Location: Salterhebble Valley, Halifax Date: 9th April 2017 Camera: Nikon d3300
Taking a walk up in Siddal always offers incredible panoramic views across the valley, and this image perfectly captures the dense, green tapestry of trees and the historical signs of industry that define the Halifax area.
The sweeping landscape shows the Salterhebble Valley, with the urban sprawl of Halifax giving way to rolling hills in the distance. The overall impression is one of a town nestled firmly within its natural, dramatic geography.
Spotting the Industrial Relic
Right in the centre of the frame, half-hidden by the spring or summer foliage, is the dark, arched entrance of a railway tunnel. This is the Bankhouse Tunnel, also known locally as Copley Tunnel.
This tunnel is a silent, stone sentinel of the Victorian era. It's a short, curved railway passage carved through the hillside between Copley and Salterhebble to the south of Halifax.
A Testament to Ambition: The tunnel is an excellent example of the ambition and ingenuity that drove the expansion of Britain's railway network during the Industrial Revolution.
The Connected Line: It is a vital link connecting Sowerby Bridge with Halifax and is closely related to the nearby Copley Viaduct, suggesting both were built around the same time, likely opening in the 1850s.
Still in Use: Unlike many abandoned lines in the region, Bankhouse Tunnel remains a crucial part of the region's railway infrastructure today.
From this vantage point on the hills of Siddal, you look down not only on the tunnel but on the homes and roads that have been built around this major piece of engineering. The whole scene beautifully illustrates how Halifax's past and present are woven together by the routes carved through its challenging landscape.