44 years later…

On By geoffspagesIn Railways...Leave a comment

Return to WhitropeSince my last visit, a forest had been planted and grown to maturity – and was now being harvested.

That earlier visit was on a railtour from Leeds to Edinburgh, out and back via the Settle and Carlisle and the Waverley Route. In later years, the S&C came under threat – and survived. The Waverley Route wasn’t so fortunate – the railtour was to mark its last day, 5 January 1969.

Today, the northern part of the line, from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, south of Galashiels, is being reconstructed, due to reopen in 2015. Further south, at Whitrope siding, the Waverley Railway Heritage Association are laying the track for a different kind of line – we thought we ought to pay a visit. See “Return to Whitrope” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.

Canal Central

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Walks1 Comment

A stroll along the bank of the Montgomery canal, a formerly dry section that has only relatively recently been restored. It’s connected to the national network at Frankton Junction, and is in water as far as Redwith Bridge, on the Knockin to Llynclys road. It’s navigable as far as Gronwen Wharf; the next stretch to Redwith Bridge is clearly appreciated by the numerous moorhens, ducks, swans and others. Beyond, work is in progress to extend the navigable waters, though it looks to be a slow job.

Canal Central is a good place to start the walk – it’s an even better place to end…

Starboard Way revisited

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Walks1 Comment

A short walk on the southern part of the Long Mynd, along the cutely-named Starboard Way past the gliding field. The paragliders (is that what they’re called?) are in the ascendancy (so to speak) these days – dozens of them wheeling above the steep western slope, and just two or three hang gliders. The conventional gliders were being winched up at regular intervals too. The large white butterfly behaved itself for a photo, but none of the many peacocks were cooperative, so no photos. Then, by the pool, we startled a dragonfly, which, when it landed again, got on with the business of laying its eggs (we think…).

Flying things notwithstanding, it was a good afternoon for a wander on the Shropshire hills – the air was clear, with views extending to Cadair Idris, some 45 miles distant on the western horizon.

Wigmore and Shobdon

On By geoffspagesIn NT and EH, Photography2 Comments

We’re wandering in the north-western corner of Herefordshire. Wigmore Castle is unusual in that it hasn’t been tidied-up in its derelict state – rambling and colourful undergrowth rather than manicured lawns. Just the place for the Famous Five, or was it the Secret Seven, to have an adventure. Yes, they turned up, complete with dog.

The Shobdon Arches form a folly on the hillside, some remains from the interior of the old church which was replaced more than 250 years ago. Sadly, the stone carvings are suffering from the weather.

Flora

On By geoffspagesIn PhotographyLeave a comment

In the company of those who aren’t really up to some our more energetic outings, a wander around the gardens will have to do. There’s plenty to point the camera at, even though it’s firmly in the “sunsets, kittens and flowers” category.

The first few are taken beside the Severn in Ironbridge; then it’s a visit to The Dingle near Welshpool, and finally David Austin Roses at Albrighton. Like everything else, the roses are late into bloom this year.