Teddy: making Colin look big

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Railways...Leave a comment

TeddyCentenarian Barclay saddle tank Colin McAndrew, a resident favourite at the Chasewater Railway, is very small, without a doubt – one of the smallest standard gauge steam locomotives in existence. But Teddy*, a 75-year-old upstart Peckett, is without a doubt smaller – 2’0″ diameter driving wheels… Smallest? Quite possibly – and almost certainly the smallest in full working order. Today we spent several pleasant hours beside the line, on the occasion of its spring gala. (It didn’t feel much like spring, though the sun did shine early on). A “Rail Diaries” page will be along in a while – in the meantime, here’s Teddy…

*Originally owned by Teddy Boston, of Cadeby Light Railway fame

The other edge at Wenlock

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

The western escarpment is much the better known at the northern end of the Wenlock Edge, with some very pleasant walks from the popular NT car park at Much Wenlock. This route, to the eastern ridge, is less well-known and much quieter. We walk beside the old railway line and through fields, along interesting little wooded pathways. Between the heavy clouds (we’ve managed to dodge the showers) the sky is blue – the landscape is a patchwork of light and shade today.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=361295&Y=299171&A=Y&Z=120

Just around the corner?

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

It’s the 1st of March on Tuesday – St David’s day, and there are signs of spring all around us as we wander down to the river, for tea and cake at Coalport youth hostel, just beside the china works. We’re about 2/3 of the way round, and their shortcake is perfect fuel for the long plod back up the hill…


View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=369175&Y=301571&A=Y&Z=120

The Packet Stone and Pole Bank

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

At Pole Bank, I took off my gloves to eat an apple – my fingers were nearly frozen when I’d finished, and it was only a little one. Temperature aside, it felt as though spring could be in the air this afternoon on the Long Mynd. Around Little Stretton, the birds’ singing seemed to confirm my suspicions. Clear air (the Brecon Beacons just visible to the south), bright sunshine and just a very light breeze – perfect! One of those afternoons when it’s too good to come down again…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=342450&Y=292486&A=Y&Z=120

On the Chase

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It’s a good place for wandering on a cold, bright and sunny day – even when it’s half term. The numerous parked cars are evidence of other people (and their children / grandchildren / dogs), but there’s plenty of space here. We only really become aware of others at the visitor centre, where (conveniently) it’s lunchtime, and despite the crowds (that’s a relative term – it’s not quite Blackpool beach), there’s a table where we can sit indoors. Fed and watered, we’re heading back towards the start. Like the trees, there are paths galore here – no need to retread our steps.


View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=399195&Y=316501&A=Y&Z=120

Scarlet, silver and gold

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

We’re heading for Coalbrookdale, using a path we haven’t walked before (old maps show a pre-railway age tramway following the same route) to descend from Broseley’s maypole towards the new free bridge, a modern silver-painted steel structure half a mile downriver from its more famous cousin. A ruddy stream betrays the content of the hillside, a reminder of why it all happened around here, some 250 years ago. When we reach Darby’s coke hearth, at the top of the dale, we’ll head for home – pausing only for tea and scones beside the Severn…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367225&Y=303191&A=Y&Z=120

Following a new path

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Rights of way are not, it would appear, set in concrete (far from it – it was distinctly wet underfoot today) – this one has only recently appeared on the Ordnance Survey map. On the ground, the signs describe it as a “Restricted Byway”. It’s fairly obvious that the route has existed for a long time – through the woodlands, and the wonderful green road as we descend.  It makes possible a very pleasant circular walk, between Shirlett and Muckley Cross (I’ve added a lead-in to the circle in order to park the car somewhere sensible). It’s fine, dry, bright but cold afternoon, and there are one or two early signs of spring – the trees are full of twittering birds (blue tits, great tits – teacher, teacher, teacher – and robins galore). There are one or two daffodils out, and in places the hawthorn is greening rapidly – much too soon, I suspect. Is there a chance of snow later in the week?

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=364774&Y=296785&A=Y&Z=115 (not yet shown on 1:50,000 map)

Snowdrops and floods

On By geoffspagesIn NT and EH, PhotographyLeave a comment

The one seems to accompany the other – we’ve been to Attingham on previous occasions, to see the floral display and to find the river Tern resembling a lake, backing up from the nearby Severn. It’s a pleasant spot for a cold afternoon, and though the morning’s sunshine has gone, there’s barely a breeze – the water’s like a mirror. There are post-stroll tea and cakes too…

Attingham Park NT

Town halls and tramways

On By geoffspagesIn Photography1 Comment

We didn’t just point our cameras at the trams on Wednesday – there were other interesting things to see. Rochdale town hall was a real eye-opener, as well as an excellent place for a light lunch, and Manchester’s buildings, old and new, looked wonderful in the strong and directional late afternoon light.

Rochdale town hall virtual tour

For the tram photos, and more of Manchester Victoria, see http://geoffspages.co.uk/raildiary/tramlines.htm