It may look tranquil, but the old A5 is still a fairly busy road. Beside it, the older bridge, dating from MDCCLXXVI, is pedestrian-only, a pleasant way to cross the river. We’re just enjoying some fresh air and a change of scene for a few minutes on a cool late-July evening, and we haven’t really earned a pint on our way home, but who cares!
It wasn’t easy, and I realise I’ve missed some of the better-known sights – after a few minutes, I found myself avoiding the crowds. A return visit, perhaps, one day – in the middle of winter?
For the rail journey photos, see “An Outing to Oxford” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries
…to Oxford – a day out by rail, and a wander around, trying to see the dreaming spires through hordes of tourists (not easy). More to follow; in the meantime, here’s a chap who looks rather startled to find himself featured on geoffspages blog.
We needed a leg-stretch – down to Coalport, perhaps, for tea and a piece of that rather-nice choc chip shortbread they sell at the youth hostel… There’s colour in the field edges and the hedgerows, but beyond, the landscape is in its grey mid-summer mode on this warm afternoon. We’ll concentrate on the flora, mostly…
…and despite the warmth, there’s plenty of visible steam*. It’s the weekend of the annual summer gala, and the weather forecast suggested Sunday would be the best day. It was – an excellent day out. Visit “Foxfield summer gala” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for more photos and a short video clip (remember to turn up the volume!)
*I know – steam is invisible. The fluffy white stuff coming from the chimney is water droplets, suspended in the air, which don’t always form on warm days…
Out with a railway friend – travelling to the Fylde on a Northern Rail day rover. Our objective is to cross the Wyre from Fleetwood to Knott End – our reward, a pint at the Bourne Arms – and some wonderful extensive views across the shimmering (despite it not being particularly warm) sands. The train takes us to Blackpool North, a smart new tram to Fleetwood – and what must be the shortest ferry crossing in the British Isles to Knott End jetty.
For more railway and tramway photos visit “By rail to Knott End” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries
It’s Burton Brewery Locomotives day at Chasewater – three interesting old diesels are in action, the oldest built 87 years ago – and there’s a visiting steam locomotive on the passenger service – Rosyth No 1, from Blaenavon. We’d better have a day out! For more pictures and info on the event, visit “Brewery diesels” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.
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