Even a dull day doesn't diminish the attractiveness of the Medlock Valley near Park Bridge.
Up until around fifty years ago this valley would have rung out with the sounds of the Lees family's iron works. The viaduct carrying the Ashton to Oldham railway would have been visible just down the valley. Even this gently rising riverside path was originally the track of a narrow-gauge railway that transported coal and iron down to the Hollinwood Canal at Fairbottom.
These days, however, the loudest sound you will hear at this spot is the rushing of the river beside you. A few of the iron work's buildings survive and are used for other purposes but large areas of the former works have now reverted to part of the landscape.
Behind the camera the path continues along the valley to the remains of the coal mine at Rocher Vale.
See Google Aerial View of this location.
See LiveSearch Birds Eye View of this location.
I love old industrial sites, but combined with the imagery of nature reclaiming...perfect.
ReplyDeleteSydney Daily Photo
People are always surprised when I say I miss canals here. As you've shown they have a certain beauty which cannot be ignored. Very pleasant virtual stroll.
ReplyDeleteWell, what a lovely place to walk. Not another soul in sight. No yelling, screaming, and bickering. LOL.
ReplyDeleteYour photograph is, by the way, excellent, I think.