Hardcastle Crags: A Local Treasure Set 3.

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

Gibson Mill

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Winter at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge

I haven't posted for a while despite having loads of pictures and videos available, just been busy job hunting. I think that that problem is now addressed so I thought I would post today about a set of pictures I took a year ago at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge. Last years winter seemed to be the  winter that kept on giving and looking back now after a normal UK mild winter I have no nostalgia for how bad the weather was. I know it was only a few inches at worst but in the UK any weather that is deemed out of the ordinary seems to bring the country to a standstill, we as a nation are just obsessed by it.

Willow Hall Dam is actually 2 dams, with the lower used as a fishing lake and the upper mainly feeding it and looking overgrown. I'm not sure what the dam's original purpose was, there were a number of mills nearby which have long since disappeared so I assume it was to help drive power to one of those. The dam is surrounded by woodland on 3 sides and is popular with locals walking there dogs. Dam Head Road runs across the head of the dam and there is terraced housing either side of the dam head. These pictures were taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 18th March 2018, they can be seen below or on Clickasnap un-watermarked.

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

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Winter's Walk Through North Dean Woods

North Dean Woods, nestled on the fringes of Greetland within the Calderdale region, offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of British woodland. Stretching from the meandering River Calder's valley floor to the elevated terrain beneath Norland, these woods are a living tapestry woven with centuries of ecological and human history. On a crisp December day in 2017, following a delicate snowfall of a few inches, I embarked on a journey through this enchanting landscape, capturing its serene beauty with my Nikon D3300. This blog post delves into the nuances of this walk, reflecting on the historical significance and natural beauty encountered along the way.

A Journey Through Time and Terrain:

My exploration began at Wilson Bridge, a crossing point adjacent to the venerable St. Stephen's Church. This starting point itself speaks volumes about the intertwined relationship between community and nature in this region. The church, a silent sentinel, has witnessed the woods' transformation over generations.

The ascent through the woods along North Dean Road revealed the characteristic features of a typical British woodland. This landscape is a mosaic of deciduous trees, likely including oak, beech, and ash, reflecting the region's temperate climate and fertile soils. The recent snowfall accentuated the skeletal forms of these trees, highlighting their intricate branching patterns and the stark contrast between the white blanket and the dark, textured bark.

Ecological Insights:

North Dean Woods, like many similar woodlands, are a vital habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The understory, though obscured by the snow, would typically host a variety of shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers, contributing to the woodland's biodiversity. The interplay of light and shadow, even under the overcast winter sky, reveals the complex ecological dynamics at play.

The proximity to the River Calder is a crucial factor in the woodland's ecosystem. The river's influence extends beyond its immediate banks, providing moisture and nutrients that support the surrounding vegetation. Furthermore, the river corridor acts as a vital pathway for wildlife, connecting fragmented habitats and facilitating species movement.

Historical Footprints:

The paths winding through North Dean Woods are not merely routes for recreational walkers; they are historical arteries that have connected communities for centuries. These pathways, often following ancient routes, reflect the human interaction with the landscape. The presence of features like Wilson Bridge and Donkey Bridge, near Pickwood Lane, hints at the historical significance of these routes for trade, travel, and local commerce.

The gradual transition from the valley floor to the higher elevations mirrors the historical land use patterns in the region. The lower slopes, closer to the river, would have been traditionally used for agriculture and grazing, while the higher elevations, more challenging to cultivate, would have remained predominantly woodland. This stratification of land use reflects the adaptive strategies of past communities in utilizing the available resources.

Winter's Silent Beauty:

The snowfall transformed the woods into a tranquil winter wonderland. The muffled sounds, the pristine white surfaces, and the delicate patterns created by the snow on the branches and leaves created a sense of serenity and isolation. The frozen landscape offered a unique perspective on the woodland's structure and form, revealing details that are often obscured by the lush foliage of summer.

The photographs captured on that day, serve as a visual record of this ephemeral beauty. They document the interplay of light and shadow, the textures of the bark and snow, and the overall atmosphere of the winter woodland.

Conclusion:

A walk through North Dean Woods is more than just a pleasant stroll; it's a journey through time and nature. The woodland's historical significance, ecological diversity, and serene beauty make it a valuable asset to the Calderdale region. The winter landscape, with its blanket of snow, offers a unique perspective on this timeless environment, revealing the enduring connection between humans and the natural world. These woods, like countless others across Britain, are a testament to the enduring legacy of our natural heritage.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 29th December 2017. Clicking any picture below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Taken at the bottom of North Dean Road, I had just crossed the River Calder via
Wilson Bridge and passed St Stephens Church.

The copley valley and railway viaducts viewed from North Dean

This lane looks up towards Pickwood Scar, Norland. I'd not long since passed
over Donkey Bridge

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.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.