Nature's Masterpiece: Hardcastle Crags Set 2

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, near the charming town of Hebden Bridge, lies a hidden gem: Hardcastle Crags. This enchanting wooded valley, also known as Hebden Dale, is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and families seeking a breath of fresh air. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags offers a tranquil escape into a world of lush greenery, tumbling streams, and fascinating history.

From the moment you step into the valley, you'll be captivated by its beauty. The towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, dappling the sunlight that filters through to the forest floor. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of the Hebden Water as it rushes and tumbles along the valley bottom, carving its way through the landscape.

Hardcastle Crags is a place for exploration. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there are paths to suit every ability. The network of trails winds through the valley, offering stunning views of the crags themselves – dramatic rock formations that jut out from the hillside, showcasing the power of nature. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this valley home; from vibrant wildflowers to the elusive kingfisher, there's always something to discover.

A highlight of any visit to Hardcastle Crags is Gibson Mill. This fascinating 19th-century mill, now a visitor centre, offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Learn about the mill's history and the lives of the people who worked there, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the cafe. The mill is a perfect spot to take a break during your explorations and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The beauty and importance of Hardcastle Crags haven't gone unnoticed over the years. It's a testament to the power of community that this precious landscape has been protected from development. The valley has been the subject of reservoir proposals on several occasions, but thanks to the tireless efforts of local residents and conservationists, these plans have been successfully fought off, preserving this natural wonderland for generations to come.

Hardcastle Crags is more than just a pretty place; it's a vital part of the local ecosystem and a cherished space for the community. It's a place to connect with nature, to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, and to appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world.

Planning your visit:

• Location: Near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
• Managed by: National Trust
• Highlights: Woodland walks, Hebden Water, Gibson Mill, stunning crags
• Perfect for: Hiking, family days out, nature lovers
• Don't forget: Your walking boots!

So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, make sure to add Hardcastle Crags to your list. You won't be disappointed by the magic that awaits you in this beautiful corner of West Yorkshire.

Taken on September 10th, 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. The picture I took have been split into 3 sets, this is set 2. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Widdop Road Bridge.

Gibson Mill

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.

The Church that Defied the Dam: St. Bartholomew's of Dean Head

Perched on the edge of a dramatic landscape, St. Bartholomew's Church in Dean Head is more than just a place of worship—it's a survivor. For over a century and a half, this church has watched the world change around it, enduring floods, motorways, and the disappearance of its village.

Opened in 1865, St. Bartholomew's is the third church to stand on this same spot since 1615. It was built to serve the small, tight-knit community of Dean Head. But in the 1960s, a monumental engineering project began: the construction of the M62 motorway and the creation of Scammonden Reservoir. The village of Dean Head was lost, submerged under water to make way for the new dam. Many assumed that St. Bartholomew's and the remaining buildings would soon follow suit, their foundations compromised by the rising water.

However, against all expectations, the church and its neighboring structures—including the former Dean Head School and a couple of dwellings—have stood firm. They form a small, lonely cluster, a poignant reminder of the community that once existed. The church itself, with its striking architecture and peaceful graveyard, continues to defy the expectations of those who thought it would be demolished by the 1970s or 80s. A testament to its resilience, the church's roof was even replaced in 2002.

Today, St. Bartholomew's looks out over a landscape that is both beautiful and dramatically altered. To the east, the M62 carves a path through the valley, a river of modern traffic. Below, the serene waters of Scammonden Reservoir fill the valley where a village once stood. The church remains a silent witness to these changes, a stoic sentinel of the past in a landscape defined by progress. These photos, taken in March 2015, perfectly capture its sombre beauty, a mix of ancient stone and stark, leafless trees against a vast, open sky. They serve as a tribute to a little church that refused to be forgotten.

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.

The Charm of Castleton Moor Railway Station

In an age of bustling, modern transport hubs, there's a unique and quiet beauty to a place like Castleton Moor Railway Station. Tucked away on the scenic Esk Valley Line, this stop in North Yorkshire feels like a step back in time. It’s a place where the journey is as much about the destination as the space in between.

Castleton Moor, which connects Middlesbrough with the coastal town of Whitby, has a history that stretches back over 160 years. Opened on April 1, 1861, as simply "Castleton," the station was once a much busier place. Originally, it was a two-platform station with a passing loop, complete with a signal box and a goods warehouse. But like many small stations across the UK, its facilities were streamlined over the years, with these features being removed in the early 1980s. The station was renamed Castleton Moor in March 1965, a subtle change that reflects its quiet, moorland surroundings.

Today, the station retains a charming simplicity. Its main building, a handsome stone structure with classic Victorian railway architecture, is no longer a ticket office or waiting room. It has been beautifully converted into a private residence, watched over by a row of traditional chimney pots. This transformation adds to the station's unique character, creating a sense of a living, breathing history.

For the traveler, the station offers a peaceful waiting experience. A basic shelter, information boards, and a ticket machine are all that's needed here. This low-key functionality is a far cry from the crowded stations of major cities and is a key part of its appeal.

The numbers tell a story of a station serving its local community. With 4,732 passengers in the last full year of recorded stats, the station sees an average of around 91 people a week. It's a modest but vital link for the village, with 11 trains per day—five heading towards the dramatic coast at Whitby and six making the journey towards Middlesbrough.

These photos, taken on a sunny day in August 2022, capture the station's tranquillity perfectly. The bright blue sky, the meticulously maintained buildings, and the lush greenery and wildflowers growing along the tracks all contribute to its picturesque charm. Castleton Moor Railway Station is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories are found not in grand, sweeping gestures, but in the quiet, enduring places that connect us to the past.

Clicking any picture 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 Concrete River Through the Pennines: M62 at Scammonden

From the vantage point of Scammonden Bridge, the M62 motorway doesn't just look like a road—it looks like a river of light flowing through the Pennine hills. On an evening in August 2018, this concrete river was captured in a moment of twilight, heading east toward the heart of Yorkshire. The long exposure of the camera transforms the headlights and taillights of passing vehicles into streaks of colour, a stark contrast to the dark, ancient landscape that surrounds it.

The image shows more than just a motorway; it captures a unique moment where man-made infrastructure meets raw nature. The M62 cuts through the rolling, moor-covered hills, a testament to modern engineering. Below the bridge lies Scammonden Water, a reservoir nestled in the valley, its still surface reflecting the evening sky. High on the hills, the graceful, silent blades of wind turbines remind us of a different kind of progress.

This photograph isn't just about a road; it's about movement and stillness, light and shadow. It's a reminder of the millions of journeys that take place along this vital artery, a silent tribute to the endless flow of people and goods that connect the east and west of England, all under the vast, unchanging sky.

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 picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

A Farewell to the Ghostly Gates: Remembering the Second Halifax Bus Station

For decades, the Halifax Bus Station stood as a familiar landmark, a bustling hub connecting the town with the wider region. But as is often the case in a town with a history of renewal, this iconic structure has now been consigned to the past, making way for a modern replacement. Join me as we take a final look back at the station that was more than just a place to catch a bus—it was a part of Halifax's story, complete with a few ghostly tales of its own.

From Humble Beginnings to a Modern Hub

Halifax's first bus station at Ward's End, dating back to the 1940s, was a rudimentary affair. It was the growth of bus travel that necessitated a proper facility, leading to the opening of a new station in 1954 at Cross Fields, built on land cleared from a former slum.

But as the town grew, so too did the demand for a more efficient transport hub. By the 1980s, the Cross Fields site was no longer fit for purpose. A new vision took shape, culminating in the opening of a state-of-the-art bus station in October 1989. Costing £2 million, this station was more than just a transport interchange—it was a thoughtful blend of the old and new. The design brilliantly incorporated the historic frontages of the Sion Sunday School, the Sion Congregational Church, and the Jubilee Hall into its layout, preserving a piece of Halifax's architectural heritage.

The Final Curtain

For over 30 years, this bus station served the people of Halifax. But just as its predecessors had, it eventually gave way to progress. The station was recently demolished to make way for a brand-new, £17.7 million facility, set to open in 2023.

The demolition revealed more than just foundations. Recent redevelopment work uncovered human bones on the site, a mysterious and poignant reminder of the area's past.

And then there are the stories that add a touch of the supernatural to its history. One of the most intriguing tales comes from a passenger waiting for a bus. As he watched two women laden with shopping bags approach his bus, he looked away for a brief moment. When he looked back, they had vanished completely—not just from the bus, but from the station itself. A chilling, unexplainable moment that has become part of the station's lore.

These images, taken in May 2018, capture the quiet calm of the station just a few years before its closure. They show not only the transport sheds but also the beautiful stone facades that were integrated into its design. While the new bus station will bring modern convenience, these photos serve as a perfect tribute to the bus station that once was—a place where journeys began, history was preserved, and a few ghostly figures might have even waited for their ride home.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The frontage and remains of the Sion Congregational Church, Jubilee Memorial Hall. The hall was opened in 1866 and offers an impressive eastern entrance top the bus station.

The former Sion Congregational Church Building, it is part of the bus station and used to have a burial ground nearby. The church was closed in 1959.

Sion Sunday School opened in 1846, the frontage was moved and incorporated in to the bus station when it was developed in 1989.

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.

Copley's Hidden Arches: A Tale of Three Viaducts

 South of Halifax, the small village of Copley is a place where history is carved into the landscape. While many know of the two prominent railway viaducts that dramatically span the valley to the west, few realize there's a third, equally important viaduct tucked away to the east. This one silently crosses the River Calder, completing a trio of Victorian engineering marvels that shaped the region. Together, these viaducts tell a story of a time when the railroad was king, and its iron bridges were the lifelines of industry.

Copley's most famous landmark is the spectacular Copley Viaduct. Completed in 1852, its 23 arches stretch across the landscape, a testament to Victorian engineering that finally created a direct rail link between Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. This viaduct was a game-changer, eliminating the need for trains to perform a cumbersome reversal at Greetland Station. As it soars over the valley, it offers a dramatic perspective on the region, passing over or near the River Calder, the scenic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, the bustling A6026 Wakefield Road, and the quaint Copley Cricket Ground.

Standing at a viewpoint from Norland, one can witness a striking scene of two railway viaducts carving their way across the valley near the village of Copley. The older, three-arched viaduct, a testament to early rail engineering, was built by none other than George Stephenson, the "Father of Railways." Opened in 1840 as part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it was the first line to traverse the Calder Valley.

For decades, this viaduct was a vital artery of commerce and travel. However, its fate became uncertain when passenger services ceased in 1970. The line faced repeated threats of closure throughout the 1970s and 80s, becoming a "ghost railway" used almost exclusively for freight and the occasional diverted train. Yet, its story wasn't over. In a remarkable twist of fortune, the reopening of Brighouse station in 2000 breathed new life into the line, allowing passenger trains to rumble across Stephenson's historic arches once more, linking the past with the present.

Copley's third and often-overlooked railway viaduct stands as a testament to early Victorian engineering. Opened in 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this stone giant gracefully crosses the River Calder. It's nestled discreetly to the east of Copley village, near the Old Rishworthians' sports ground, and its arches disappear into the landscape at the foot of North Dean Woods. This viaduct is not just a bridge; it's a silent sentinel from a time when steam and steel forged the new paths of progress.

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.

Halifax's Enduring Icons: The Square Chapel and Spire

In the heart of Halifax are two remarkable buildings with intertwined histories: the Square Chapel and the Square Church Spire. Despite a series of threats, these structures have defied the odds and now stand as a testament to the town's rich heritage.

From Chapel to Arts Centre

Built in 1772, the Square Independent Chapel was a marvel of its time. Costing a hefty £2,000, it was the largest independent place of worship in the country. The iconic red brick, said to be mixed with bull's blood to enhance its colour, made it a distinctive landmark from the start.

The chapel served the community for decades, eventually becoming a Sunday school for the new Square Congregational Church next door. Its story took a dramatic turn during World War II when the British Army commandeered it. After the war, the chapel faced an uncertain future, as the local council twice planned to demolish it. Fortunately, preservation groups like the Victorian Society fought to protect it.

In 1989, the Square Chapel Building Trust purchased the dilapidated building for just £25. What followed was a remarkable transformation, with over £3 million spent on restoration. The chapel was reborn as the Square Chapel Arts Centre in 1992, becoming a vibrant cultural hub for the community.

The Spire That Refused to Fall

Next door to the chapel stands the breathtaking Square Church Spire. When the church opened in 1857, its spire was the second tallest in Yorkshire, reaching a height of 235 feet. Local lore claims that a nearby church's spire was built just one foot taller, a deliberate act by a rival of the Crossley family, who had helped fund the Square Church.

After the church closed in 1970, it was hit by a series of devastating fires and storms. By 1976, the main body of the church was demolished, but the spire remained. It stood alone for years, a solitary sentinel in a rest-garden area. The spire itself faced new threats, including structural issues and calls for demolition. During this time, workers inspecting the structure even claimed to have photographed a ghost in an inaccessible part of the spire!

However, the people of Halifax decided the spire was too important to lose. It was incorporated into a new public library, which opened in 2017. The spire and its magnificent rose window are now a central feature of the library, creating a stunning new eastern entrance to the town's historic Piece Hall.

These photos, taken in October 2019, perfectly capture the enduring beauty of these two historic buildings. They stand as a powerful reminder of how history can be preserved and repurposed to enrich our modern lives.

Clicking any of the pictures should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Rose Window seen to the left of the spire is based on the east window at Selby Abbey.

The new Halifax Library Building can be seen built around the 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.