A Misty Morning on the Moors: Exploring Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head

There's a unique beauty to the Pennine landscape, especially when a gentle mist hangs in the air, softening the edges of the hills and adding an ethereal quality to the surroundings. These photos, taken on a misty May 22nd, 2022, capture just such a day around the top of Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head – a truly captivating corner of West Yorkshire.

Our journey begins with glimpses of quintessential country life. The scene is one of quiet solitude, with distant fields stretching out under a muted sky. The lush green of the pastures, bordered by dry stone walls, speaks of a timeless rural existence. A lone tree stands sentinel by the roadside, its branches still hinting at the cooler days of spring, while a hidden cottage peeks out from the trees, a cosy haven tucked into the landscape.

Venturing deeper, we find ourselves on a narrow, winding path – the kind that promises adventure and discovery. Overgrown with vibrant green foliage and sturdy ivy, it feels like stepping into a secret world. The path, likely well-trodden by walkers over generations, invites you to slow down, listen to the rustle of leaves, and breathe in the damp, earthy scent of the woods. It's a reminder of the many hidden routes that crisscross these hills, connecting isolated hamlets and offering breath taking views.

Further on, the landscape opens up to reveal the dramatic contours of the land, showcasing the top of Jumble Hole Clough, near Hebden Bridge. Here, the raw beauty of the moorland is on full display. A small stream meanders through the valley bottom, carving its way through the verdant slopes. The varied shades of green, from the bright, almost fluorescent grass to the deeper, richer hues of the heather-covered ground, create a rich tapestry under the overcast sky. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the rugged yet serene character of the Pennines.

But perhaps the most striking feature of this walk is the imposing presence of Great Rock, Blackshaw Head. Emerging from the rolling moorland, this magnificent rock formation stands like an ancient sentinel, its weathered face hinting at centuries of exposure to the elements. On a misty day like this, its grandeur is amplified, almost appearing to float amidst the swirling fog. It's a landmark that demands attention, a natural sculpture carved by time and weather, and a fantastic focal point for anyone exploring this part of the world.

These images truly capture the essence of a tranquil, yet powerful, landscape. The subtle light and muted colours of a misty day highlight the textures of the land, from the ancient rocks to the soft moss and damp grass. It’s a reminder that even on a seemingly grey day, the British countryside offers an abundance of beauty and opportunities for quiet reflection.

If you ever find yourself near Hebden Bridge, make sure to explore the trails around Eastwood Lane and Blackshaw Head. You might just discover your own hidden gems in the mist.

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

Great Rock

Perched dramatically on the edge of Staups Moor, Great Rock isn't just any stone. This imposing natural formation, sculpted from Kinderscout Grit (a rugged form of Millstone Grit), is steeped in local lore. Among the many tales whispered about its origins, one stands out, giving the rock its chilling moniker: Devil's Rock.

Legend has it that the Devil, in a audacious wager with God, attempted to stride across the valley all the way from Stoodley Pike to Great Rock. He failed, of course, but not without leaving a lasting impression. To this day, it's said that his hoof print remains seared into the rock's surface—a testament to his hubris and a permanent scar on the moorland landscape.

The following pictures were taken along Staups Lane before I took the path down to Jumble Hole Clough.

The last picture was taken at the top of Jumble Hole Clough before heading down to find Staups Mill, the purpose of my visit. The stream would have powered the mill and eventually flows in to the River Calder at the valley bottom.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green

Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums Season 2021/22

 My latest upload to YouTube is a slideshow of artworks of Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums season 2021 / 22 created by me, based on public domain images. The stadiums are featured in team alphabetical order in the video

The images below feature in the video, although below they are in stadium name order.

Almondvale Stadium opened in 1995 as the home of Livingston FC, it has
a current capacity of 9512. The record attendance was 10112 v Rangers Fc
on the 27 October 2001.

Celtic moved to their current location in 1892, the stadium has been modernised
several times and now has a capacity of 60411. The record attendance is
83500 v Rangers on the 1 January 1938.

Dens Park is the home ground of Dundee FC and opened in 1899. It is just 200yds
from the ground of city rivals Dundee United. The capacity is 11775 and the record
attendance 43024 was v Rangers on 7 February 1953.

Hibernian FC play at Easter Road, Edinburgh which has a current
capacity of 20421. The largest crowd ever was 65860 on the 2 January 1950
when they played city rivals Hearts of Midlothian. They played their first
game here in 1893.

Fir Park has been the home of Motherwell FC since 1895 and has a capacity of 13677.
The largest crowd ever was 35632 for a game against Rangers on 12 March 1952.

Rangers FC have played at Ibrox Park, changed to Ibrox Stadium in
1997, since 1899 and the current capacity is 50817. The record attendance which is
also the largest ever for a domestic football match in Britain is 118567 for a league
fixture against Old Firm Rivals Celtic on the 2 January 1939.

McDiarmid Park in Pert is the home stadium of
St Johnstone FC. The capacity is 10696 and since opening in 1989
the record attendance is 10721 v Rangers on the 26 February 1991.

Pittodrie Stadium has been the home to Aberdeen FC since September 1899,
there are plans to replace the ground with a new build stadium but this has
been planned for at least 15 years. The current capacity is 20866 and the
record attendance is 45061 v Hearts of Midlothian 13 March 1954.

St Mirren Park hosted it's first game on the 31 January 2009, built to replace
the previous home of Love Street the ground has a capacity of 8023. The
record attendance is 7732 v Dundee United on the 26 May 2019. Their best
at Love Street was 47438.

Dundee United have called their home Tannadice Park since 1909 and the record
attendance is  28000 v Barcelona on the 16 November 1966. This is unlikely
to ever be beaten as the current capacity is around half that at 14223.

Tynecastle Park has a current capacity of 19852 and has been home to Hearts
of Midlothian since 1886. The record attendance is 53396 for a Scottish
Cup game against Rangers FC on the 13 February 1932.

Victoria Park opened in 1929 as the home ground of Ross County FC.
It has been the most northerly ground in senior British football since being
elected to Scottish Football League Division Three in 1994. The
current Capacity is 6541 and the record attendance was set
v Rangers in the Scottish Cup on the 28 February 1966.

I thought that because Celtic had the biggest home ground in Scotland and had massive support that they would also feature mostly in the other teams record attendances, surprisingly they were only the highest attendance once for a game against Rangers, Rangers were highest 7 times with Hearts of Midlothian featuring twice. Dundee United had the only non domestic highest for a game against Barcelona.

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The pictures are the copyright of Colin Green.

Copley Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled discreetly between the Old Rishworthians Sports Ground and the picturesque North Dean Woods, the Copley Railway Viaduct (officially known as MVN2/160 or Copley Bottom Bridge) stands as a testament to the rich railway history of West Yorkshire. This impressive structure, carrying the railway over the River Calder, is a true hidden gem just east of Copley village.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened way back in August 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this bridge was once a vital artery for main railway traffic through the entire Calder Valley. Imagine the hustle and bustle of early trains rumbling across its arches! Its prominence shifted somewhat with the construction of nearby lines at Milner Royd and Greetland Junctions, which diverted rail traffic towards Halifax.

Despite its historical significance, the line over Copley Viaduct faced closure plans in the late 1970s, especially after the closure of Brighouse (1970) and Elland (1962) stations. However, it persevered! It continued to serve as a crucial diversionary route for passenger trains and remained active for freight-only traffic during this period.

The year 2000 marked a significant turning point with the reopening of Brighouse Station. This brought passenger trains regularly crossing the Copley Viaduct once more, reconnecting this historic bridge to modern-day rail travel.

Photography Hotspot and Safety First!

One of the fantastic aspects of the Copley Viaduct is the open nature of the North Dean side, offering superb opportunities for photography enthusiasts. If you're keen on capturing the majesty of passing trains, especially the often-seen steam trains, this is an excellent spot.

However, and this is a crucial point, always remember to prioritise safety when near railway tracks. If you're venturing out to photograph, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the tracks. Staying well within the tree line, is always a good idea. Your safety is paramount!

These images were captured on a crisp 25th February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, showcasing the bridge's enduring beauty against a bright sky.

So, next time you're looking for a little piece of local history, consider seeking out the Copley Railway Viaduct. It's a truly impressive structure with a fascinating past and a continuing role in the Calder Valley's railway network.

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

The Copley side of the viaduct

Taken on the North Dean side of the bridge, looking in the
direction of Copley.

The bridge again taken from the North Dean side.

Taken from the far end of Old Rishworthians sports ground.

The top of the bridge, the open nature of the track at the bottom of North
Dean Woods allows great access for taking pictures of trains passing.
Please be aware of a safety when near the lines, this is level with the tree
line which i consider a safe distance from the track. although when
trains are approaching I stand much further back than this.

The River Calder flows underneath the bridge,

The River Calder, taken looking towards Copley from underneath
the viaduct.

Again in the direction of Copley but from the other side of the bridge.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Comic Book Style Artworks of Sowerby Bridge

         

My Sowerby Bridge in comic book style images was a set of pictures created by me, that are based on photographs I had taken earlier. I created the artworks as part of a YouTube video slideshow, mainly to try and show something different to my usual. All the images can be seen below the YouTube Video and each place is named although i'm sure if you are local to Sowerby Bridge you will know where they are.

The following images are all featured in the slideshow, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Canal Basin, the picture shows the Calder & Hebble side with the Moorings
bar visible. The boats moored are those of Shire Cruises.

Bolton Brow Wesleyan Chapel, the building is now apartments.

The canal basin, the Calder & Hebble side featured again.

Church Bank from Sunnybank Street, Christ Church Clock Tower is visible.

Church Bank, Orrell House to the left

Hollins Mill Tunnel, The Rochdale Canal passing through it's arch.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, formerly Sowerby Bridge Railway Station
ticket office.

Lock Number 2 on the Rochdale Canal, Christ Church Clock Tower, Ladstone
and Houghton Towers can be seen on the skyline.

This mileage sign can be found on the Rochdale Canal to the west
of Hollins Mill Tunnel.

The mainline railway viaduct crossers over the River Ryburn, just
before the Ryburn joins with the River Calder.

The River Calder at Mearclough Bridge, (Milner Royd).

The River Ryburn near the Swimming Baths towards Station Road.

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal, the Roxy is the building on the left.

Looking over the town from Beech Road.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.

The River Calder Canoe Slalom from County Bridge.

The Town Hall Clock Tower, formerly Lloyds Bank, soon to be a restaurant,
never been a town hall from County Bridge.

The Rochdale Canal in to Tuel Lane Tunnel, this section was reopened
in the late 1990's, Christ Church is in the centre and the Roxy to the right.

Victoria Bridge over the River Ryburn.

Village Indian Restaurant, formerly the Wharf and Ash Tree pubs.

Willow Hall Dam, the waterfall is the overflow from the upper dam
in to the lower dam featured.

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 images remain the copyright of Colin Green.