following is a short video I put together of the pictures I took along the line, it includes images of the station sites whilst still operational.

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From Rails to Trails: The Spen Valley Greenway's Storied Past

Before it became the beloved Spen Valley Greenway, a pleasant tarmacked route for cyclists and pedestrians, this peaceful stretch of land had a bustling past as the Mirfield and Low Moor Railway. This double-track line opened in two stages: first, from Low Moor to Mirfield on July 18, 1848, followed by the Ravensthorpe Branch, connecting Thornhill with Heckmondwike, on June 1, 1849.

At its peak, the line boasted eight stations. Along the main Mirfield route, travellers could alight at Low Moor, Cleckheaton Central, Liversedge Central, Heckmondwike Central, and then, after the split, Northorpe North Road and Mirfield. The Ravensthorpe Branch served Ravensthorpe Lower and Thornhill. The railway hummed with activity until passenger services were withdrawn in July 1965, with goods traffic finally ceasing in the late 1980s.

A Future on the Horizon? Reopening the Spen Valley Line

Today, whispers of the past are growing louder. Small but passionate campaigns are advocating for the reopening of the line, a seemingly straightforward, albeit potentially expensive, endeavour given that much of the track bed remains clear and undeveloped.

The argument for reinstatement is compelling: over 50,000 people reside along the Spen Valley route with limited access to rail services without lengthy commutes. Competing proposals envision both heavy rail and light rail solutions, each offering a different vision for reconnecting these communities. Could the former Mirfield and Low Moor Railway once again carry passengers, transforming the region's connectivity

The following pictures are taken on the route from Low Moor to the M62 Motorway Bridge at Chain Bar. They were taken on the 30th December 2019 with a Nikon d3300.

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The Ghost of the Halifax High Level Railway

Back in 2017, I shared some snapshots from a 2014 trek along the ghostly remains of the Halifax High Level Railway. For ages, I've yearned to retrace those steps, especially since my collection of historic photos – depicting the line in its operational glory or just after its demise – has grown significantly. My vision? To weave together a compelling "then and now" narrative. While COVID-19 unfortunately scuppered plans for an early 2020 re-walk, I couldn't wait to bring this forgotten route back to life. So, I stitched together a virtual journey on YouTube, guiding viewers along the tracks from its terminus at St. Paul's Station, King Cross, all the way to Shay Lane, Holmfield, where it once met the Queensbury line. It's a blend of those cherished old images and my own 2014 captures, presented in chronological order of the route itself.

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Conceived in the ambitious railway boom of 1884, the Halifax High Level Railway was destined for grandeur, envisioned as a vital artery connecting Queensbury to Huddersfield and beyond. Yet, like many grand designs, its reach far exceeded its grasp. The grand vision crumbled, leaving behind a mere three-mile spur that cautiously opened to Pellon Station in August 1890, extending to St. Paul's a month later.

Despite its initial promise, the line never truly captured the hearts of passengers. A paltry 1.3-mile journey to Halifax Old Station became an arduous, 30-minute ordeal, complete with a change at Holmfield. The arrival of trams at Pellon and King Cross by the turn of the century sealed the line's fate, siphoning away the few remaining passengers. A planned station at Wheatley, nestled between the tunnel and viaduct, remained a phantom, replaced by a humble goods yard for Webster's brewery. Passenger services, first withdrawn in 1917, flickered back to life briefly after the war, only to fade entirely by 1927, save for a few nostalgic excursions. The final passenger train, a somber procession, departed St. Paul's on a Friday in February 1963.

Though passenger dreams evaporated, the Halifax High Level Railway found its niche in freight, a steady stream of goods rumbling along its tracks until June 1960, when the final whistle blew, and the line fell silent. Station buildings were razed, tracks lifted, and the brief life of the Halifax High Level Railway came to an end.

Today, echoes of this lost line remain. The magnificent Wheatley Viaduct, a towering, 10-arch structure, still dominates the landscape. The western entrance of the tunnel stands as a silent sentinel, though its eastern counterpart was consumed by a housing estate, a lost opportunity for what could have been a stunning bridleway connecting communities. The former sites of St. Paul's, Pellon, and Holmfield Junction have succumbed to industrial sprawl, or in the case of St. Paul's, a forgotten, dilapidated car showroom. Many of the original bridges at Hopwood Lane, Gibbet Street, Hanson Lane, Battinson Road, and Keighley Road, though now filled in, still stubbornly mark the line's path. Others, like those at Pellon Lane, Brackenbed Road, and Wood Lane, stand proudly across their roads, alongside footbridge remnants at Field Side and Church Lane. Beyond Wheatley, the tunnel's airshaft at Cousin Lane and a lonely abutment on Shay Lane offer tantalizing glimpses into the railway's past.

Imagine the possibilities if this forgotten railway had been transformed into a vibrant bridleway, a green corridor weaving through the heart of Halifax, potentially even linking with the ambitious Queensbury Tunnel cycleway.

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Field Side Tunnel Path

Brackenbed Lane Bridge

Wheatley Viaduct

Wheatley Tunnel Entrance

Inside Wheatley Tunnel. I never entered the tunnel this was taken from the doorway.

Wheatley Tunnel Air Shaft.

Remains of Shay Lane Bridge.

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A Glimpse into the Past: A Postcard from Leamington

There's something truly special about old postcards, each one a tiny window into a moment in time. Among my collection, one particular card stands out, offering a charming glimpse into early 20th-century life and a minor historical puzzle.

Sent to "23 Bramble Street, Coventry," the postcard is dated either September 6, 1901, or 1907. The printed "1" in the year looks quite convincing for 1901, but a quick dive into the history of the featured landmark throws a delightful wrench into that assumption!

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The Mystery of the Mill Suspension Bridge

The star of this postcard is undoubtedly the Mill Suspension Bridge in Leamington Spa. This beautiful bridge, which still stands today, officially opened to the public in 1903. This immediately tells us that the postcard couldn't have been sent in 1901, making 1907 the more likely date!

The bridge is a Grade II listed structure, as is the weir beneath it. Its name comes from the site of the town's water mill, a vital source of water for Leamington, which was demolished in 1899. The bridge's design is even thought to be inspired by London's famous Albert Bridge across the River Thames.

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A Message from Emily

The postcard bears a warm message from a cousin named Emily to "Dearest Annie & Arthur." While I can't quite make out their surname, the sentiment is clear:

"Dearest Annie & Arthur, I thought perhaps you would like a postcard of Leamington, my dear sister & I were both there yesterday, it is a beautiful place but I (can't make the word out but thinks it's discovered) you have both been. I shall come over to Coventry sometime & see you because you were both so kind the last time, we are having some beautiful weather now, so we shall both be very pleased to have you both over at Melton when it is most convenient for you to come, so with love & best wishes to you both I will say, goodbye from your loving cousin Emily"

It's a lovely snapshot of family connection, discussing visits and good weather – simple pleasures that transcend time.

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Good Luck and Old Pennies

The Mill Suspension Bridge has a charming, if now forgotten, tradition. Until Britain adopted decimal coinage in 1971, it was popular for people to throw pennies and half-pennies from the bridge into the weir below. This act was once considered good luck and a way to honour the Gods. It's safe to assume this tradition continued and brought good fortune to those tossing coins long after the bridge's opening.

This little postcard, initially a small puzzle, has opened up a fascinating story of local history, family ties, and old superstitions. It's a wonderful reminder of how much history can be contained in such a small piece of paper!

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Denby Dale Railway Station and Viaduct

Nestled in the picturesque village of Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, lies a railway station that, at first glance, might seem unassuming. Today, Denby Dale Station offers a modest set of facilities, serving as a practical stop on the Penistone Line. But dig a little deeper, and you'll unearth a fascinating past, revealing a grander vision that once graced this tranquil corner of Kirklees.

From Grand Beginnings to Modern Simplicity

Imagine Denby Dale on July 1, 1850. This wasn't just another station opening; it was a significant event. The original Denby Dale Railway Station was a much larger, more imposing structure than its modern counterpart. Picture multiple buildings, expansive platforms, and tracks running in both directions – a bustling hub reflecting the ambition of the railway age.

The station was initially planned by the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, who secured parliamentary permission for the line in June 1845. However, by the time the first trains pulled into Denby Dale, ownership had changed hands. In a series of mergers that reshaped Britain's railway landscape, the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, along with many others, had become part of the formidable Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in July 1847. This amalgamation brought a vast network under single ownership, and Denby Dale became a cog in a much larger machine.

The Evolution of the Penistone Line

Over the decades, railway lines often undergo transformations to adapt to changing needs and economic realities. The Penistone Line, on which Denby Dale sits, is a prime example. While much of the line north of Stocksmoor Station was singled at a later date, the section passing through Denby Dale saw its reduction much earlier. In 1969, the line was singled from Clayton West Junction to Penistone, directly affecting Denby Dale Station. This meant the removal of the northbound platform, its accompanying buildings, and the original entrance. Today, there's little to suggest the former grandeur, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of railway infrastructure.

Denby Dale Today: A Vital Link for the Community

Despite its reduced size, Denby Dale Station remains a vital artery for the local community. It may lack the extensive facilities of its past – you won't find toilets or refreshments directly on the platform – but the village centre is just a short, pleasant walk away, offering all the amenities a traveler might need.

The station is far from a forgotten relic. With an impressive average of 3,442 passengers per week utilizing its services, Denby Dale is a busy little station. It offers a convenient hourly service in each direction from Monday to Saturday, connecting residents to Huddersfield, Sheffield, and beyond.

Denby Dale Station stands as a subtle reminder of the intricate history of Britain's railways – a place where the echoes of a grand past meet the practicality of modern-day travel. It's a testament to how infrastructure adapts, serving its purpose while holding onto a whisper of its former glory.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The start of Denby Dale Viaduct is just visible down the track.

When the whistle first blew at Denby Dale Station in 1850, trains didn't glide over the magnificent stone arches we see today. Instead, they traversed a timber viaduct, a testament to the prevailing economic realities of the time. The sheer cost of local stone made a permanent masonry structure an unaffordable luxury, forcing the railway company to opt for a seemingly temporary, albeit substantial, wooden solution.

Despite concerns, and even a visit from the Board of Trade – indicating the significant scrutiny such an unusual choice attracted – the timber viaduct stood its ground for over two decades. It wasn't until March 1877, under immense pressure from the burgeoning Huddersfield County Borough Council, that the railway company finally caved. The push for a more robust and permanent structure was undeniable, reflecting a growing civic pride and a demand for infrastructure that matched the ambitions of the industrial age.

The very next September, in 1877, work began on its stone successor, rising majestically adjacent to its wooden predecessor. Imagine the scene: the old timber structure still carrying trains overhead as the new, monumental stone arches steadily took shape below. This feat of engineering culminated in the grand opening of the new viaduct on May 15, 1880.

Today, the Denby Dale Viaduct is not just a functional part of the railway line; it's a cherished historical landmark. With its impressive 21 arches, it stands as a Grade II listed structure, a silent sentinel overlooking the valley, perpetually reminding us of the ingenuity, perseverance, and evolving landscape of Victorian railway construction.

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Venice: More Than Just Canals – Stadio Pierluigi Penzo

As a football aficionado, visiting a new city always sparks the same question: "Do they have a team?" So, when I found myself in the enchanting labyrinth of Venice in October 2018, surrounded by gondolas and historic architecture, my thoughts inevitably turned to the beautiful game. I knew nothing of Venetian football, not even if it existed, but the sheer passion Italians have for the sport suggested a local club was a strong possibility. What I uncovered was a tale far more compelling than I could have imagined, a story of resilience, history, and a stadium unlike any other.

From Bankruptcy to Battle-Hardened Survivors: The Arancioneroverdi Spirit

My initial inquiries quickly confirmed my suspicions: Venice does indeed have a football club, Venezia FC, affectionately known as the Arancioneroverdi (orange-black-green). My excitement, however, was quickly tempered by the sobering reality of their recent past. This wasn't a story of glorious victories and overflowing trophy cabinets. Instead, it was a narrative woven with threads of struggle and survival. I learned that Venezia FC had faced the ultimate footballing nightmare not once, not twice, but three times, going bankrupt in 2015. And in the very season of my visit, 2018-19, they were locked in a desperate fight to avoid relegation from Serie B, a battle they ultimately won through a nail-biting play-off. Their only major honour, the Coppa Italia, dates back to 1941 – a testament to a bygone era.

This underdog status, however, only deepened my intrigue. It spoke of a club and a fanbase with an indomitable spirit, one that had weathered financial storms and on-pitch battles, refusing to be extinguished. It's a reminder that football isn't always about silverware; sometimes, it's simply about existing, about fighting another day.

Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo: A Century of Stories on the Lagoon

My quest naturally led me to their home ground, the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. As I made my way through the narrow Venetian streets, the idea of a football stadium amidst this watery cityscape felt almost surreal. And what a stadium it turned out to be! Opening its gates in 1913, it holds the remarkable distinction of being the second oldest continually used stadium in Italy. Imagine the echoes within those walls, the cheers and groans that have reverberated through a century of football.

The stadium itself is a tribute to a local hero, named after Pier Luigi Penzo, a fighter pilot who served during World War I. This dedication adds another layer of historical significance, connecting the club not just to the city's sporting heritage but also to its broader past.

While the stadium's current capacity of 7,450 pales in comparison to the record attendance of 26,000 set in 1966 for a clash against AC Milan, it still holds a unique charm. From the outside, I must admit, it looked a little sad and neglected, locked up tight with no one in sight. My hope of a quick peek inside for a small fee was unfortunately dashed. Yet, even without entering, the sheer uniqueness of its location resonated deeply.

Arriving by Boat: A Footballing Fairytale

What truly sets the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo apart, and perhaps epitomises the spirit of Venezia FC, is its extraordinary logistical quirk: visiting teams often arrive by boat. Picture this: rival players, usually accustomed to team buses and sprawling car parks, instead disembarking from a water taxi, their boots touching down on the Venetian lagoon before a crucial match. It's a truly unforgettable image, a slice of footballing fairytale that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Venice itself.

My visit to Venice was more than just a tourist's exploration of canals and ancient architecture. It was an unexpected delve into the heart of a resilient football club, a testament to the enduring power of the game even in the most improbable of settings. Venezia FC, with its tumultuous history and unique stadium, proved that sometimes the most interesting stories aren't found in the headlines, but in the quiet, persistent pulse of a community that refuses to let its dreams, and its football team, sink beneath the waves.

The images below were taken with a Nikon d3300, clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The video below is taken from my YouTube channel.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.