A Walk in Winter: The Calder and Hebble Navigation

These black and white photos capture the stark beauty of a winter scene along the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The path, blanketed in snow, winds its way alongside a still waterway. The trees lining the bank are bare, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers towards the inky sky.

The absence of color in this photo only heightens the sense of tranquility. The world seems hushed, blanketed in a peaceful silence. Footprints visible in the snow are likely those of lonely hikers, making the viewer feel as though they are a remote person in this isolated landscape.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a 21-mile canal in West Yorkshire, England. It was built in the late 18th century to connect Sowerby Bridge with Wakefield. Today, the canal is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boating.

This photo is a reminder that even in the depths of winter, there is beauty to be found in the natural world. The stark contrast of the black and white tones highlights the simple elegance of the scene. The stillness of the river and the bare branches of the trees create a sense of peace and tranquility.

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great option. A walk along the canal towpath is a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the season, whatever the weather.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is also steeped in history. The canal was an important transportation artery during the Industrial Revolution, and there are a number of old mills and warehouses along its banks. Today, these buildings have been converted into homes, businesses, and arts centers.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a place to relax, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great place to visit. So next time you're in West Yorkshire, be sure to take a walk along this historic waterway. You might just be surprised by the beauty you find.

The pictures below were taken on the 17th January 2016 with a Nikon D3300 Camera, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap, by simply clicking any of the images. All will open in another window.

The canal pictured looking away from Walker Lane Bridge towards Chain Bridge. The Sowerby Bridge Gas Works and Gasometers used to occupy a site to the left of the picture just beyond the trees, the gasometers have long since been removed.

The canal is pictured here between Hollas Lane Bridge (Sterne Mills Bridge) and Edwards Road Bridge (Canal Mills Bridge). Both Bridges tend to known by either name, the land to the left of the picture has been redeveloped in to Copley Valley a mixed use zone of housing, industry and nature areas since this picture was taken. The land to the right of the picture may also face redevelopment in the coming years, it was for a number of years a car park for the Halifax Bank's Copley Data Centre, this has been closed for a while now with the data set to close and be sold off in the near future.

The canal towards Mearclough Canal Bridge, the waterway narrows a little here, often wondered why.

Clicking any image should open a link to the version on Clickasnap. Various images and products of mine are avaliable to view and purchase from the sites below, clicking any link will open in another window.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The following images are the colour versions of the pictures,

A Pint with History, The Fountain Head Inn, Halifax

Nestled in the heart of Pellon on the outskirts of Halifax, West Yorkshire, lies The Fountain Head Inn. With a rich history dating back to the 1790s, this watering hole offers a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary comfort.

Step inside The Fountain Head, and you're stepping back in time. Originally built as Fountain Head Farm in 1792, the building itself is a testament to Halifax's heritage. But the most interesting connection comes in the form of Samuel Webster, who was born here in 1813. Yes, the founder of Webster's Brewery! The very first Websters ales were brewed on this very site in 1838, making The Fountain Head a cornerstone of Halifax's brewing legacy. The brewery would eventually move a short distance along the valley and continue to brew Websters ales until 1996, when it was finally closed by the then owners, Scottish Courage.

The Fountain Head Inn, with its distinct Websters livery, is all that now remains in the Pellon area as a nod to its famous brewing past, and it is the remains of a once-thriving pub community that included the nearby Pellon Social Club, The Halfway House, Golden Pheasant, New Street, and The Wheatsheaf, a number of which have closed in recent years as drinking habits have changed.

I took these images of the outside of the pub on the 27th April 2024 with a Nikon D3300; they can also be seen on Clickasnap in a higher resolution.

Clicking the pictures should open a link in another window to the version on Clickasnap. Various images and products of mine can be purchased from the sites below by clicking on any of the links, they all open in another window.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Hepworth , Wakefield, Modern Art on the Banks of the Calder

The Hepworth Wakefield is a renowned art gallery in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. The building itself is a modern masterpiece, designed by the renowned architect David Chipperfield. The building is constructed of concrete and features large windows that offer stunning views of the River Calder, which flows alongside the gallery.

The Hepworth Wakefield is home to a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Damien Hirst. The gallery also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The Hepworth Wakefield is a popular destination for art lovers from all over the world. The gallery is located in a scenic spot on the banks of the River Calder, and its beautiful architecture and stunning art collection make it a must-see for any visitor to Wakefield.

In addition to its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, The Hepworth Wakefield also offers a variety of educational programmes and events. These programmes and events are designed to help visitors of all ages learn more about modern and contemporary art.

Whether you are an art lover or simply looking for a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, The Hepworth Wakefield is a great place to visit. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Hepworth opened in 2011 and is named after Barbara Hepworth, a modernist sculptor born in Wakefield in January 1910.

The pictures below were taken from the opposite side of the River Calder with a Nikon d3300, they were taken on the 11th May 2024. They can also be seen on Clickasnap and copies can be purchased on various products from my Zazzle stores.

Clicking either picture should open a link in another to the version on Clickasnap, I have a profile on Photo4me and stores on Zazzle where you can buy my images on various wall art and products, check them out via the links below, all open in another window.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.