Walking the Rochdale Canal from Walsden to Todmorden

In the heart of Northern England, winding through valleys and past old mill towns, lies the Rochdale Canal. More than just a waterway, it's a testament to the region's industrial heritage, a ribbon of water that once powered the economy and has since been reborn as a haven for walkers and nature lovers. Completed in 1804, this historic canal once served as a vital trade route, connecting the bustling hubs of Sowerby Bridge and Manchester.

For a time, the canal fell into disuse and disrepair, officially closing in 1952. Sections became overgrown, and some were even filled in, a quiet echo of the end of an era. But thanks to a dedicated restoration effort, the canal was fully reopened in 2002, giving new life to this historic corridor.

Inspired by this story of rebirth, I took a walk along a particularly scenic stretch of the canal in November 2013, trekking approximately 1.5 miles from Walsden to Todmorden. The photos, taken on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, capture the essence of a tranquil autumn day on the towpath.

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A Walk Through Autumn

The journey revealed a landscape painted in the golden hues of autumn. The canal waters, a deep, reflective blue, mirrored the clear sky and the scattered clouds. Along the banks, fallen leaves created a vibrant carpet of gold and red, rustling underfoot.

The walk passes a number of fascinating landmarks. Pinnel Lock 26 and Smithyholm Lock 25 are working relics of the canal's past, their weathered stone and wooden gates standing strong against the flow of time. Further along, the towering Gauholme Railway Viaduct looms over the canal, a striking black-and-white image that shows the intersection of two different transport histories.

The path also winds through the charming village of Walsden, where the spire of St. Peter's Church rises elegantly above the trees and rooftops, a quiet sentinel watching over the canal. The walk ends as you approach Todmorden, with the canal curving past old mill buildings, their red brick and stone a warm contrast to the green and gold of the surrounding hills.

Along the way, I stumbled upon a curious, carved stone chair, a unique piece of art that invites walkers to pause and reflect on the journey. This simple seat embodies the spirit of the canal today: a place of peace, reflection, and quiet beauty.

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Gauxholme Viaduct

Pinnel Lock

Smithyholm Lock

Walsden from the canal, St Peter's Church seen in the distance.

This stone chair was near Gauxholme Locks, no idea if it is still there.

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Bridging the Gap: A Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, I've always been drawn to bridges. They're more than just structures connecting two points; they’re symbols of human ingenuity, history, and a connection to the world around us. Recently, I've been exploring different ways to capture these marvels, playing with filters and post-processing to create a painterly, almost dreamlike effect. The result is a series of images that feel both real and fantastical, blurring the lines between photography and art.

In this collection, I've focused on some of the UK's most iconic bridges. Each one has its own story and a unique aesthetic.

Connel Bridge, Oban, Scotland.

Nestled in the breath taking landscape of Western Scotland, the Connel Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering with a storied past. Originally built as a railway crossing over the narrow mouth of Loch Etive, the bridge was officially opened in August 1903. Constructed at a cost of £43,000, it served the Ballachulish Branch Line of the Callander and Oban Railway, a vital link for the region's transport network.

For many years, the bridge was exclusively for rail traffic. However, in 1914, a new chapter began when a roadway was added, allowing both cars and trains to use the same crossing. This dual-purpose use was managed with a unique set of rules: trains were given priority, and the roadway was closed to vehicles whenever rail traffic was scheduled to pass. This continued until the railway line was closed in the late 1960s, at which point the bridge became solely for road use. Today, the A828 road still runs across the single-track bridge, with traffic lights managing the flow of cars and ensuring a smooth passage for all.

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Engineering and the Falls of Lora

The design of the Connel Bridge is as fascinating as its history. It is a cantilever bridge, a style chosen specifically to withstand the unique natural forces of the area. The bridge's impressive 524-foot span was a necessary measure to clear the challenging waters below. Just to the west of the bridge are the Falls of Lora, a series of tidal rapids created by the strong flow of water in and out of Loch Etive. These powerful currents were a significant consideration for the original engineers, who designed the bridge's structure to handle the immense pressures and prevent any obstructions in the water below.

Rising to a height with a 14-foot restriction, the bridge is perfectly positioned to offer a stunning view of the surrounding scenery. Just to the north, you can see the nearby Oban Airport, a modern landmark in an area rich with historical and natural wonders.

The Forth Bridge

Opened in 1890, the Forth Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a defining symbol of Scotland's industrial might and a globally recognized feat of engineering. Located just east of Edinburgh, this monumental structure spans the Firth of Forth, connecting the communities of North and South Queensferry. While it's commonly known as the Forth Rail Bridge, its official name is simply the Forth Bridge, as it was the first of the three crossings to be built here.

The bridge's history is as impressive as its scale. Designed by the visionary engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, construction began in 1882. At the peak of its construction, the project was a massive undertaking, employing a workforce of over 4,600 men. Their collective efforts culminated in the bridge's completion in December 1889. Following extensive testing, the bridge was officially opened on March 4, 1890, by the Duke of Rothesay, who marked the occasion by driving in the final gold-plated rivet.

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Design, Scale, and Legacy

The Forth Bridge's distinctive cantilever design was a revolutionary choice for its time, built to handle the immense forces of a railway crossing. The bridge has a total length of 8,094 feet, with a maximum width of 120 feet at its piers. It soars to a height of 316 feet, providing a staggering 150 feet of clearance for ships to pass safely beneath at high tide.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Forth Bridge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains one of the most famous man-made structures in Scotland, a powerful testament to the ingenuity and sheer hard work of the men who built it.

Albert Bridge, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Spanning the River Lagan in the heart of Belfast, the Albert Bridge is a testament to the city's resilience and a graceful example of 19th-century engineering. Completed in 1890, this elegant structure was designed by the esteemed J.C. Bretland to replace a previous bridge that had tragically collapsed in 1886. This earlier failure underscored the need for a robust and reliable new crossing, and Bretland's design delivered on that promise.

Constructed at a cost of £36,500—an astronomical sum at the time, equivalent to approximately £5.2 million in today's currency—the bridge was a significant investment in the city's infrastructure. Its name honors Prince Albert Victor, the grandson of Queen Victoria, connecting the bridge to the rich history of the British monarchy.

With its striking architectural features and a vital role in connecting the city, the Albert Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a piece of Belfast's history, a silent witness to the city's transformation over more than a century.

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Ermita de Los Delores: Lanzarote's Church of Miracles

 Ermita de Los Delores is an 18th Century church in the village of Mancha Blanca on the Island of Lanzarote. The stunning little church was part of a tour of the island I took and has an interesting story or legend attached to it.

The last great volcanic eruptions to hit Lanzarote had lasted for 6 years when in April 1736, the villages of Mancha Blanca went with a priest carrying the Virgin Nuestra Senora de los Delores to meet the lava flow heading towards the village. When they reached Guigan they prayed and inserted a cross in to the ground, promising to build a church in the honour of the Virgin if she stopped the lava flow towards the village and fertile fields nearby.

The lava flow changed direction away from the villages and over a previous lava field, and the villages soon forgot their promise to build a church. In 1774 the Virgin appeared to a local shepherd girl and told her to remind the villagers they needed to construct the church, the girl was eventually believed and work started taking 10 years to complete the build of the church paid for by inhabitants from all over Lanzarote.

The church was closed in 1850 for restoration, reopening in 1861. It was again in need of restoration by 1988 and on the 18th June all the contents were removed to the Parish of Tinajo, including an image of the virgin. Just a few hours later the dome of the church collapsed.

I took 4 pictures of the church with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, they were taken on the 30th July 2013. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Tracing History: A Snicket in Halifax

In the world of photography, some images capture not just a place but a moment in time, a feeling of an era. One such photograph is Bill Brandt's "A Snicket in Halifax," taken in 1937. His iconic black-and-white image documents a simple, cobbled path—a "snicket," as they're known in Northern England—climbing from Old Lane, Dean Clough towards North Bridge. It's a snapshot of a bygone industrial age, leading to a bridge that once spanned the Queensbury Lines Railway.

Inspired by Brandt's work, I recently revisited this very spot. While the railway is long gone, the snicket and its bridge remain, a testament to the enduring character of this town. The old railway line below is now a verdant, overgrown space, a green ribbon running through the urban landscape.

The building in the background of the photos is the imposing Bowling Mill, part of the vast Dean Clough complex. Once a bustling hub of textile production, it now houses a different kind of industry, a vibrant center for arts and business.

Walking up this unassuming path, you can't help but feel a connection to the past. The worn cobbles, the rugged stone wall, and the towering mill building all tell a story of Halifax's rich industrial heritage. A "snicket" might just be a small passageway, but in places like this, it feels like a path through history itself.

I took this image on Sunday 3rd July 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR. Clicking any of the pictures should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle,

The original colour version I took of the picture can also be seen on Clickasnap and below,

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Ardrossan's Golden Shore: The North Beach

Ardrossan, a charming coastal town in Ayrshire, Scotland, boasts not one but two delightful beaches. Today's pictures were taken on Boydston Beach or North Shore.

Ardrossan North Beach stretchers out in a welcoming curve of golden sand, perfect for picnics, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls. Feel the sand between your toes as you wander along the shoreline, letting the sound of the waves lull you into a relaxed state. For the more adventurous, the beach offers opportunities for paddling, swimming, and rock pooling in the cool waters of the Firth of Clyde. Remember to check the tides and weather conditions before heading into the water.

The true magic of Ardrossan North Beach unfolds when you turn your gaze outward. The beach offers stunning views across the Firth of Clyde, the majestic Isle of Arran, its peak visible on the horizon, and Horse Island, a nearby bird-watching sanctuary with its iconic 19th-century tower. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the rolling hills of the Scottish Mainland to the north.

The beach is close to the town centre, allowing visitors to seek out the Victorian Promenade, and check out the town's rich maritime history by visiting the harbour. There are also a number of places to seek out refreshments nearby.

Ardrossan North Beach is a fantastic starting point for exploring the wider Ayrshire coast. Consider hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Arran for a day trip filled with natural beauty and historical intrigue.

For a dose of culture, head to the nearby town of Saltcoats and explore its art galleries and museums.

The pictures were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 28th November 2013. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Climbing to a Legend: A Visit to St. Mary's Church, Whitby

There are few places in England as steeped in history and folklore as Whitby, and at the heart of its most famous tales stands the Church of St. Mary. Reaching this iconic landmark is a pilgrimage in itself—a climb up the legendary 199 steps, which rewards you with breath taking views over Whitby's bustling harbour and red-roofed town.

Founded on this dramatic clifftop site in 1110, in the shadow of the imposing Whitby Abbey ruins, the church has witnessed centuries of change. The oldest parts of the building, including the tower and transepts, date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, though many additions and alterations have been made over time, with the interior largely reflecting the style of the 18th century.

But it's not just the age of the church that draws visitors. The church and its graveyard are famously part of the setting for Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece, Dracula. Stoker's visit to Whitby in 1890 was a pivotal moment in his writing. He found inspiration in the town's atmosphere and the windswept graveyard of St. Mary's. While researching at the public library, he stumbled upon the story of Vlad Tepes, the real-life figure who would lend his name to the fictional count.

The allure of the novel still echoes through the graveyard. For years, visitors have searched for "Dracula's grave," a fictional tomb in a real place. The story of a cracked, weathered tombstone, where a former rector would direct curious seekers, has become a legend in its own right. The truth is, while some gravestones feature a skull and crossbones—often mistaken for a pirate's mark but more likely a mason's symbol—there is no real Dracula buried here.

The photographs, taken on a beautiful August day in 2018 with a Nikon d3300 SLR, capture the essence of the place. They show the stunning views, the ancient, crooked tombstones, and the solid, weathered stone of the Grade I listed church. Visiting St. Mary's is more than just a trip to a historic building; it’s a journey into the heart of a literary legend and a chance to feel the sea breeze that inspired one of the world's most famous tales.

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The church stands besides the former Abbey overlooking the town.

Taken across the harbour from West Cliff.

Looking up from the harbour.

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Sun, Sand, and Sirocco: A Look Back at a Lanzarote Getaway

Sometimes, a trip's memories are best preserved in photos, a snapshot in time that tells a story. I recently rediscovered a set of pictures from a family holiday to Lanzarote in July-August 2013, taken at the Hotel Club Sirocco in Costa Teguise. Looking back on them after nine years, it's not a review—just a collection of moments from a fantastic stay.

The photos bring back the feeling of that summer: the bright, white-washed buildings contrasting with the deep blue sky, the vibrant swimming pools, and the unique, volcanic gardens. I remember the hotel making a fuss over my daughter's 14th birthday while we were there, a small but kind gesture that made the trip even more special for us.

From the inviting pool area, complete with sun loungers and palm trees, to the spacious restaurant where we enjoyed our meals, the pictures capture the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the hotel. I'm unsure what the hotel is like today, and I believe it may have since become an adults-only resort. Still, these images from 2013 serve as a reminder of a wonderful family vacation.

These photos are a testament to the timeless nature of happy memories. They sit on my hard drive, waiting to be rediscovered, a little slice of Lanzarote sunshine on a cloudy day.

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One of the hotels garden pathways. The black ash providing a base
for the plants that need little water to survive. Lanzarote being just off the
coast of Saharan Africa averages 16 days of rainfall per year.

The restaurant.

Looking over the hotel skywards from
the room balcony.

The swimming pool.

The hotel's poolside bar.

Another of the swimming pool.

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