Showing posts with label Monkey Tunnel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monkey Tunnel. Show all posts

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

Dixon Scar Woods: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled near the historic town of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, lies Dixon Scar Woods, affectionately known to locals as "Dixy Woods." This unassuming woodland, a sliver of green clinging to the steep hillside, offers a surprising escape into nature within a bustling industrial valley. Its unique topography, stretching from the tranquil banks of the River Calder at Hollins Mill up towards the solemn heights of Sowerby Bridge Cemetery, creates a diverse habitat and a captivating walking experience.

The woods are a testament to the region's industrial past, with the mainline railway slicing through its heart via the evocative Dixy Tunnel (or Cemetery Tunnel, as it's also known). This juxtaposition of nature and infrastructure adds a layer of historical intrigue to the landscape. Below, the valley floor reveals a patchwork of fields, the manicured expanse of Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club, and the ever-flowing River Calder, all overlooked by the verdant embrace of the woodland.

Exploring Dixy Woods reveals a network of paths, weaving through a tapestry of trees that change with the seasons. On September 7th, 2017, using a Nikon D3300, I embarked on a journey that began at the bridge spanning the River Calder at Hollins Mill. The path, initially hugging the river's edge, offered glimpses of the water's gentle flow and the valley's industrial heritage.

The lower reaches of the woods are characterized by a mix of mature deciduous trees, likely including oak, ash, and sycamore, providing a shaded canopy. The undergrowth, though perhaps dense in places, offered glimpses of wildflowers and the subtle signs of wildlife. The air, thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, carried the distant rumble of trains echoing through the tunnel.

As the path progressed, it led towards Tenterfields Business Park, a modern development marking the transition between Sowerby Bridge and Luddenden Foot. This section of the walk offered a contrast between the natural beauty of the woods and the more structured environment of the industrial park.

The journey culminated at Monkey Tunnel, a pedestrian passage that facilitates access from Tenterfields Bridge up towards the village of Boulderclough. This tunnel, a portal connecting different elevations and communities, symbolizes the way Dixy Woods acts as a bridge between landscapes and histories.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.


Wood Lane Railway Bridge.



Hollins Mill Weir, this was damaged in the 2015 Calder Valley Boxing Day floods.






The tunnel, which can be found near Tenterfields Business Park is known locally as Monkey Tunnel.




Another of the damaged Hollins Mill Weir.




Footbridge over the River calder at Hollins Mill.



Footbridge over the River Calder at Tenterfields.





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