Exploring the Calder and Hebble Navigation: Ravensthorpe to Mirfield

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a living testament to Britain's industrial past, a 21.5-mile waterway that has never truly fallen silent. Connecting Sowerby Bridge with Wakefield, this canal, which opened in 1770, was a vital artery of commerce. While many canals fell into disuse, the Calder and Hebble remained a working waterway, with commercial traffic continuing until as late as 1981. Today, thanks to the reopening of key sections like the Tuel Lane lock and tunnel, it's a bustling hub for leisure boaters and walkers.

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A Walk Between Ravensthorpe and Mirfield

My journey along a section of the canal between Ravensthorpe and Mirfield revealed a landscape where nature and industry coexist in beautiful harmony. This stretch is particularly interesting because it alternates between man-made cuttings and sections of the natural River Calder that have been made navigable.

The images from this walk in April 2015 perfectly capture the canal's character. You can see the robust stone bridges like Greenwood Cut End Bridge and Wheatley Bridge, which have withstood the test of time, silently watching over the water. The canal path winds alongside the water, offering peaceful views of the barges, both modern and old, that call the Shepley Bridge Marina home.

The journey also takes you past impressive features like the Weir on the River Calder near Ravensthorpe, where the powerful water flow is a reminder of the river's original strength before it was tamed for navigation.

The walk culminates near Bull Bridge, a final, impressive stone structure that stands as a gateway to the town of Mirfield. This stretch of the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a microcosm of its entire history: a blend of peaceful natural beauty, enduring engineering, and a constant, quiet flow of life on the water.

This was taken just past Ravensthorpe Bridge looking in the direction of Mirfield. The navigation is on the River Calder at the moment.

The canal is still on the River Calder, the lock seen in the middle of the picture is Greenwood Lock. The lock allows traffic to leave the river section and enter Greenwood Cut.

This agian shows part of the River Calder section of the navigation, Greenwood cut is just off picture to the left.

This weir can be found at the top of Greenwood Cut End just before Shepley Bridge Marina. The canal ane river are a joint navigation for a short spur here. 

Shepley Bridge. This section of the navigation is a river and canal joint bit, the canal bears off through Shepley Lockseen near the centre of the picture underneath the bridge. The River Calder continuing beyond.

Shepley Bridge Marina, Nr Mirfield.

Shepley Bridge Marina and Lock.

Wheatley Bridge, Mirfield.

The abutments above and below used to carry the Mirfield to Low Moor Railway (Cleckheaton Branch) over the canal. The line closed in 1965 along this stretch.

Gill Bridge, Mirfield. Just saw the 2 lads fishing and quietly letting the day pass buy. I took the picture as it reminded me of my youth and attempt at fishing, I quickly learnt it's not a hobby for me.

The Calder and Hebble at Mirfield.

Bull Bridge, Mirfield.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Glimpse into the Past: Old Lane Mill's Enduring Legacy

 Towering over Ovenden, Old Lane Mill stands as a powerful, silent witness to the industrial revolution that forged the identity of Halifax. Built in 1825, this mill is more than just an old building; it is a vital piece of history—the oldest surviving multi-storey, steam-powered, iron-framed textile mill in Halifax, and quite possibly, the entire UK.

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A Monument to Innovation

The mill was the brainchild of James Akroyd, a true visionary who was unafraid to embrace new technology. He incorporated ground breaking features for the time, including an iron frame and stone floors, which were essential to support the massive weight of the Jacquard looms he installed just two years after the mill's construction in 1827. These looms were the very first of their kind in Britain, and their arrival at Old Lane Mill marked a significant leap forward in textile production.

Despite its innovative, "fireproof" design, the mill was not invincible. A large fire tore through the building in 1905, causing extensive damage. Yet, the mill persevered, changing hands and purposes throughout the 20th century, even becoming part of the larger Dean Clough Mill complex.

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The Mill Today

Today, Old Lane Mill stands in a state of dereliction, its empty shell a haunting reminder of a bygone era. The ravages of time and vandalism are evident, but the building still whispers stories of its past. The stripped-out machinery and the distinctive features of the large engine house offer a compelling glimpse into the heart of what was once a thriving, bustling hub of industry.

The future of Old Lane Mill is uncertain, with its historical significance making it a subject of ongoing preservation efforts. Whether it will be lovingly restored or repurposed for a new life, the mill undoubtedly deserves to be cherished as an integral piece of Halifax's textile heritage.

Please note: The building is in an unsafe state. It is not recommended to enter or explore Old Lane Mill. The exterior photos featured in this post were taken from a safe, ground-level position. For a look inside, you can find excellent videos and photos from urban explorers online.

I was in the area on the 15th April 2015 and visited the mill. The pictures were taken using a polaroid is2132 bridge camera.

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A Patient Hunter: A Heron on the Rochdale Canal

Some moments in nature are so quiet and still, they feel like a secret shared just with you. During a walk along the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge, I was lucky enough to witness one of these moments. On a peaceful morning in August 2023, a majestic heron stood motionless on the bank near Lock 1, its reflection a perfect mirror on the calm water.

Herons are known for their incredible patience, and this one was a master of the art. It stood perfectly still, a statue of feathers and focus, waiting for a fish to swim by. Its long, elegant neck was poised in an 'S' shape, ready to strike in an instant. The surrounding landscape was equally peaceful, with the still canal and lush green foliage serving as a beautiful backdrop to this natural spectacle.

This image, taken from a respectful distance, captures the raw beauty and quiet dignity of this bird. It's a reminder that even in a bustling town like Sowerby Bridge, nature finds a way to thrive, offering moments of stillness and grace to those who take the time to look.

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Ardrossan's Coastal Canvas: A Digital Remix of a Scottish Beach

Sometimes, a picture needs a little help to capture the full power of a moment. These two photographs are a perfect example of that. While the original shots of Ardrossan Beach were taken on a grey day in November 2013, a little digital magic has transformed them into something truly spectacular. By replacing the sky, the images now reflect the dramatic beauty that the Scottish coast truly deserves.

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A Beach with a View

Ardrossan, a charming town in Ayrshire, Scotland, is home to not one, but two beautiful beaches. These pictures focus on Boydston Beach, or North Shore, a stunning stretch of golden sand that curves along the coast. It's a place for quiet moments, whether you’re building a sandcastle or just taking a leisurely stroll with the sound of the waves in the background.

But the real magic here is the view. Looking out across the Firth of Clyde, the landscape is a majestic panorama. In the distance, the rugged peak of the Isle of Arran is just visible on the horizon, a constant, beautiful presence. Closer to shore, you can spot Horse Island, a bird-watching sanctuary with its iconic 19th-century tower. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the rolling hills of the Scottish mainland to the north.

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The Art of the Edit

These pictures show the power of combining elements to create a more compelling image. The beach photos were originally taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, while the dramatic, vibrant sky was captured separately with a Nikon D3300. Layering them together in Photoshop gave the scenes a sense of atmosphere and grandeur that the original photos lacked.

The result is a powerful vision of Ardrossan's coastal beauty, highlighting the raw, natural elegance of the area. It’s a reminder that even when the weather doesn't cooperate, a little creativity can help you capture the full spirit of a place.

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Fielden Square: A Canvas of Todmorden's Past

Todmorden's Fielden Square is a place with a story etched into its very foundations. Today, it serves as a busy car park, but a century ago, it was a space designed for a grander purpose: to honour one of the town's most influential figures, John Fielden.

Fielden was a local businessman, a major benefactor, and a dedicated social reformer. The town chose this square as the perfect spot for his statue, a place where his legacy could be a constant reminder to the people he served. However, in 1939, the statue was moved to Centre Vale Park, leaving the square to evolve with the changing needs of the town.

This photograph, taken on a cold November day in 2013, captures the square's modern-day utility. The sky, which was originally flat and grey, has been replaced with a vibrant, dramatic cloudscape, a testament to the power of digital editing. This change breathes new life into the image, giving it a sense of dynamism that the original lacked.

The picture also features a few other key Todmorden landmarks. To the left, you can see the Golden Lion Pub, which was closed at the time due to severe flooding. Its reopening a year later was a symbol of the town's resilience. Looming over the entire scene is the stunning spire of Todmorden Unitarian Church, a building that the Fielden family themselves helped to construct. This connection reinforces the lasting impact the family had on the town's identity.

Fielden Square may no longer hold a statue of its namesake, but the ghosts of its past are still very much present, in the architecture, the history of its surrounding buildings, and the stories they tell.

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