Friday 6 March 2026 saw members of the 1Z10 group out once again, this time spending the day working the line through the River Tame valley between Stalybridge and Greenfield.
Gavin and Andrew made the early start, setting up near the viaduct at Dinting in what can only be described as decidedly questionable light accompanied by persistent heavy rain. Conditions were far from ideal but, as any railway photographer knows, sometimes you simply have to start somewhere and hope for improvement.
By the time the pair relocated to Stalybridge, reinforcements had arrived in the form of Nigel, Rob and Joe. A few passing train shots were taken here before the group decided to try their luck elsewhere.
Our next stop was Hyde North railway station, where good fortune briefly smiled on us. Just as we arrived, the Bedbury “bin liner” train was pulling into the station, fortunately held at a red signal. This pause allowed a couple of passenger trains to pass before the freight continued on its way, giving us a welcome opportunity for a few shots.
The rain had eased by this point and there were faint hints that the weather might brighten, although sadly this promise never truly materialised during the day.
From Hyde we headed up the valley to a spot just south of Scout Tunnel, near the remains of an old derelict power station at Heyrod. A handful of photographs were taken here before we moved on once again.
Parking in Mossley, we walked back toward Scout Tunnel to attempt a couple of shots from above the northern portal. Unfortunately the local trees and foliage had other ideas and proved to be something of a barrier to clear sightlines.
From there we made our way down to Mossley railway station, a location still rich in heritage atmosphere and well suited to some more artistic photography. The steep surrounding hills also offered an opportunity to climb above the station and line, giving us some useful elevated viewpoints.
Continuing our journey up the valley, we stopped roughly a mile further on where a series of bridges on reverse curves provide some of the more classic photographic angles along this line. Several of the day’s stronger images were probably taken here.
Moving steadily toward Greenfield, we found a few more promising vantage points before eventually arriving at Greenfield railway station itself. This proved a good spot for a few people shots and we also visited a nearby location where the road and railway run conveniently side by side.
With five of us standing around with cameras pointed at the track and photographing every passing train, we were inevitably asked the question familiar to railway photographers everywhere:
“Is there something interesting coming? Is it Flying Scotsman?”
Sadly not on this occasion – just the usual steady parade of modern traction – but the curiosity of passers-by is all part of the experience.
With the light fading rapidly at the end of what had been a very dull day weather-wise, we finally called it a day and retired to the pub for a well-earned drink and a good chat before heading home.
Despite the conditions, it had been an enjoyable day out along the valley – and we returned with a number of decent shots in the bag.
Nigel Capelle