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.

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The following images are the colour versions of the pictures,

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.

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Exploring Allan Park, Sowerby Bridge

Nestled on the slopes of the Norland hillside, a stone's throw from Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, lies Allan Park. It's a charming public space, a green oasis carved into the landscape, and a place where history whispers from every level. But this isn't just your average park; it's a story etched in terraces, bowling greens, and the silent passage of forgotten railways.

My visit, captured on a crisp March 18th, 2018, with my trusty Nikon D3300, revealed a park of surprising depth. What strikes you first is the tiered nature of the landscape. Allan Park isn't a flat expanse; it's a series of levels, a testament to the effort it took to tame the hillside. This unique topography lends the park a sense of intimacy and discovery as you wander from one section to the next.

The story behind Allan Park is as intriguing as its layout. It was once the grounds of Allan House, a grand residence purchased by the council in 1922. The original vision was ambitious: a public swimming pool. Imagine the bustling sounds of swimmers echoing through the valley! However, those plans never materialized. Instead, Allan House found a new purpose, transforming into a clinic, serving the community in a different way.

And the grounds? They were reborn as a public park, a space for recreation and relaxation. A bowling green, a playground filled with the laughter of children, and tranquil woodland walking areas emerged, creating a diverse space for all to enjoy. It's a testament to how a space can evolve, adapting to the changing needs of a community.

But perhaps the most fascinating secret lies beneath our feet. Underneath the serene park grounds, the Scar Head Tunnel quietly exists, a relic of the Rishworth Branch Railway Line. Imagine the rumble of steam trains echoing through the hillside, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere of the park today. It's a hidden layer of history, a reminder of the industrial past that shaped this region.

Walking through Allan Park, you can't help but feel a connection to the past. The echoes of Allan House, the dreams of a swimming pool, the forgotten railway line – they all contribute to the park's unique character. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the everyday.

The photos I took on that March day capture a snapshot of this hidden gem. The subtle textures of the stonework, the vibrant green of the bowling green, the quiet beauty of the woodland paths – all speak to the park's unassuming charm.

If you find yourself near Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Allan Park. It's more than just a park; it's a journey through time, a glimpse into the past, and a peaceful escape into nature. You might just discover a hidden history of your own.

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A Winter's Whisper: Copley Riverside in a Blanket of Snow

The River Calder, a lifeline through West Yorkshire, paints a different picture with each passing season. But there's a particular magic in its winter guise, a serene beauty that I was fortunate enough to capture on a crisp December day.

On December 29th, 2017, I embarked on a walk along the path that hugs the River Calder near Copley, a charming village nestled in the heart of the region. The day was draped in a fresh layer of snow, the first of the season, if my memory serves me correctly, transforming the familiar landscape into a winter wonderland.

These seven photographs, taken along the riverbank near Copley Cricket Ground, stretching towards the newly opened Wilson Bridge, tell a story of quiet beauty. They offer a glimpse into a world where the river's gentle flow meets the stillness of a snow-covered landscape.

A Winter's Tale in Seven Frames:

• The Silent River: The Calder, usually a bustling waterway, flowed with a hushed tranquillity, its surface reflecting the soft, grey sky.
• Snow-Dusted Trees: The bare branches of the riverside trees were delicately outlined in white, creating intricate patterns against the winter backdrop.
• The Path Less Travelled: The walking path, usually well-trodden, bore only the faint imprints of my own footsteps, a testament to the quiet solitude of the day.
• Copley Cricket Ground's Winter Rest: The familiar green of the cricket ground was transformed into a pristine expanse of white, a silent witness to the winter's arrival.
• Wilson Bridge's Debut: The newly constructed Wilson Bridge, replacing the older stone structure, stood as a modern counterpoint to the timeless beauty of the surrounding landscape. The bridge itself was a stark contrast to the natural beauty around it.
• A Landscape Refreshed: The snow had softened the edges of the landscape, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.
• Winter's Light: The soft, diffused light of the winter day bathed the scene in a gentle glow, highlighting the subtle textures of the snow and the river.

The Magic of a Snowy Walk:

There's something uniquely captivating about a winter walk along a riverside. The crisp air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the quiet beauty of the landscape create a sense of peace and tranquillity. This walk along the Copley Riverside, captured in these seven photographs, was a reminder of the simple beauty that can be found in the heart of winter.

The recent construction of Wilson Bridge, although a needed improvement, does not distract from the natural beauty of the area. It is a testament to the progression of the town, while the river itself remains a constant.

These pictures are a snapshot of a moment in time, a winter's whisper along the River Calder. They serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the simplest of landscapes, especially when touched by the magic of snow.

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A Snowy Easter Surprise: Capturing Calderdale's Wintery Wharfs

Remember that unexpected blanket of snow that transformed Easter Monday 2018? Here in Calderdale, it was a truly magical, if somewhat surprising, sight. I managed to capture a few glimpses of this fleeting winter wonderland in a series of short videos, and I wanted to share them with you.

These videos, each running between 1 minute 26 seconds and 1 minute 42 seconds, offer a serene look at the Sowerby Bridge Wharf area. It's a place where the historic Rochdale Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation meet, creating a picturesque scene that took on an entirely different character under a delicate layer of snow.

What makes these videos special is the atmosphere. The gentle snowfall, combined with the tranquil waterways, creates a sense of peaceful isolation. To enhance that mood, I've paired the visuals with the beautiful background music "Christmas Homecoming" by Aaron Kenny. While it might seem odd to associate Christmas with Easter, the music's warm, nostalgic tones perfectly complement the snowy landscape, evoking a sense of cosey tranquillity.

What you'll see:

• The Rochdale Canal: Witness the canal's still waters reflecting the soft snowfall, creating a mirror-like effect.
• The Calder & Hebble Navigation: Observe the gentle flow of this historic waterway, its banks dusted with white.
• Sowerby Bridge Wharf: See this charming area transformed into a winter scene, highlighting the beauty of its architecture and natural surroundings.

The contrast between the historic industrial setting and the delicate snowfall is truly captivating. It's a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change, and how even a brief snowfall can transform a familiar place into something extraordinary.

These videos are a small snapshot of a unique moment in time. They're a reminder of that unexpected Easter Monday, when winter briefly returned to Calderdale, creating a scene of quiet beauty.

I hope you enjoy these short glimpses of a snowy Sowerby Bridge.

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All the images and video 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

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.