Steam and Modern Trains at Milner Royd Junction, Sowerby Bridge

Milner Royd Junction sits approx. 1 mile to the east of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, West Yorkshire. The site is where the Caldervale line towards Halifax and the Calder Valley (the older of the 2) towards Brighouse split. The line towards Brighouse was closed to passenger services in 1970 and was a mainly freight line until reopening in 2000. The signal box is now redundant but still stands at the junction which is crossed by a 4 arch bridge. The bridge used to have a path towards Norland but for as many years as I can remember has been closed off and locked at its accessible northern side. The higher southern gate to the bridge is normally unlocked but is hard to access as the area around it in overgrown. It's just a spot I like to go now and again as you know you'll be left alone and you can watch the world of train transport pass by.

On Sunday 3rd November 2019 I had heard a steam train was to pass along the valley and through Milner Royd Junction, it was travelling from Blackburn to Wakefield Kirkgate an so I was there early to catch it, which turned out to be a good decision as the train was early which is not something you normally associate with British railways. The following 2 videos are taken from my YouTube account and were filmed that day.

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Ribblehead: A Station Reborn in the Shadow of Giants

The Yorkshire Dales, a landscape sculpted by time and nature, holds many hidden gems. One of the most captivating is Ribblehead Railway Station. Nestled a stone's throw from the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, this station tells a story of resilience, restoration, and the enduring allure of the Settle to Carlisle line.

Imagine arriving at Ribblehead. The sheer scale of the viaduct, its 24 arches stretching across the valley, is breathtaking. But turn your gaze, and you'll find a station steeped in history, a testament to the railway's enduring impact on this remote corner of England.

Opened in 1876, Ribblehead was a vital stop on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, connecting communities and facilitating trade through the rugged terrain. For nearly a century, passengers alighted here, their journeys framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Dales. However, as with many rural stations, the rise of the motor car led to a decline in passenger numbers. In May 1970, Ribblehead Station closed its doors, seemingly consigned to history.

The station's fate seemed sealed. The north platform was demolished to make way for a transfer siding, and the southern platform succumbed to the relentless march of time, falling into disrepair. Yet, the story doesn't end there.

The Settle to Carlisle line, a feat of Victorian engineering, held a special place in the hearts of railway enthusiasts. In 1986, a glimmer of hope emerged when British Rail reopened the southbound platform to passenger traffic. This marked the beginning of Ribblehead's remarkable revival.

The momentum continued. In 1993, a brand-new northbound platform was constructed and opened, restoring the station's functionality. But the restoration didn't stop at the platforms. The station buildings, once derelict, were meticulously restored, a labour of love completed in 2000.

Today, Ribblehead Railway Station is operated by the dedicated volunteers of the Settle and Carlisle Trust. Their passion has breathed new life into this historic site, transforming it into a welcoming hub for visitors.

Stepping onto the platform, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the steam whistles, and the bustle of Victorian travellers. The restored buildings offer a glimpse into the station's former glory, while the surrounding landscape remains as awe-inspiring as ever.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a scenic escape, a visit to Ribblehead Railway Station is a must. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, a testament to the power of preservation, and a reminder of the enduring magic of the Settle to Carlisle line.

The pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.