Altofts RFM Blue Line

 

Altofts 

RFM Blue Line

20/04/26

After the very tough Diggle walk 2 days ago this 8 mile West Yorkshire blue line was relatively easy. A stroll through the industrial heritage of the area with a glimpse of the present and future. The day was cool becoming warm, pretty windless and with relatively clear blue skies. The light was so powerful it was difficult to get good photos.

I parked near All Saints Church in Normanton and set off at about 9.15. I passed a few mums who were happy to exchange greetings.

The first sight after the marvellous church was this fantastic row of blossom trees. What an absolute treat.

I followed a group of kids and adults walking along towards the school near St John's the Baptist RC Church. It was late for starting school so for some reason, who knows what, they were moving schools. The adults did a great job of keeping them safe along the route especially crossing the roads and the motorists were suitable compliant.

The church looks a bit imposing but it was really the bright back light.

There seemed to be a route in the field but I dare not risk it in case I became trapped so I stayed on the lane. I love crossing bridges, even railway bridges.

This chimney featured in the Kikthorpe route and is where the blue lines ran together.

I know its depressing but move on, its reality. The route itself after the burnt out car was actually an ok lane but still too much rubbish.

This is a view of an old colliery tip but you would never know unless you knew.

The pond on Newland Lane seemed pretty inaccessible. I saw a Blackcap bird in the bush nearby and took 3 photos but all 3 came out blurred but it was still good to see.

It was a huge muck stack filling the whole horizon in this shot and now being used as a tip. Not sure that is a long term option. There seemed to be some standing relics of the old pit but well away from the path.

This path was a welcome change from the open lane. I had to think of Babs when I saw the bluebells she would have been so thrilled to see this photo.

The oil seed rape paints the hillside yellow, wonder what Wordsworth would have made of that.

No pits, invisible or disguised pit heaps so in their place Amazon. Not sure which I prefer.

As it approached the road the lane narrowed and the thick paving slabs that had run the length of the lane came into play. I wonder how many miners had trudged up and down those flags over the last 200 years.

Crossing the road Top Farm seemed to just have horses. There were warning signs against touching and approaching them. I did get a little wary when one of them headed my way but he stopped short and started eating grass again. He was the biggest horse there, of course.

Its flat and very green, wonderfully restful.

These rabbits playing on the path shot off into a myriad of burrows as I approached. 

A sillouette of Altofts on the hill across the valley from the canal was backlit by that pesky low sun.

This is the Aire and Calder Navigation a large well maintained canal with some limited commercial traffic. An old chap nearby stopped for a natter and he told me all about the pits and villages and how that world had gone. He was sad to see it go so I did not tell him my views about pit villages, why spoil a myth.

More canal, more horses and a swan landing right next to me. I didn't get a photo as I selfishly enjoyed the spectacle for myself.

 

Then it was under the motorway and the railway and on to Fairies Hill. I didn't see any fairies perhaps I was too early.

On past more horses and finally to the bridge of the old railway line where the route veered away from the canal. Canals are a bit boring but this one was easy walking so I covered the ground quickly.

A short walk on the old railway line and then across the fields to the active line.

It was nice to see the train but it was going really slow.

The next stretch over the golf course was an unexpected issue as there was no marked path so I wandered off course a few times due to unexpected obstacles but eventually I found the road.

Then it was a long uneventful trudge along urban roads through Normanton and to the car. I wasn't very impressed with Normanton though most passers by, but not all, did say hello. Whoever runs this place needs to look to its future because it was quite depressing. I am glad I live here and not there.

Not bad figures for a simple blue line walk and there is no substitute for miles in the legs.

os map

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/31581485/altofts-rfm-blue-line?lat=53.71172&lon=-1.44106&zoom=12.5382&style=Leisure&type=2d&overlays=os-obstacles-layer