A day out: a visit to the 15″-gauge Rhiw Valley Light Railway, and a few minutes in the RSPB hide at Lake Vyrnwy. The RVLR’s “Jack” and “Powys” are easily spotted, trundling around the fields beside the Rhiw. The woodpeckers are, of course, lesser spotted. More to come…
Knighton to Bucknell
We left the car at Bucknell railway station, and caught the 1052 train to Knighton, all of 4.25 miles away (though we’ll walk more than twice that to get back). That ought to be “Knighton International” – the platforms are in Shropshire, the town (and the first few yards of our walk) in Wales. Crossing back into England, we’re soon looking down on the Teme valley, beside Offa’s Dyke, before turning right at an upland crossroads (crosspaths?) to head through high breezy grassland which ends at Bucknell wood. The descent through the woods towards the village (every bit as quiet as Clunton and Clunbury, Clungunford and Clun, apart from the occasional train) is much more pleasant than might be imagined – a good walking surface and lots of variety. There were showers about, which we mostly managed to avoid – it didn’t feel at all like early August, but it was a good day to be out on these lonely hills.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=332260&Y=273831&A=Y&Z=120
Beside the Severn: Atcham
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!
Oxford: a short stroll
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
Going up
…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.
Mostly floral
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…
Summer sunshine at Foxfield
…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…
Going to the Wyre
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
Ancient internal combustion
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.
Wensleydale Railway
A last look at Yorkshire – and things hadn’t quite gone according to plan. We could have had the pleasure of 69023’s company – next time perhaps. Visit “Wensleydale – a passing glance” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for (a little) more on our look at the Wensleydale Railway.
Wensleydale Railway official website
