Railway Stations of Calderdale Past and Present.

Railway stations of Calderdale is a short YouTube video - slideshow I put together featuring pictures from the public domain of nearly every railway station that has ever served an area of Calderdale. Of all the stations there were only 4 I was unable to find pictures of which were Brighouse Clifton Road, Halifax Shaw Syke, Rochdale Road Halt (Stainland Branch) and West Vale Station. I managed to get 1 picture of every other station and there is also a picture of every station open today. The opening and closing dates are included with each picture as well as the estimated re-opening date for Elland which is currently 2022.

It sadly shows what a magnificent railway heritage we chucked away in this area, as of the closed stations only Elland and potentially Hipperholme are ever likely to reopen. Had we land banked the closed lines and stations we could have potentially been looking at re-opening the Queensbury Lines with Holmfield or Ovenden Stations giving an extra route to the north via Keighley, The Pickle Bridge line with Baliff Bridge or Clifton Road Stations giving extra capacity on the line between Huddersfield and Bradford. We could also be looking at adding extra stations at Luddendenfoot, Cornholme or Portsmouth (Lancs) and Norwood Green or Lightcliffe to reduce congestion on the roads.

Anyhow here is the video of our railway station heritage in Calderdale.

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Tracing the Ghostly Rails: The North Dean Branch Line

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, the remnants of a once-bustling railway line whisper tales of industrial heritage and bygone journeys. The North Dean, Stainland or Greetland and Stainland branch line, though short in length, played a vital role in connecting the mills of the valley to the wider world. Let's take a journey through its history and what remains today.

A Line Forged by Industry:

Opened on January 1st, 1875, this double-track line branched off the main line at Greetland, near Halifax, and climbed approximately 1.6 miles to its terminus at Stainland and Holywell Green Station. Its primary purpose was to serve the thriving textile mills that dotted the valley.

From Passengers to Goods:

For over half a century, the line carried passengers, with a surprisingly frequent service of 16 trains each way right up until its passenger closure on September 23rd, 1929. Goods traffic continued to rumble along the rails until September 14th, 1959, marking the final chapter for this industrious little line.

A Trail of Stations:

Despite its brief length, the line boasted four stations by 1907:

• Greetland Station: The junction with the mainline, opened in 1844, and remained in operation until September 8th, 1962.
• Rochdale Road Halt: Added in 1907 when rail motors were introduced, this passenger-only halt sat atop a bridge crossing the B6113 Rochdale Road at West Vale. Sadly, nothing remains of the bridge or the station today, having closed in 1929.
• West Vale Station: Located just after the impressive West Vale Viaduct, only a partially covered retaining wall marks the station site within the Green Royd housing estate. It mirrored the lines opening and closing dates of 1875 and 1959.
• Stainland and Holywell Green Station: The terminus of the line. Today, an industrial area occupies the site, leaving no trace of the station.

Architectural Echoes:

Two impressive viaducts stand as testaments to the engineering prowess of the era:

• West Vale Viaduct: A Grade II listed, 13-arch structure, now a public footpath and cycleway, offering stunning views of West Vale.
• Rawroyds (Stainland) Viaduct: Another Grade II listed marvel, this 14-arch viaduct spans the valley and Holywell Brook. While largely intact, it is now inaccessible, with only footpaths passing beneath its arches. The western embankment has been significantly altered for road access to Brookwoods Industrial Estate.

A Forgotten Path:

The line's final stretch passed under Long Heys Bridge, through a cutting beneath Station Road Bridge, and finally reached Stainland and Holywell Green Station. The cutting now serves as an access road.

A Photographic Glimpse:

These observations were captured with a Nikon d300 SLR camera on October 15th, 2017, providing a snapshot of the line's current state.

The North Dean branch line, though no longer active, leaves behind a fascinating legacy. Its viaducts, remnants of stations, and the stories they hold offer a glimpse into the industrial past of West Yorkshire.

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Clay House Bridge, Rochdale Road Halt was not far from here.

The previous 3 pictures were taken on the former track bed between what was the Rochdale Road Halt and West Vale Viaduct.

West Vale Viaduct, the above picture and 5 below show pictures taken from and of the viaduct.

West Vale viewed from the viaduct.

Long Heys Railway Bridge.

The cow was grazing in a field near top the railways former track bed. It seemed more interested in me than the field and other cows.

The 2 pictures show the remains of Rawroyds Viaduct, for a short branch line of less than 2 miles, this was the 2nd impressive viaduct that carried the line.

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Unexpected Waterfalls and Canal Charms: Woodside Mill Lock's Hidden Display

Sometimes, the most captivating sights are found in the everyday, along well-trodden paths. On a recent stroll along the tranquil canal towpath connecting Elland to Salterhebble, I encountered a delightful, albeit temporary, spectacle at Woodside Mill Lock. This particular lock, a familiar landmark on my regular walks, usually presents its characteristic trickle of water cascading over the lower gate – a gentle reminder of the canal's ever-flowing nature.

However, this time, the scene was dramatically different. The lock, evidently recently used, was in the process of refilling. This resulted in the upper gate becoming a miniature waterfall, a torrent of water rushing over its lip and into the lock chamber. The sheer volume of water, combined with the rhythmic rush, transformed the familiar lock into a captivating display of hydraulic power.

It's a reminder of the intricate engineering that keeps our canals functioning, and how even routine processes can create moments of unexpected beauty. The contrast between the typically serene canal and the forceful flow of water was striking. I paused to capture this fleeting moment, grabbing my Samsung Tablet to record a short video.

The video, which you can view below, showcases the unexpected waterfall in all its glory. The sight and sound of the water, coupled with the peaceful backdrop of the canal, made for a truly memorable experience.

Woodside Mill Lock, like many along our canals, holds a rich history. Once a vital part of the region's industrial backbone, these locks facilitated the transport of goods and raw materials. Today, they serve as a reminder of our industrial heritage and offer a peaceful escape for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.

This unexpected encounter with Woodside Mill Lock's 'waterfall' serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the small moments of beauty that surround us. Whether it's the gentle ripple of the canal or the temporary cascade of water over a lock gate, there's always something new to discover along our waterways.

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