The Halifax Branch of the Calder & Hebble Canal: A Lost Waterway

Just a whisper of its former self, the Halifax Branch of the Calder & Hebble Canal now stretches a mere half-mile from Salterhebble Junction and its locks to the Watermill Bar at Salterhebble Wharf. This truncated remnant is all that remains of a once vital artery that pulsed with industrial life.

Opened in 1828, the canal climbed a formidable 14 locks to its original terminus at Bailey Hall, a location now occupied by the bustling train station and the interactive Eureka! museum. Imagine the scene: barges laden with goods, lock keepers busy at their work, and the constant hum of industry. But the rise of the iron horse and the advent of tarmac roads spelled the canal's decline. By 1942, the upper section, from Salterhebble Wharf to Bailey Hall, was abandoned, its waters drained and its towpaths reclaimed. Today, the Hebble Trail, a popular cycle and pedestrian route, winds its way along the canal's former path, offering little hint of the waterway that once flowed there.

While whispers of reopening this lost stretch occasionally surface, fueled by hopes of boosting Halifax's tourism, such dreams face a stark reality. A more visionary local council might seize the opportunity to resurrect this historic waterway, but with tight budgets and a perceived lack of ambition, the chances of seeing barges once again navigating through the heart of Halifax seem, sadly, remote.

The pictures were taken on April 9, 2017, using a Nikon D3300 camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The start of the Halifax Branch, Salterhebble Locks are just to the
left of the picture out of sight. The bridge in the distance carries the
Halifax - Brighouse stretch of railway and crossers the canal which is
heading in the direction of Sowerby Bridge.

Wakefield Road Bridge. The canal brakes off to the left just beyond the bridge
through Salterhebble Locks in the direction of Brighouse.

The abutment to the right used to support a bridge that crossed the
canal here. The bridge has long since been removed.

Salterhebble Moorings can be seen in the distance. Tihs
is where the canal now ends.

To the right of the Watermill Bar is Salterhebble Tunnel. The canal continued through
 there and immediately entered lock 1 of the 14 on exiting the tunnel. The stone lock
walls can still be seen.

The modern day end of the Halifax Branch Canal. The Watermill Bar and
 Restaurant occupies what was the site of Salterhebble Mills. There is
also a Premier Inn hotel on the site,

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Asquith Bottom Mill, Sowerby Bridge November 2013

The sprawling Asquith Bottom Mill, a vibrant mixed-use industrial estate in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, has a rich and varied past woven into its very fabric. Built around the bones of a former industrial giant, the complex has housed everything from carpet manufacturing to wire drawing and woollen production, depending on which era you're talking about. Originally established by William Edleston, the mill held a prominent place in the town's landscape. I can still vividly recall the striking red neon Edleston sign emblazoned across the roof in the 1980s – a nostalgic beacon that, sadly, is no more. The mill's hum fell silent sometime in the late 80s or early 90s, marking the end of an era for this local landmark

 

The pictures below were taken in November 2013 using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

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Fiery Sky over Brechin, Scotland.

Imagine the sky ablaze with vibrant oranges and fiery reds, each shade blending seamlessly into the next. Streaks of gold dance across the heavens, flowing into the distance, shadows settling on the buildings and trees below.

For photography enthusiasts, a sunset like this over Brechin is a dream come true. With a camera in hand, the experience of witnessing this natural wonder is enough to ignite the senses and leave a lasting impression. It's an experience that becomes woven into the fabric of your memories. It's a reminder of the power and majesty of nature, a chance to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life, and a testament to the enduring beauty of the skies.

The pictures were taken with my Nikon D3300 SLR camera on August 22, 2016. There are a total of three, which can be seen below.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my profile on Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

 

Please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my Zazzle stores and Photo4Me portfolio via the links below.

 

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.