Spen Valley Greenway - Heckmondwike
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 42.274 W 001° 40.546
30U E 587414 N 5951465
This access point to the Spen Valley Greenway used to be a railway yard next to Heckmondwike Central Station, and these days gives easy access to the route together with parking if desired.
Waymark Code: WMMB91
Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 08/25/2014
Views: 3
The railway line originally connected Low Moor with Thornhill, for much of the way at the Low Moor end it followed the route of the River Spen.
The first part of the line opened in 1848, and the station at Heckmondwike opened in 1869. It was at an elevated level above the road and connected by a bridge over Station Lane. The station had a central platform with the trains passing either side. Each part of the bridge carried a track to either side of the platform.
The line closed to passenger traffic in 1965 together with the station. The line continued to carry goods traffic until this finally ceased in 1981.
In 2001 a stretch of the line between Dewsbury and Oakenshaw was converted to a cycling and walking route called the Spen Valley Greenway.
The route is maintained by SUSTRANS a registered nationwide charity that works with local councils to promote sustainable transport using cycle routes. Although some cycle paths are on the existing road network, wherever possible routes are off road, making use of old rail routes, canal tow paths etc. SUSTRANS promotes the off road routes for use, not only cyclists, but pedestrians, wheel chair users and in this case horse riders.This route forms part of the much large National Cycle route 66, that when completed will link Manchester to Hull.
When this route was developed art work was commissioned along the route. The access points to the route are marked with old recycled parts from the original railway and rail vehicles.
Country: United Kingdom
State/Province/etc.: Yorkshire
Trail Start (town): Oakenshaw
Trail Finish (town): Dewsbury
Trail Length: 7
Trail Surface: Paved
Pack Animals Allowed: yes
Fees: no
Internet Link(s):
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/spen-valley-greenway
Rail-to-Trail Sign: Not listed
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