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

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Boxing Day Randoms.

 A set here I took using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on Boxing Day 2013, whilst out for a walk blowing away the Christmas Day cobwebs. Not much to add only they were taken in the Sowerby Bridge to Luddendenfoot area.

I've never discovered much about this building, it can be found by following a path from Tenterfields in the direction of Boulderclough and Luddendenfoot. I was once told it was part of Sagar Richards, which was an engineering company that occupy a sight to the north of the railway which passes to the right of the picture. There's no obvious signs that the sites were connected at the railway crossers a low bridge to the west of here which would have restricted access to larger vehicles.

This former mill pulley is on display in an apartment complex that occupies the former mills in the centre of Sowerby Bridge. Dugdales Mill can be seen in the background.

This stream runs through a private garden at Rose Grove to the west of Sowerby Bridge, the stream runs underneath the road in to the Rochdale Canal.

This former mill chimney long since disused offers a striking site in the centre of Sowerby Bridge, the road that runs past is the Old Cawsey an ancient packhorse route that was once the main road through the valley and Sowerby Bridge.

The 3 pictures above show Monkey Tunnel (no idea why it's called that). The tunnel runs underneath the railway line near Tenterfields Business Park.

Now offices and apartments this building was once the boiler house that helped Sowerby Bridge power that industry that built it from a hamlet alongside the River Calder into a town.

These rusty gates can be found near Trinity Academy, Sowerby Bridge, they were probably once one of the entrances to the school grounds, they have long since ceased to be used and have been left to rot, rust and decay.

This water culvert carries a water source from Sowerby underneath the railway in to the River Calder, it can be found near the red brick abandoned mill pictured earlier.

Willow Hall Drive is a private road that takes it's name from the nearby manor house. Despite being a private road it is accessible to cars and pedestrians.

The tree lined partially covered path leads up from the Hollins Mill area to the Friendly area of Sowerby Bridge.

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Dean Head Church, Scammonden

 Dean Head Church or by it's proper name St Bartholomew's Church opened in 1865 occupying a spot then overlooking the Dean Head Clough Valley and since 1969 overlooking Scammonden Reservoir and The M62 Motorway. It is the 3rd church or chapel to have been built at this location since 1615. 

St Bartholomew's is the main building in a small cluster that also includes the former Dean Head School and a couple of dwellings. The rest of Dean Head - Scammonden village was lost in the early 1960's when the motorway and dam were built.

As the reservoir filled it was expected that the church and nearby buildings would become unsafe, many people expected these to have been demolished by the late 1970's -80's but happily this has not been the case, with the church roof being replaced in 2002.

These pictures were taken in March 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, they can also be seen on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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Castleton Moor Railway Station

Castleton Moor Railway Station is a stop on the Esk Valley Line connecting Middlesborough with Whitby in North Yorkshire. Opened on the 1st April 1861 as Castleton Railway Station the station was built with 2 platforms as this stretch of the line was constructed with a passing loop, the station also featured a signal box, goods warehouse and yard. These were all lost in the early 1980's. The station was renamed Castleton Moor in March 1965.

The station has limited facilities which include a basic shelter, information boards and a ticket machine. It is unmanned and the former station buildings appear to now be a private residence. In the last full year of stats 4732 people used Castleton Moor at an average of 91 per week. The station is served by 11 trains per day, 5 towards Whitby and 6 in the direction of Middlesborough.

These pictures were taken on the 27th August 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.

Clicking any picture should open a link in another window to the version on Clickasnap.

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