7th September picture of the day…

07 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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We’ve had another great day exploring North Norfolk, made all the better by the fact the predicted rain has only ever dumped on us overnight, then promptly buggered off by morning! Today we revisited some places we’d previously checked out and decided they warranted further exploration – as well as finding new gems. Our first stop was at Walsingham which is a lovely little village that boasts the remains of an Austinian monastery but that’s still an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Moving on we headed for Holt, an upmarket market town whose surrounding wealth is reflected in the quality of its shops. Such a small town that boasts two ‘Joules’ clothing shops (one purely for children) can hardly be called poor.

Next we checked out the beach at nearby Salthouses. There’s not a lot there apart from the shingle beach but it’s provided the picture of the day. As soon we arrived, I spotted this chap relaxing and clearly enjoying his own company.

Solitude…

Making our way back from Salthouses we made our final stop in Cromer where we stocked up on some superb seafood from the local fishmongers before visiting the excellent Red Lion pub (pictures in another blog) for a beer before home.

Tomorrow’s our final day in Norfolk before heading home which is going to be a bit of a wrench as we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it, yet there’s so much more to see…

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If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

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6th September picture of the day…

06 Tuesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Architecture, Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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Having suffered heavy overnight rain we began to think today might have been a washout so we plumped for a last minute change of plan and a trip into Norwich on the basis that – if it’s going to rain – at least there’s plenty to do undercover in a city!

As it was the weather was a pleasant surprise. We had more than our fair share of sunshine and I enjoyed showing the trio around a city they didn’t really know. It was fun for me too as I also got to explore some nooks and crannies I’d not visited before.

So, no long blog from me tonight, just an image from the inside of Norwich Cathedral, a 900 year old special place which is ideal for some quiet contemplation.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
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Thank you!

Rolling blog. North Norfolk wandering…

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abandoned railways, Norfolk, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

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07:45.

I’ve left the rest of the family sleeping whilst I’ve hot up early to indulge my joint passions of walking and exploring. Next to where we’re staying is a remnant of the old Midland and Great Northern Railway (M&GNR) which closed to passenger in March 1959 and completely on the 1st January 1966. This section has been converted into a footpath known as the ‘Weaver’s Way’ so I’m off to explore.

I’ll post pictures and updates later…

10:00.

I’m now taking a break at North Walsham station after a beautiful walk. This is a fantastic time of year for rambling as the hedgerows are bursting with summer fruits. As I was starting from the middle of nowhere the initial part of the route was deathly quiet. I passed a couple of cyclists and thatcwas about it. The old line’s heavily overgrown in parts but still easily navigable. It makes a superb wildlife cortidor. There’s a mixture of cuttings and embankments so the line has a variety of structures (over and underbridges) plus the remains of the single platform station (complete with old building) at Framlingham. Here’s some initial pictures

Summer bounty…
The road bridge near Pine Tree farm where I first accessed the old line.
Mature trees have grown up along the line since it closed 66 years ago.
The well preserved platform at the old Framlingham station, looking East towards North Walsham.
Platform and former station building at Framlingham.

11:00.

I decided to flag the next train from North Walsham in order to look around and get some pictures. I must admit, it’s not the most exciting place and a bit of a disappointment. It’s run down compared to the other market towns we’ve visited. Still, it gave me chance of a break.

One of Greater Anglia’s excellent Stadler built 4-car bi-mode trains working to Cromer and Sheringham.

Right now I’m waiting for the return working of this unit which I’ll catch as far as Hoveton and Wroxton on the edge of the Norfolk broads where I’ll meet up with everyone else.

11:50.

Train time!

22:00.

The end of the day. There’s so much more I could write about our travels as we went on to explore the Norfolk broads but I’m meant to be on holiday! Instead, I’ll leave you with a final picture from Hoveton and Wroxham on the Bure Valley Railway as one of their services arrives at the end of the line – just as a freight train heading for North Walsham passes on the main line. If only one had been earlier and the other later…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

4th September picture of the day…

04 Sunday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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We’ve had a lazy (ish) Sunday here in North Norfolk. There’s been no long walks, instead we’ve been touring by car as I’ve introduced Dawn Jon and Norah to the delights of the coastline and the fabulous marshes and beaches that you find West of Sheringham. Oh, we’ve also explored some of the pretty inland villages like Walsingham and market towns like Holt. As I’ve been tour-guide there’s been little time for photography today but I do still have a picture of the day. With it being Sunday, the school holidays and great weather the seaside has been teeming with tourists – especially Wells next the sea which has a gorgeous golden sand beach that’s fringed with pine woods guarded by a phalanx of colourful beach huts. It’s a real contrast to the more rugged coastline around Cromer/Sheringham with their narrow pebble beaches.

Monday’s not only a new week, it’s also meant to see the weather begin to change. The glorious sunshine we’ve experienced is due to give way to showers and thunderstorms later in the week – although that could be fun from a photographic perspective. But, before it does, I’m heading out early tomorrow to do a solo walk along part of the ‘Weavers Way’ into North Walsham which utilises an old railway that passes close to where we’re staying. The rest of the family will catch up with me later. I’m looking forward to the walk and the opportunity to get out with the camera without cramping everyone else’s style. Watch out for pictures tomorrow.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

3rd September picture(s) of the day…

03 Saturday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

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Our first full day in North Norfolk has been blessed with far better weather than was first predicted – even if we did have to occasional slight spatter of rain. Today was spent orientating Dee and her parents who don’t know this part of the world, so it was enjoyable acquainting them with the delights of Cromer and Sheringham and fun for me rediscovering places I’d not been to for donkey’s years. I’m not going to go into great detail as It’s late and we’ll have a busy day again tomorrow. Instead, I’ll leave you with a couple of pictures. One is (yet another) pier. I seem to be amassing quite a collection of pier shots, having snapped two in a fortnight! This time it’s the 1902 built (and grade 2 listed) Cromer pier which is 151 meters long and boasts its own lifeboat station.

It’s a lovely place for a stroll where you can watch people fishing or crabbing. Cromer is famous for its shellfish and the crabs are delicious. The lifeboat station at the end of the pier’s well worth a visit. Inside are plaques listing the various rescues the Cromer lifeboats have been involved in over the years, some of which are truly heroic. They’re a testament to the bravery of the crews, all of whom are volunteers.

Moving on Westwards we popped in to Sheringham which has a different atmosphere to Cromer, despite the two towns being similar. One thing the latter that that the former doesn’t is the North Norfolk railway, a preserved line that runs Westwards to Holt. We didn’t have time to travel on it, but I did nip in to get some photographs. Here’s BR Standard Class 4 No 76084 about to depart with an afternoon train. This loco was built at Horwich in Lancashire in March 1957 – which makes it only a couple of years older than me. It spent its entire working life (of only 10 years) in the North-West before being taken to Barry scrapyard in South Wales in 1967. It languished there until 1982 when it was preserved. It finally returned to steam in 2013.

Tomorrow we’ll explore more of the coast Westwards….

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. East Anglian holibobs…

02 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Travel

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11:00.

Slightly later than planned (why does packing always fill the time alloted – and then some) we’re off on our East Anglian break. First stop is to pick up Dee’s parents over in Huddersfield, then begin the trek via the M62, AIM, then cross country. It always seems like a long drive to that neck of the woods, although we haven’t done it for years. I much prefer going by rail as a consequence.

Right, let’s see what happens..

12:40.

Having picked up the in-laws and repacked the car we’re now bowling down the M1. For a Friday the traffic around Sheffield ain’t bad.

13:10.

I’m glad we’re heading South and not North on the A1. We’ve just passed miles of queueing traffic!

15:00.

Time for a coffee break at the lovely Insomnia Coffee Co, just outside Sleaford.

15:30.

We’re back on the road again and I’ve just checked my emails to find the awful news that the National Rail Awards has had to be postponed. This massive event was due to be held on Thursday September 15th – a day the ASLEF and RMT unions have announced their next strike. I really feel for my friends at RAIL as this must have been an awful decision to have to make. The logistics of such an event are huge – and extremely complex. Over 1000 people from all over the UK attend the prestigious awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane and the strikes mean many may have to be on duty during the strike – or are simply unable to get there.

Dawn and I had a hotel booked which we’ll have to either re-arrange when we know a new date – or try to claim back on our insurance. Ho hum…

20:20.

And relax! We’re settled into the house we’ve rented for the week which is just outside the pretty little town of Aylsham. This is an ideal location as it’s so central. We’re within striking distance of Norwich, Cromer, Sheringham and so many places along the North Norfolk coast. There’s even an excellent looking village pub just 10 mins walk away across the fields in nearby Banningham.

The rear of our cottage, complete with patio and barbecue.
Dee posing in the doorway of the living room. A lovely space for a rainy day and evening but I expect we’ll be spending more of our time in the kitchen/diner.

Now, having stocked up on provisions we’re settled in for the night. Tomorrow’s another day…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

1st September picture of the day…

01 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by in India, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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There’s a very short blog from me tonight as – despite the fact it’s been a busy and varied day – there’s no time for blogging as we’re busy packing for our trip to North Norfolk, so expect a rolling blog tomorrow. That shouldn’t be too difficult because as there’s four of us we’re taking the car. I’ll be navigating/riding shotgun which should give me time to type.

In the meantime I’ll leave you with a picture of the day. Today’s is from a backlog of scanned slides from India in the 1990s that I’ve yet to get around to edit. Now, India back in 1995 was a very different country to the one it is now. Forget the internet, there wasn’t even many TV channels and Satellite TV was in its infancy, so the place was a lot more conservative which is why I did a double-take when I saw this surreal hand-painted billboard.

I’d loved to have known what was going through someone’s (well, a man’s, obviously) mind when they decided that a woman in a low-cut, tight black dress and playing a saxophone was just what you needed to sell bathroom fittings…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

31st August picture of the day…

31 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel, Yorkshire

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It’s been another busy but relatively peaceful day for me here at Bigland Towers. I’m still wading through mountains of pictures to edit as well as catching up on paperwork so that I can submit some expenses as well as invoices for other work. It’s the far less glamorous side of photographic and journalistic work but it’s one that’s necessary to pay the bills! I’m looking forward to being able to get out and about again, but that won’t be for another day yet. One thing I’ve really noticed since returning from Scotland is just how much the nights are drawing in. I’m typing this around 20:30 at night and the skies are almost dark, but then tomorrow’s the 1st day of September so there’s just three weeks left of summer.

Still, I’ve plenty of projects lined up for the new month – starting with a week long holiday in North Norfolk. Sadly, the weather’s really not looking too good for us at the moment as rain is predicted to be a prominent feature in that neck of the woods. Still, things can change – and there’s plenty to do indoors if we have attacks of showers. Whatever, it’ll be great to kick back for a bit and enjoy the time away, especially as life we be full on when we get back as we’re into the events and awards season. Oh, and more rail strikes. Of course, whilst we’re away we’ve also got the absolutely fabulous news of who is going to be the next incompetent to lead the country. I think we can all guess which particular incompetent that is going to be – God help us…My spleen may need venting, even though I’m meant to be on holiday

So, it’s another short blog from me tonight. I’ll leave you with yet another picture from my recent travels with the hope that I’ll be able to provide you with some new North Norfolk scenes shortly.

Here’s the beach at Saltburn, looking West along the coast towards Redcar beach with the steelworks on the horizon. Out at sea to the right is Teesside Wind Farm, sometimes referred to as Redcar Wind Farm, it’s a 27 turbine installation of 62 MW capacity. 

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

30th August picture of the day…

30 Tuesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel, Yorkshire

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After 8 days of continuous travel today’s very much been a day for going nowhere! My legs and back have enjoyed the rest as I’ve had no camera bag to carry and my step count’s been just enough to hit 12,500. OK, that equates to 5 miles which may seem a lot to some people but it’s my minimum daily target that I try to hit every day.

Whilst the majority of my time was spent in the office glued to a computer screen as I began the long process of editing a week’s worth of pictures and checking my notes I did manage to fit in a spot of garden maintenance, ensuring I’d not lost any plants whilst I’ve been away. Gardening’s both a pleasure and a therapy, so I try to get out into that space as often as I can.

There’s no long blog for me, Dee and I need to spend time planning our holiday, so I’ll leave at this tonight, along with a picture from my travels. Here’s another place I’d not visited for many a year. Saltburn, on the North Yorkshire coast, which boasts a 208m long pier originally built in 1869 as a 460m long structure. It’s seen here with the ‘cliff lift’ which is the oldest operating water-balance funicular railway in the United Kingdom.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. The Rover’s return…

29 Monday Aug 2022

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I’ll be sad to leave Oban. The weather was beautiful yesterday, showing off the Lochs and mountains at their best. There’s something very relaxing about sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the world go by.

I’ve not been to Oban in a long time. Since 2005 in fact. Then I was here in Scotland with my first wife Lynn and a group of friends staying on the beautiful Isle of Mull. There was one slight problem. On the Thursday I was due to take pictures at the National Rail Awards. “No problem” I said, “I’ll just get the first ferry to Oban, catch the first train to London, do the gig and get the first train back the morning after!” Lynn and my friends thought I was mad, but that’s what I did. Leaving Mull at 04:00 on Thursday morning I was back by 15:00 Friday afternoon! Admittedly, I was 17 years younger then. I don’t think I’d try it now. I’ll be at the awards again this year, but nowadays I’m invited as a VIP guest, not as the photographer!

10:25.

Sorry for the gap. There’s no working wifi on the train and I’ve only just picked up a phone signal when I got to Crianlarich, which is where we are now, waiting for the delayed Northbound service to pass.

Not a bad place to while away a few minutes…

10:45.

We’re dropping back down into more populated areas with better phone signals now, having just passed Ardlui. I realise just how lucky I was with the weather yesterday. Today’s overcast but the staff at my hotel were telling me that it chucked it down in Oban on Saturday! Despite the weather, it’s still a beautiful journey through some stunning scenery. The irony? I do this section of the journey every year as part of the ‘3 peaks by rail’ crew – but on the outward it’s dark and we’re asleep and on the return I’m too busy working to enjoy it.

19:00.

Sorry for the hit and miss nature of blogging today, truth was a combination of poor reception and computer issues made it difficult. Add in the fact I’m tired and fell aslerp on the train from Edinburgh to York and I disappeared into a black hole!

Right now I’m on the final leg from Leeds to Halifax on yet another busy train. The LNER ‘Azuma’ South was rammed leaving Edinburgh and didn’t get any better as it stopped. The seat reservation system was up the spout too, which added to the fun!

Much as I’ve enjoyed these past 8 days I’m looking forward to a lie-in tomorrow and not having to travel any further than the local supermarket! A day in the office beckons and I’m not complaining…

I’ll add some pictures to this blog as soon as I can. For now – here’s last night’s Scottish sunset.

21:00.

I’m now home and fed and watered. I’ve also repaired the glitch on my laptop that was preventing internet access which means I can hit the ground running in the morning. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with one last picture from yesterday in Oban.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!