Exploring the Spine of England: A Golden Afternoon Above Summit Tunnel

 Location: Summit Hills, Nr Todmorden Date: 14th November 2013 Camera: Samsung Galaxy Tablet

The Pennines, often referred to as the "backbone of England," possess a rugged, untamed beauty that has inspired poets, hikers, and dreamers for centuries. There is a specific magic to these hills when the autumn sun hangs low, casting a bronzed glow over the moorland. This particular view, captured from the high ground above the historic Summit Tunnel, offers a breathtaking perspective of the borderlands between Walsden and Littleborough, stretching all the way toward the distant horizon of Halifax.

If you are looking for a walk that combines industrial heritage with expansive natural vistas, this stretch of the South Pennines is an absolute must-visit.

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The Gateway to the North: Standing Above Summit Tunnel

The vantage point for this photograph is steeped in Victorian engineering history. Deep beneath these feet lies the Summit Tunnel, one of the oldest and longest railway tunnels in the world at the time of its completion in 1841. Designed by George Stephenson for the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it represents a pivotal moment in the Industrial Revolution.

Standing on the hills above it, however, the roar of the steam engines (or modern-day Sprinters) is replaced by the whistling wind and the cry of the curlew. This contrast—the hidden, mechanical heartbeat of the valley versus the timeless, rolling silence of the peaks—is what makes the Pennine experience so unique.

A Landscape Painted in Gold and Rust

The image perfectly captures the transition of the seasons. In late autumn, the vibrant greens of the lower pastures begin to yield to the hardy moorland grasses and ferns.

• The Foreground: The steep incline is blanketed in golden-brown fescue and dried bracken, glowing as if illuminated from within.

• The Middle Ground: Traditional stone farmsteads and white-washed cottages are nestled into the folds of the valley. These buildings are constructed from the very gritstone upon which they sit, making them feel like a natural extension of the earth.

• The Far Distance: Looking toward Halifax, the layers of the Pennine ridges fade into a soft blue-grey, showcasing the sheer scale of the Calder Valley landscape.

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Walking the Borderlands: Walsden to Littleborough

For those wishing to see this view in person, the trek between Walsden and Littleborough offers some of the most rewarding scenery in West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

Starting in Walsden

Walsden is a village with a distinct character, sitting right on the edge of the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire border. Starting here, hikers can ascend the steep tracks that lead toward the Pennine Bridleway. As you climb, the valley opens up, revealing the intricate patchwork of dry stone walls that have defined these fields for hundreds of years.

The Summit Pass

The area known as "Summit" is the highest point of the valley pass. It is a narrow, dramatic gap where the road, the canal (Rochdale Canal), and the railway all huddle together to find passage through the hills. Walking the ridge line above this pass provides a "birds-eye" view of this incredible feat of transit planning.

Looking Toward Halifax

On a clear day, the visibility is astounding. Following the line of the valley eastward, your gaze travels over Todmorden and Hebden Bridge toward the industrial heritage heights of Halifax. It’s a reminder of how interconnected these mill towns were, linked by the very hills and waterways you are traversing.

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Why the South Pennines Are a Photographer's Dream

The South Pennines offer a different aesthetic than the jagged peaks of the Lake District or the limestone plateaus of the Yorkshire Dales. Here, the beauty lies in the texture and light.

1. Gritstone Shadows: The dark millstone grit crags provide a moody, dramatic backdrop that changes character with the passing clouds.

2. The "Golden Hour": Because of the east-west orientation of many of these valleys, the sunset light (as seen in the photo) lingers on the hillsides, creating a long, warm glow that is perfect for landscape photography.

3. The Scale: The lack of heavy forestation means the topography of the land is completely exposed. You can see the "bones" of the hills.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

If you’re planning to head out to the hills above Summit Tunnel, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Footwear: The terrain is often "peaty" and can be very boggy, especially after the rain. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential.

• Weather: The Pennines are notorious for rapid weather shifts. A sunny start in Littleborough can turn into a misty shroud by the time you reach the summit. Always carry a windproof and waterproof layer.

• Navigation: While many paths are well-marked, the moorland can be disorienting in low cloud. Carry a physical map (OS Explorer OL21 is the one you need) or a reliable GPS app.

• Respect the Land: Much of this area is working farmland. Keep dogs on leads, especially during lambing season, and always follow the Countryside Code.

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Final Thoughts

There is a profound sense of perspective to be found on these hills. Looking out from above the Summit Tunnel, you aren't just looking at a view; you are looking at a living history book. You see the ancient paths of the packhorse trails, the Victorian ambition of the railway, and the enduring resilience of the farmers who still work this rugged land.

Whether you are a local rediscovering your backyard or a visitor seeking the authentic heart of Northern England, the walk above Walsden and Littleborough is a soul-stirring journey through one of the UK’s most underrated landscapes.

Stone, Water, and Time: Crossing the Old Packhorse Bridge at Hebden Bridge

Location: Hebden Bridge Date: 30th December 2015 Camera: Polaroid is2132

The Old Packhorse Bridge, Hebden Bridge

 There is a specific kind of magic that occurs when stone meets running water in the heart of a Pennine valley. In Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, this magic is concentrated at the Old Packhorse Bridge, a structure that has stood as a silent witness to the town's evolution from a quiet hillside crossing to a bustling hub of the industrial revolution, and finally into the creative, bohemian sanctuary it is today.

Looking at this monochrome study of the bridge, one is immediately struck by the weight of history. The heavy millstone grit blocks, darkened by centuries of West Yorkshire weather, arch gracefully over the Hebden Water. It is a scene that feels timeless, yet the dramatic sky and the churning water remind us that the landscape of the Calder Valley is one of constant movement and change.

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A Bridge Built for Hooves, Not Wheels

To understand this bridge, you have to look at its proportions. It is narrow—distinctly so. This wasn't built for cars, or even for the large horse-drawn carriages of the Victorian era. Built around 1510, it was designed for packhorses: sturdy ponies laden with heavy panniers filled with wool, salt, and coal.

In the 16th century, Hebden Bridge wasn’t a town at all; it was simply "the bridge over the Hebden," a vital link on the long-distance trade routes connecting the weaving hamlets on the hilltops. The low parapets are a deliberate design feature; they allowed the bulky packhorse panniers to clear the sides of the bridge without snagging. As you stand on these stones today, you are walking the same path as the medieval traders who laid the foundations for the region’s textile wealth.

The Contrast of Light and Shadow

The accompanying photograph captures the bridge in a moment of atmospheric tension. The black and white palette strips away the colourful bunting and greenery usually associated with modern Hebden Bridge, revealing the "bones" of the town.

• The Sky: The turbulent clouds overhead suggest the temperamental weather that defines the South Pennines. This is a landscape where sunlight is a gift and rain is a constant companion.

• The Water: The Hebden Water below is white with foam, suggesting a recent rainfall on the moors above. It was this very water power that later fuelled the mills, represented by the chimney looming in the background.

• The Architecture: To the left and right, the industrial heritage of the town is visible in the jagged rooflines and sturdy masonry. The bridge acts as a literal and metaphorical link between the ancient rural past and the industrial might of the 19th century.

The Heartbeat of Hebden Bridge

Today, the Old Packhorse Bridge is more than just a historical monument; it is the town’s emotional centre. On a summer afternoon, you’ll find children feeding the ducks from the low walls (much like the ones seen perched in the photo) and locals pausing mid-errand to watch the river flow toward its confluence with the River Calder.

The bridge has survived more than just the passage of time. It has weathered legendary floods, most notably the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015, which saw the Hebden Water rise to terrifying heights. Yet, the bridge held fast. Its survival is a testament to the skill of the 16th-century masons and the enduring resilience of the Hebden Bridge community.

Exploring the Surroundings

If you find yourself standing where this photograph was taken, you are in the perfect position to explore the best of the town:

1. St. George’s Square: Just a few steps away is the town’s main square, often filled with street performers, markets, and the aroma of fresh coffee from nearby independent cafes.

2. The Rochdale Canal: A short walk downstream leads you to the canal, another layer of transport history where colourful narrowboats replace the packhorses of old.

3. Hardcastle Crags: If you follow the river upstream, the town quickly gives way to the wooded beauty of Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust site that offers a glimpse of the rugged wilderness that once surrounded the bridge.

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Final Reflections

There is a profound stillness in this image, despite the rushing water. It captures the dual nature of Hebden Bridge: a place that is fiercely proud of its heritage but always moving forward. The Old Packhorse Bridge isn't just a way to get from one side of the river to the other; it is a bridge between centuries.

Whether you are a photographer looking for the perfect play of light on gritstone, a history buff tracing the routes of the wool trade, or a traveller seeking a moment of peace, this bridge remains one of the most evocative spots in Northern England. It reminds us that while the clouds may move and the water may rush, some things are built to last.

The Whispering Stone: Crossing the Oxygrainz Packhorse Bridge

Location: Oxygrainz Bridge, Rishworth Moor Date: 15th December 2020 Camera: Nikon d3300

 There is a specific kind of silence that exists only on the high moors of Northern England. It isn’t the absence of sound, but rather a symphony of low-frequency hums: the persistent tug of the wind through dried purple heather, the distant cry of a curlew, and the rhythmic babble of water over gritstone. In the heart of this wild landscape stands a modest yet defiant monument to human history—the Oxygrainz Packhorse Bridge.

Captured here in a timeless sepia, the bridge looks less like a man-made structure and more like a natural outcropping of the earth itself. It spans the Oxygrains Clough, a small but spirited watercourse that carves its way through the rugged terrain near the Rishworth moors. To the casual observer, it is a simple arch of stone. To the historian and the hiker, it is a portal into a bygone era of industry and endurance.

Oxygrainz Clough Packhorse Bridge

A Bridge Built for Hooves, Not Wheels

Before the age of the steam engine or the macadamized road, the rugged spine of the Pennines was traversed by packhorse trains. These were lines of sturdy ponies—often up to 40 or 50 in a single "gang"—laden with heavy panniers. They carried the lifeblood of the early industrial North: wool from the hilltop farms to the weaving sheds, and finished cloth back to the bustling market towns.

The Oxygrainz Packhorse Bridge was designed specifically for these travellers. You’ll notice its distinct characteristics immediately: it is narrow, barely wide enough for a single horse, and notably lacks high parapets (the low walls on the side). This wasn't a design flaw; it was a functional necessity. High walls would have caught the low-slung panniers of the ponies, potentially knocking them off balance or trapping them on the narrow span.

In this photograph, the bridge’s single, elegant arch mimics the curve of the hills behind it. The stones, weathered by centuries of Pennine rain and frost, hold together through the sheer brilliance of traditional dry-stone masonry. There is no mortar here—just gravity, friction, and the skill of a long-dead craftsman.

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The Poetry of the Clough

The word "clough" (pronounced cluff) is a northern English term for a steep-sided valley or ravine. The Oxygrainz Clough is a perfect specimen. Looking at the image, you can feel the isolation of the spot. The surrounding slopes are draped in coarse grasses and bracken, their textures accentuated by the dramatic play of light and shadow.

The sepia tone of the photograph serves to bridge the gap between the present and the past. It strips away the vibrant greens and purples of the modern moorland, forcing us to focus on the texture of the land. We see the sharp individual blades of the moor grass in the foreground, glowing like golden threads where the sun catches them. We see the heavy, dark mass of the hillside, rising up to meet a pale, vast sky.

There is a profound sense of "solastalgia" here—a feeling of connection to a landscape that remains unchanged even as the world around it accelerates. When you stand on the stones of the Oxygrains bridge, you are standing exactly where a packhorse driver stood in 1750, perhaps pausing to let his lead pony drink from the stream below before bracing for the climb over the next ridge.

Preserving the Pathless Way

Today, the Oxygrains Packhorse Bridge is a cherished landmark for those who seek the "wilds." It sits near the modern M62 motorway—one of the busiest arteries in the UK—yet it feels a million miles away. The roar of the engines is often swallowed by the moorland wind, leaving only the sound of the clough.

Visiting such a site is a lesson in perspective. We live in an era of instant connectivity and high-speed transit, but this bridge reminds us that for most of human history, progress was measured in the steady beat of hooves on stone. It reminds us that we are merely temporary stewards of these ancient ways.

As you look at this image, let your mind wander into the shadows of the arch. Imagine the winter gales that have whistled through that gap, and the summer suns that have baked those stones. The bridge doesn't just cross a stream; it crosses time itself.

Power on the Moor: Light Hazzles Reservoir and the Edge of the Pennines

Location: Light Hazzles Reservoir Date: 27th May 2025 Camera: Nikon d3300

 Today, we look west towards the high ground that forms the backbone of England: the Pennines. This dramatic photograph features Light Hazzles Reservoir, an integral part of the network of water storage that dominates the landscape near Blackstone Edge.

This isn't a scene of gentle valleys; it's a raw, exposed environment where water and weather are the dominant forces.

Light Hazzles Reservoir

A Landscape of Extremes

Light Hazzles sits high on the moorland, subjected to the full force of the Yorkshire weather. The photo perfectly conveys this ruggedness:

• Vast Skies: The enormous, sweeping cloudscape dominates the upper third of the frame, hinting at the ever-changing and often moody conditions experienced up here.

• Low Water: The reservoir appears to be at a relatively low level, exposing wide expanses of sandy, rocky shoreline and the original contours of the valley floor before it was flooded. This provides a stark visual representation of the reservoir’s function.

• The Path and Wall: The concrete path and the low, dark stone wall provide a crucial contrast to the wildness, showing the engineering efforts made to contain the water and make the site accessible.

The Sentinels of Power

What makes this image truly striking are the pylons marching across the distant moor. They are the undeniable markers of the modern industrial landscape, carrying electricity across the difficult terrain of the Pennines.

They stand like metallic sentinels against the horizon, linking the past (harnessing water for power) with the present (transmitting electrical power). The lines of pylons draw the eye deep into the distance, emphasising the vast, empty scale of the surrounding moorland.

The Pennine Isolation

Light Hazzles, being so close to the famous Blackstone Edge crossing, feels remote and isolated. It's a place for quiet reflection, for serious hiking, and for appreciating the sheer scale of the British uplands. It is where you truly feel the raw elements.

The reservoir is a testament to the ambition of the Victorians to capture and manage every available drop of water, turning the harsh moorland environment into a source of life and power for the thriving towns below.

The Quiet Charm of Norland: A View from St. Luke's Churchyard

Location: St Luke's Church, Norland Date: 24th February 2024 Camera: Nikon d3300

St Luke's Graveyard, Norland

Sometimes, the most beautiful views are found in the most tranquil places. This image, capturing the eastern entrance to St. Luke’s Churchyard in the lovely village of Norland, perfectly encapsulates that quiet, enduring West Yorkshire charm.

The shot is framed by the heavy, dry-stone wall and the dense, bright green ivy that spills over the rusty wrought-iron gate. The use of a colour-pop edit emphasises the deep blue of the sky and the golden sunlight hitting the foliage, transforming a historic rural scene into something almost fairy-tale-like.

A Cemetery on the Hill

St. Luke's occupies a prominent, central position in Norland village, which itself is perched on a hilltop, offering scenic views towards the Calder Valley. The churchyard, therefore, is more than just a burial ground; it's a vantage point overlooking the historic surroundings.

Looking across the green expanse, you can see the weathered headstones, some tall and ornate, others simple and square, standing as silent witnesses to the village's long history. Beyond the graves, you catch a glimpse of the traditional, solid stone houses—typical of this part of Calderdale—which blend seamlessly into the undulating landscape.

St. Luke's: Norland's Heart

The church itself is an important landmark for the community. It opened in April 1866. Before Norland became a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1877, St. Luke's was originally a Chapel of Ease for Christ Church in Sowerby Bridge.

The whole scene—from the old stone wall marking the boundary, to the sturdy gravestones, and the background of rugged village architecture—tells a story of continuity. It is a reminder that Norland, though a small village, has a rich past, with its core history centred around its beautiful buildings and the high moorland that surrounds them.

This rusty gate, half-hidden by ivy, seems like an invitation to step off the road and into a space where history, nature, and community meet. It’s the perfect spot to take a moment and appreciate the unique, unspoiled rural character of West Yorkshire.

A Ghost from the War: The Sunken Secrets of Warland Reservoir

Location: Warland Reservoir, Todmorden Date Taken: May 27th 2025 Camera: Canon r100

Sunken Boat Remains at Warland Reservoir

I was out exploring the dramatic Pennine landscape, and what I witnessed at Warland Reservoir was a haunting and powerful sight. Due to what must be exceptionally low water levels, a secret the reservoir has held for decades was laid bare: the skeletal remains of an old sunken boat.

Captured here in black and white, the effect is even more dramatic. The ribs of the vessel jut out from the dark, cracked earth, looking like a decaying marine skeleton against the water’s edge. It's an eerie, beautiful, and profound reminder that even seemingly remote stretches of water have their own forgotten histories.

The Wartime Mystery

What is this vessel, and how did it end up at the bottom of a high-moor reservoir?

Local lore suggests a fascinating connection to World War II. It is widely believed that these remains—possibly one of three similar boats—were deliberately sunk during the war as part of a strategic defence plan. The theory is that the boats were linked together with cables and submerged to prevent German seaplanes from using the large expanse of the reservoir as a makeshift landing strip or refuelling point.

This small, forgotten wreck, sometimes called a "dragonboat," is a tangible link to a time when Britain was preparing for all possible threats, even in the quiet corners of the Yorkshire/Lancashire border. It reminds us that every location, no matter how tranquil now, played its part in the global conflict.

A Glimpse of the Past

For most of the year, this relic is hidden from view, submerged beneath the waters that feed the Rochdale Canal. It only reveals itself during periods of severe drought or very low water.

To stand there and see the exposed wooden frame and what looks like its rusted ribs is to confront a piece of history that is literally decaying before your eyes. It is a poignant juxtaposition of the reservoir's original purpose (supplying water for the canal since the 1850s) and its later, unexpected role in wartime defence.

The exposed mud and stones, along with the remnants of the boat, tell a story of changing conditions and hidden depths. It’s a powerful image of resilience and decay, of nature taking back what man put there, only to reluctantly give it up when the water recedes.