Kennall Vale

[MattGrey]

Kennall Vale is one of my favourite spots to photograph, and being just down the road makes it even better!

I'm sure I've posted about it here before, but just in case....It's an abandoned gunpowder mill that became derelict in 1910 after a number of explosions and deaths.  The workings occupy a secluded river valley and when in operation included some 56 buildings.  Now, all that remains are the old water mills houses, a few stores and the many man made leats that powered the mills.

This was taken with me stood up to my knees in the river at the base of the mills.

[Monkey]

Lovely image 

[JamesT]

Very peaceful, in contrast to its history.

Given how recently-closed it must have been I'm surprised it wasn't hastily brought back into use to help meet the demand for munitions in 1914.

[MattGrey]

42 minutes ago, JamesT said:

Very peaceful, in contrast to its history.

Given how recently-closed it must have been I'm surprised it wasn't hastily brought back into use to help meet the demand for munitions in 1914.

I'm not sure why it wasn't reopened. At least there is no mention of this in any of the history I have read.  Perhaps the damage from the previous explosions were too extensive to make it worthwhile.  The company who initially owned the works had already relocated, so perhaps they did supply the war effort, just not from this site.

[Ryewolf]

Nicely captured.

[Paul]

These tiny waterfalls are always nice to see.

Paul.

[Clicker]

What an interesting history Matt….looks a great place to visit with a camera too..

[Fogey]

Up to your knees in water?  In Winter?  I sincerely hope you had waders on Matt, just to make those lumps in the back of your neck to go down.

A great shot and a great viewpoint. My Life!  How we suffer for our art.

[MattGrey]

On 25/03/2023 at 04:20, Fogey said:

Up to your knees in water?  In Winter?  I sincerely hope you had waders on Matt, just to make those lumps in the back of your neck to go down.

A great shot and a great viewpoint. My Life!  How we suffer for our art.

I had my BIG wellies on!  Never considered waders before! What a good idea!