Broughton West

Civil Parish in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Broughton West

Remains of wooden ballast bin Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6797992">NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin</a>).
Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work.
The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows. — Remains of wooden ballast bin Credit: Adrian Taylor

Broughton West is a civil parish located in the county of Lancashire, England. It is situated in the Wyre district and is part of the larger Broughton area. Broughton West covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers and has a population of around 1,000 people.

The parish is known for its picturesque countryside and rural charm. It is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and small wooded areas, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil setting. The landscape is dotted with traditional stone-built houses and cottages, adding to the area's rural character.

Broughton West is home to several notable landmarks and attractions. One of the main attractions is St. John the Baptist Church, a historic place of worship that dates back to the 16th century. The church features a beautiful bell tower and stunning stained glass windows.

The parish also offers a range of amenities and services to its residents. These include a primary school, a village hall, and a local pub. The village hall is a hub for community activities and events, while the pub provides a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Overall, Broughton West offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, with its beautiful countryside, historic landmarks, and strong sense of community. It is a place where residents can enjoy the tranquility of rural living while still having access to essential amenities and services.

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Broughton West Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.303537/-3.208849 or Grid Reference SD2190. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of wooden ballast bin

Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin). Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work. The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows.

Adrian Taylor

Remains of Weather Cock on Rawfold Bank, with Duddon Hall in view

A "Weather Cock" is marked at this position on OS maps: 6 inch, published 1850 and 25 inch, published 1913. This iron pole is currently situated at the location. Duddon Hall can be seen in the centre of the picture.

Alan Jolley

Dunnerdale Fells above Stonestar

There is an old postcard of this scene called "Dunnerdale Fells". This is a recent picture of the same from the same location. Peaks include Cat's Crag and Raven's Crag, and what rock-climbers call Stonestar Crag. This picture is a reverse view of SD1992 : Duddon Valley south of Ulpha.

Alan Jolley

Vernacular farm buildings at Rawfold farm

P Gaskell

Vernacular farm building

P Gaskell

On Dunnerdale Fells near Gowther Barrow

I can't work out what these mounds are called. They might be part of Potherilt Hill or Gowther Barrow. They don't seem to be so distinctive when viewed from other angles.

Alan Jolley

Rawfold

Farm in the Duddon Valley or Dunnerdale.

Michael Graham

Road bridge

Road bridge over the River Lickle near Hartley Ground

Alexander P Kapp

High Aulthwaite Side

Alexander P Kapp

Is this the way forward

Is this trying to tell us something about the price of electricity? Somebody makes the effort to install solar panels to power their equipment which is attached to a power line. I wonder if they sell the surplus (if any) to the National Grid

Alexander P Kapp

Wintry view of the lower Lickle Valley

Andrew Hill

View from a lane above Hawthwaite

Black Combe in the distance.

Andrew Hill

Rocky outcrop on ridge near Broughton Mills

Looking to the Dunnerdale Fells, with Stickle Pike to the right.

Andrew Hill

Rocky outcrop, looking along the ridge lane

Coniston Fells in the distance.

Andrew Hill

Lane to Broughton Mills in wintry conditions

Stickle Pike right background.

Andrew Hill

View across the Lickle valley from the A593

The nearer farm is Hagg, with Middle Bleansley across the valley.

Andrew Hill

Lane above Hawthwaite

This lane provides an alternative route between Broughton and Torver, running mostly near the crest of a rising ridge of high ground.

Andrew Hill

Rapid under Rawfold bridge

Rawfold bridge marks one of the hardest individual rapids on the Lower Duddon where the river splits either side of a rock, then recombines in a drop into a deep pool under the bridge with a fairly narrow outlet. Taking the river right line, as Jim Pullen has here, is usually more difficult as the water tries to push one into a river left eddy under the bridge from which escape is problematical. Jim had paddled his own boat down the easier left line, but to save a portage, took this boat for someone else and chose the other line for this second run. This view was taken at about the lowest level you'd want to run the river (the forecast had lied to us...)

Andy Waddington

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Broughton West is located at Grid Ref: SD2190 (Lat: 54.303537, Lng: -3.208849)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: South Lakeland

Police Authority: Cumbria