An hour with Austin 1

On By geoffspagesIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

We’ve been to Oz (should that be Os?), better known outside the area as Oswestry. The Cambrian Railways Society has, most appropriately, had a base there for many years, but has struggled against the odds to operate trains much further than up and down a siding. A couple of years ago, it began running trains about 2.3km (sounds much further than 1.4 miles) down the old main line, to Weston Wharf. Here there are refreshments, in a static buffet car, and next door at the brewery tap. The train ride has a purpose at last! Today, we took a ride down the line, steam hauled by Austin 1 visiting from Llangollen (and just for the pleasure of it, we walked back). There will be a Rail Diaries entry in the next day or so, meanwhile, here’s a taster.

Wild chicory

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly seen it before today! An unusual plant with attractive blue flowers – will Google know what it is? Yes, it did! We’re walking from the end of Hurst Farm lane, round the edge of the fields to Shore Pool, and back up the drive past Aldenham Park. The season is galloping along – the grain harvest is in full swing, and the blackberries are ripening well (inevitably delaying our progress, though there’s rarely any hurry)

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366905&Y=295650&A=Y&Z=120

An afternoon with the Earl

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

That’s GWR no. 822 The Earl – one of the two 2’6″ gauge 0-6-0T locomotives built in 1902 for the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. He’s hauling us from Llanfair Caereinion down to Welshpool Raven Square and back – a very pleasant outing in the good company of a friend and his 4-year-old grandson, both of whom seemed to enjoy the journey. Who wouldn’t, on this fine and (eventually) sunny afternoon?

Welshpool and Llanfair Railway

Blowy Brown Clee

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Friday 9 August: We’ve been stuck at home since Thursday morning with an electrician. He’s finished and gone – now we need to blow away our cobwebs. Brown Clee should be ideal – and so it turns out. The strong westerly wind at the summit is making it hard to hold the camera still, but it’s very pleasant up here, with warm sunshine, and the views extensive as they can be on a clear day. We can make out Pen y Fan, 55 miles to the south-west. Away from the summit, it’s calmer, and though the chocolate seat faces into the wind, we can have an enjoyable five minutes there. Not many minutes later, we’re through the trees and back on the east side of the hill. Wind? What wind?

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=360080&Y=286165&A=Y&Z=120

Blues

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Tuesday 6 August: A blue sky – and blue fields! It’s a perfect evening for a walk in the very quiet area around Boldings Pools, Astley Abbots and Colemore Green. The colour in the fields is unusual – immediately eye-catching as we drive past to park. Whatever can it be? Close inspection (and Google Images…) tells us it’s phacelia, and almost certainly it will be ploughed in as green manure. Meanwhile, we’ll make the most of this unusual landscape

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=370965&Y=296815&A=Y&Z=120

Back to Wilderhope

On By geoffspagesIn NT and EH, Photography, Shropshire hillsLeave a comment

A short outing on a grey afternoon. Wilderhope Manor is a National Trust property managed by the Youth Hostels Association. I imagine it would be a great place to stay – there’s even a four-poster bed in one room! Open at weekends for public exploration – an interesting way to spend an hour or so, with tea and cakes in the grand dining room to follow.

Wilderhope Manor – NT and YHA