Lazy Sunday? Not a bit of it! We were both up early in order to seize the day. Admittedly, the weather didn’t exactly inspire as it’s been dull, dull, dull. But, as the intent was to work around the house that didn’t really matter. Dawn decided that her office (what many people pre Covid used to call a living room) needed even more of a sort-out then she’d given it yesterday, so the house was full of the smell of polish and the sound of paper being shredded.
In order to allow Dee to do that I’d promised to cook the evening meal. So, after busying myself in the garden I popped up to the local supermarket – taking the long way around in order to get my daily steps in. Walking through the local woods I felt like a kid again as I was ankle-deep in leaves. Remember the fun of walking to/from school, kicking up a storm in dead leaves? That all came back to me today. Shame the weather was so dull as I’d loved to have taken a few pictures of the rustic colours on display around my feet.
Back home after a cheeky pint in our local I knuckled down to cooking a cocq au vin with a medley of veg, which seemed like an ideal meal for the season. It was a recipe I’d never done before so I winged it. (Actually, he used thighs: Ed) but it turned out rather well. Now the pair of us have knocked off for the day, so it’s time for me to sign off. Tomorrow’s another week – which will see me being anything but a home-bird. Tomorrow I’ll be in London for a rather special event.
In the meantime, here’s today’s picture, which is part of my cooking preparation. I like to have everything measured and arranged beforehand as it makes life so much easier.
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What a lovely day! Today’s been my ‘significant’ birthday, although not as significant as it used to be before the rules on when you qualify for the state pension were changed. So, no carriage clock or long-service medal for me then. Those days are way gone – and the fact I’ve been self-employed freelancer for the past 25 years means they’ve not applied to me for a very long time anyway!
Instead, today’s been just another birthday, although I don’t mean to make that sound bad, or ungrateful. Dawn’s done a fantastic job in arranging things which we’ve both enjoyed. The weather here in the Lake District was predicted to be mixed today so we were up bright and early in order to make the most of the conditions. That meant an 08:30 breakfast, after which we headed North through Windermere and Ambleside to Thirlmere. The amount of traffic on the road through Ambleside meant the trip took far longer than it should, but once we were past that bottleneck things eased. Taking the road on the West side of Thirlmere eased us out of more traffic and let us enjoy some lovely lakeside sights like this as the trees shed their multicoloured leaves around streams filling the lake.
Looking South along Thirlmere before we started the climb to Raven Crag.
We’d originally considered climbing Helvellyn but the forecast suggested it’s be an unwise choice. Instead, we opted to ascend one of the smaller Wainwrights in the shape of Raven Crag which sits at the North end of the lake. It’s 450m and quite a fierce climb as it’s steep and unrelenting. That said, the views from the top are well worth it.
The walk down was far easier as we elected to follow a forestry track that was built for off-road vehicles. It certainly saved our knees. The climbing I don’t mind so much, it’s the descending that’s the killer.
Once back at ground level we decided to pay a quick visit to Keswick for a pitstop at a pub as well as check out some of the outdoor shops before braving the traffic on our return. We’d booked in for an evening meal at our hotel. So, after a shower and change of clothes we adjourned to the restaurant for a gorgeous meal of local lamb that was beautifully cooked and tasted delicious!
Now it’s time to call it a day. We head back tomorrow but we’re in no rush – even through the weather forecast is looking less than kind.
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The pair of us have evacuated Bigland Towers for the weekend and decamped to a lovely place near Windermere as I have what used to be (but isn’t anymore) a significant birthday tomorrow, but that was when the pensionable age wasn’t a moveable feast dependent on what year you were born in.
We’re staying in a place Dawn booked for my birthday last year and that we both rather fell in love with. The Wild Boar at Bowness on Windermere. The drive here from West Yorkshire’s a lovely trip as it takes in some fantastic scenery. Today the weather was ideal, showing off places like the Lune valley to their best.
The hotel has a lot of different attractions. One is the fact they brew their own beer. Like this.
What better place to quaff a pint of real ale than sat in front of this?
We ate in the restaurant which serves a range of food, much of it locally sourced. Admittedly, Dawn’s choice of fish may have come from a few miles away!
We’re here for two nights with the intention to spend tomorrow exploring and doing some walking although it looks like today was the best of the climactic conditions. No matter – we’ll enjoy our time whatever the weather deals us.
See you 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/
Today’s been one dominated by the weather which has been a complete contrast to the day we arrived here in Wales. We had very heavy rain on and off throughout the night, which made sleeping just under an old barn roof interesting to say the least!
Upon waking we found the area around us was blanketed in low cloud and fog, so there there was little point in rushing out to sight-see. Instead we had a leisurely morning at ‘home’, giving me chance to catch up on some work emails and Dawn to relax.
Eventually we ventured out to head over to Pwllheli our first stop of the day. Whilst it’s the biggest town on the peninsula and the railhead for the area, it’s hardly the most attractive town. Admittedly it has some interesting buildings but the place has a shabby air redolent of so many faded seaside towns, especially at the end of the season. That wasn’t helped by the fact it was blanketed in fog! We stayed long enough to pick up some fresh hake from the excellent Llyn seafoods and for me to visit the station to see how busy the incoming train from Birmingham was, then it was time to head off to explore further.
The crew of 158830 exchange banter having arrived with 2J07, the 0808 Birmingham International to Pwllheli.
The weather cleared as we headed East, the sun almost managed to break through at one point en-route, but that didn’t last. However, we did manage to beat the same train on its return, which allowed me to get this shot of it leaving Portmadog.
Hello again! 158830 leaves Porthmadog as 2I24, the 1338 Pwllheli to Birmingham International. It will join another set from Aberystwyth at Machynlleth, working forward as a -4-car to Brum.
Porthmadog is a far nicer and more interesting town for a whole host of reasons. There’s much more going on thanks to the two narrow gauge railways which are a huge tourist draw. There’s a far better selection of shops too, including many small businesses. The air is more bohemian and arty and less traditionally touristy. Plus, there’s also the excellent Moose Head brewery, brewery tap and next door shop.
Needless to say, we couldn’t resist calling in to see activity at the Ffestiniog railway station where two of the line’s steam engines were present.
‘Linda’ waits in the sidings with the stock of the ‘Quarryman’ train to Blaenau Ffestiniog whilst ‘Palmerston’ shunts a train of coal wagons.
Sadly the rain arrived not long after we did so we decided not to hand around but risk our luck by heading into Snowdonia to visit Beddgelert. It was a lovely drive due to the changing seasons and colours that have appeared in the trees along the route. Plus, the Afon Glaslyn river which the road follows made a fine, swirling sight due to the heavy rains.
Beddgelert was quiet but still an enjoyable diversion despite the rain. The low clouds meant we played hide and seek when it came to views of the surrounding hills whilst fog on the river added to the climactic effects.
Whatever the weather (and there’s normally no shortage of rain in Snowdonia) the place is always worth a visit.
With the day rolling on and the weather determined to rain on our parade we made our way back West with one last stop. We had a wander around Cricceith, yet another Welsh town blessed with a castle – although I know that’s not how the Welsh saw them at the time! We didn’t stay long as the fog was really rolling in, it was atmospheric but rather wet! I’d love to see it like this at dawn with the colours of the new day illuminating the mist.
Now we’re back at home, toasting in front of the fire. The forecast for tomorrow is vastly improved and we have plans for further explorations. Let’s see…
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It may be Sunday but it’s been anything but lazy. Both of us have been busy here at Bigland Towers, finishing off stuff and preparing for the week ahead, which sees us relocate to the Lleyn peninsula in North Wales for a few nights. But before we go there’s been work to sort out. Dawn’s been busy getting ahead of herself with work for her organisation whilst I’ve been occupied getting last weeks pictures out to clients.
Then there’s been a cooking marathon. The pair of us have been fighting over space in the kitchen to come up with creations new and old. I’d plumped for having a crack at a new recipe for pork in a red curry done in a slow cooker, whilst Dee’d decided to bake us one of her fantastic Bakewell tarts to take away. Well, if you’re going to be out walking, what could be better than a sweet sugar rush?
So, today’s pictures are of our joint cooking efforts.
I enjoyed making this but I’d certainly tweak the recipe next time. Our tastes are more Asian, so we can take the spices, whilst the original recipe is a little more pedestrian for Western tastes. Dawn’s divine Bakewell tart, a confection that she’s honed to perfection. It’s Gluten free too…
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We’ve had a home-based day today here at Bigland Towers, partly due to the weather (it’s rained most of the day until the evening) but partly because we’ve both had stuff to do. Whilst I’ve been kept occupied picture editing and type-swiping upstairs Dawn’s been busy downstairs exercising both her body and her cooking skills!
So, here’s pictures from both our activities.
Hello stranger! Class 195s are rare visitors to Huddersfield but because of the Calder valley line being closed whilst the railway bridge over the M62 at Castleton’s being replaced, the units are finding gainful employment on other routes. Here’s 195007 at Huddersfield on Friday, before working 2W24, the 1835 to Leeds.Meanwhile, here’s one of the three dishes Dawn’s prepares today. Gluten-free apple pie. What a shame this photo’s not ‘scratch and sniff’!
Oh, whilst I’m on the theme of food and drink, here’s a rather special collaborative offering the was available in my local pub tonight.
A collaboration between Phoenix brewery in Heywood and Riverhead in Marsden this strong (6%) ale is apparently based on the famous ‘Wobbly Bob’. It’s a limited edition, so if you find it – enjoy!
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/
Today we decided to eschew our usual walking locations around West Yorkshire for a change of scenery by venturing further (but not too far) afield. The recent gales had smashed some plant pots in the garden and to replace them like for like we had to visit a garden centre near Holmfirth, so as we were in that neck of the woods we chose the nearby Langsett reservoir as a suitable place for a stroll. It’s surrounded by pine woods and has a pub and cafe in the village nearby, so all the right boxes were ticked.
It was a walk we really enjoyed because of the contrasts. Here’s how it looks on Ordnance Survey maps.
Having left the car in the (free) Yorkshire Water carpark we headed West along the woods at Langsett bank on the North side of the reservoir. There’s some impressive pine trees along the path. Mere striplings they ain’t!
At the far end we crossed over an attractive stone arch bridge then explored a short distance along the little Don river which feeds the reservoir. I spotted these interesting rock formations along its banks.
Rock sandwich anyone?
Doubling back on ourselves to the bridge we then began the climb along the South side up onto the moors at Hingcliff common which offer great views across the area. The heather’s in flower at the moment, which adds extra colour to the scene.
The rest of the walk took us along well defined paths back down to the reservoir and through the woods which border the Southern side as far as the dam itself. These allow access to the water’s edge, where we were surprised to see just how low the water levels were. Considering we’ve had such a wet Spring and Summer we were at a loss to understand why water levels were so low.
Looking back to Langsett (on the left side of the dam) and the dam itself.
Back in the village we stopped off for a well-earned drink at the local pub, the grade 2 listed Waggon and Horses, which dates from 1828. The pub serves real ales (Abbeydale Moonshine and Timothy Taylors Boltmaker were on today) as well as food and it also has a beer garden which partly overlook the reservoir. The size of the pub’s deceptive, as it’s a lot larger on the inside than it first appears, having several rooms. It also offers accommodation.
We certainly enjoyed the change of scenery and we were lucky with the weather, which has been unpredictable to say the least. Tomorrow we’re expecting traditional bank-holiday conditions. Rain!
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Today we decided to blow a few cobwebs away and head out for a hike to a place we’ve never walked up before – Pendle Hill, over in Lancashire. We know the area reasonably well as we had a friend who lived in nearby Clitheroe who we used to visit, but we’d never ventured up the historic hill. As we’ve been looking to try walking somewhere different for a change we thought ‘why not’?
The area’s just over an hours drive from where we live in West Yorkshire, with some great scenery on the way – a mix of wooded valley and old industrial revolution heritage. Our first port of call was the village of Pendleton, which nestles at the foot of the hill. It’s a pretty, historic little village with a cracking pub called The Swan with Two Necks.
The Swan also has a large beer garden (and marquee) at the rear of the pub.A selection of Lancashire and Yorkshire beers of varying strengths including a stout – plus a cider.
The Swan has an excellent selection of real ales and good pub grub. It’s very popular with walkers and tourists visiting the area, so if you’re planning to eat booking is essential.
Having refreshed ourselves we drove back as far as the Nick of Pendle on the Clitheroe Rd where there’s parking adjacent to the path which will take you to the summit of the hill. This is a longer walk than most, but it doesn’t suffer from the steep gradients that the shorter routes do. It also offers some fantastic views en-route.
There’s a rather poignant memorial at the start of the path which is dedicated to two world war 2 airmen (one Australian, one American) who lost their lives when their planes crashed on the hill.
Here’s a few pictures from the walk.
Dawn posing for the camera as we began our walk to the summit. The view from the summit, looking over Black Moss Reservoirs with the towns of Nelson and Colne beyond. Walking back down to the Clitheroe road with Blackburn hidden behind the hills.
Now we’re relaxing at home, resting tired knees and associated muscles before another active day tomorrow – although one that will be very much home-based.
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The pair of us have had a busy Friday here at Bigland Towers. It’s not that we’ve been anywhere – although we will be over the weekend. It’s more a case of clearing the decks so that we can. I’ve been busy type-swiping – finishing another article for RAIL magazine – only this one’s full of history, facts and figures, which involves a lot of research and fact-checking. That’s not always easy, although it is time-consuming.
Whilst I’ve been doing that upstairs, Dawn’s been equally busy downstairs – until it was time for her to break off from her day job to indulge in a spot of baking, creating some delicious foods to take away with us tomorrow to a friends soiree down in Cambridgeshire. Right now the kitchen’s full of the smell of Bakewell tart and lemon drizzle cake!
As I’ve mentioned, tomorrow we’ll be heading off to Cambridgeshire, with an overnight stay in an old haunt – Peterborough. No doubt I’ll have some time to blog about our adventures, but in the meantime I’ll leave you with today’s picture. Shame it’s not ‘scratch and sniff’!
Dawn’s delicious lemon drizzle cake. Still cooling…
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Yes, I know I’ve skipped from 4 to 6, but there’s a good reason for that! It’s partly because I spent part of day 5 getting some sleep after staying up until 06:30 to savour the election results as they came in. I’ll blog about them separately, but what I will say now is just what a relief it is to finally see the back of the Tory kakistocracy and a return to having adults in charge. Starmer’s only been PM for little more than a day but he’s really hit the ground running, having got his cabinet in place – and with some excellent and unexpected appointments that promise some really positive developments.
The other reason there was no blog yesterday is that much of the day was a washout. The forecast had predicted heavy rain and high winds and it didn’t disappoint! We ventured out in the morning as we’d been lulled into a false sense of security. We sat outside by a large pond in a nearby farmshop/garden centre to enjoy a coffee whilst watching the antics of the massive Koi carp and squadrons of noisy sparrows but by the time we returned to Wareham the rain arrived – and never really stopped. Having completed some shopping there was little for it but to retreat to our rental and relax. Well, mostly relax. Dee had decided to make a meat and potato pie for our evening meal, so kept herself busy in the kitchen. I spent time catching up on editing some of a massive backlog of pictures, whilst her folks relaxed watching TV.
Today’s been different. The sun returned so we planned to be more active, which began with Dawn and I visiting the Saturday market on Wareham Quay. I have to say I was impressed. Rather than being full of cheap tat and ‘bargain’ foods it was a proper market. We bought some gray Mullet from the fishmongers and admired to quality fruit and veg on sale. If we hadn’t got other things to do I’d have been tempted by some of the cheeses or the wonderful artisan breads on sale.
Instead, we came back, picked up Dee’s parents and went for a tour. I’d spotted Studland and the peninsula sticking out towards Poole which seemed like an interesting place to have a mooch around. It contains nature reserves good sandy beaches – plus one of the few chain-worked ferries in the UK. Sadly, when we got there the winds were almost gale-force! A walk along the beach would have seen us sand-blasted in minutes! Still, it was entertaining to watch the ferry operations. This is a busy route between Bournemouth/Poole and Swanage, even buses cross on the ferry.
The wind cut short our stay, causing us to retreat to Studland itself, where we had a drink in the beer garden at the local pub. We’d planned to visit the nearby beach but the weather had other plans. A short but heavy cloudburst changed our minds. Instead, we got back in the car to head West of Swanage. It was just as well as another torrential cloudburst caught us as we passed through the town.
We didn’t give up on the idea of enjoying some scenic views and a country pub, but as the weather looked better the further West you went we ended up at the Square and Compass pub in Worth Matravers. It’s a quirky place popular with walkers as it’s just off the coastal path. This tiny multi-room pub also contains a small museum and extensive gardens with a variety of seating. It’s well worth a visit.
As there was a certain football match on today we didn’t tarry, but returned in time that the family could bite their nails whilst watching England play Switzerland. Fortunately, the match went England’s way. Whilst Dawn prepared food I excused myself to nip out to the station to make the most of the light and grap a quick couple of shots. The railways were in trouble again, some trains were 90 minutes late due to a fallen tree on the line East of Bournemouth. It seems the bad weather that had hit us had also hit the railways.
444009 was working 1W69, the 14:05 London Waterloo to Weymouth. It was terminated short at Wareham as it was running 85 minutes late. Passengers were left to catch a following train which was only a few minutes behind and 009 returned to London as 1W70, the 1753 Wareham to London Waterloo, which would should have been the 17:20 off Weymouth.
Sadly, the weather’s due to revert to heavy rain again tomorrow, so the plan is to visit the Tank museum in nearby Bovington. After that – we shall see…
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/
Paul Bigland 