I’m back after an Easter break. I hadn’t intended to be absent from blogging but several things got in the way and meant I simply ran out of hours in a day! Blogging late at night’s never ideal – unless you fancy spleen-venting. Instead, I savoured the holiday period, making the most of time before Trump blows up the world – by accident or design. I also took time of to enjoy the stunning imagery from the America I miss, before the country went batshit. I’ve been watching NASA’s ‘Artemis 2’ mission to the moon, which has produced some fantastic pictures and video. You can follow it here. It’s given me a new optimism in humanity which has been sadly lacking of late – for obvious reasons.
Meanwhile, back at Bigland Towers Dawn and I decided to crack on with redecorating the living room in the cottage, another project that’s kept me away from blogging. This being an old (mid 19th century) cottage there’s hardly a level surface or right-angle in the place, which makes decorating challenging – especially when we’ve decided to wallpaper the front room rather than just paint the walls. Day one was mostly spent clearing the room, buying materials and prepping surfaces. Today was more about stripping some old wallpaper, repairing plasterwork and giving the ceiling its first coat of paint. Typically, we’ve chosen a time when the weather’s made a major improvement, so tomorrow decorating’s going to take a back seat as we’re having a day out walking in Edale (so expect a rolling blog). After that it’s back to decorating as Dee’s taken the week off in order to get the project finished. After that – who knows what’s on the calendar? Well, I do to an extent as I’ve few jobs lined up, and if the weather continues to get better I’ll be out and about more – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here!
In the meantime, here’s today’s picture which was taken last week on my phone-losing trip to Knaresborough.
Flowers in abundance at Knaresborough where the station friends have been busy planting out old trolleys which are now packed with Primulas.
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/
We were greeted by a bright but frosty morning here in the Calder valley and I’ve decided to make the most of the sunshine by heading out for the day. The plan in to traverse the Harrogate loop, a railway line that runs from Leeds through Harrogate and Knaresborough to York, stopping off a few times on the way.
Right now I’m on Northern’s 09:58 from Sowerby Bridge, heading for Leeds. The service is worked by a 2-car Class 195 so it’s pretty full with plenty of prams and their occupants clogging the vestibules, on their way to God knows where. Thankfully, the motion of the train seems to have sent the kids to sleep as it’s blissfully quiet! I’ve managed to find an airline seat, plug in and set up the mobile office to begin today’s rolling blog. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress as time goes by, so feel free to pop back later.
Time to go…
11:10.
My trip into Leeds was both quick and easy. I had under 20 mins to make my connection which was plenty of time to breeze through the crowds to platform 0 where an ex-Scotrail Class 170 sat burbling away. These units haven’t had a full refurbishment so I’m now esconsced in the former 1st Class section with 2+1 seating – and only me in it!
And relax…
The service patrern on the loop has changed considerably since I was last here in November 2020. Now LNER run a 2 hourly service from Harrogate to London Kings Cross via Leeds rather than just a couple of trains a day. Northern used to turn back half their trains at Knaresborough, leaving the section from there to York with an hourly service. Now, nearly all trains run through to York. Gone are the old Class 143/153s too. The line’s now worked by 158s and 170s.
12:45.
I’ve stopped off at Harrogate to get a few pictures as the character of the line changes from here on. We’re back under the control of mechanical signalboxes abd semaphore signalling whose origins date back to the early days of the railways.
My train from Leeds departs from Harrogate.
15:30.
I’ve stopped off in Knaresborough and had just enough time to upload these pics from my travels. I’ll add captions and explain more about what I’ve been up to soon.
An LNER ‘Azuma’ leaves the carriage siding at Harrogate in readiness to form a service to London Kings Cross. It’s passing a fascinating array of modern modular colour light signals and possibly the last original LNER lattice gantry on the mainline network.A Northern Class 170 crosses the river at Knaresborough. I’ll add more about this historic old town later.Cattal station, East of Knaresborough is on the single track station with passing loops. It still possesses these hand-operated level crossing gates worked by the signaller based in the box behind.Having deposited me at the attractive station at Poppleton my train heads off to York.Poppleton is unique in that next door is the UKs only surviving plant nursery served by a narrow-gauge railway which is run by volunteers. Here’s a link to their website. Here’s some of the vehicles.Back at Knaresborough, the old station buildings have been converted for several uses, including the wonderful Track and Sleeper pub.Here’s the pubs cosy second room
17:10.
I’m about to close the loop by heading back from York via the direct line to Leeds, one that’s recently been modernised and electrified as part of the Trans-Pennine route upgrade. To be honest, it’s a section I’ve neglected visiting for a few years and something I need to put right. As much as I had planned, things have gone slightly awry due to a few commissions coming in via email which I’ve prioritised. On the bright side, I’ve now bookings until November!
York station and a classic view of its curved roof.
18:10.
I’m on the last leg from Leeds to Halifax aboard a peak-hour train. It may be going as far as Blackpool North but right now its primary function is to take Leeds commuters home.
The previous part of my trip ftom York was interesting as I’ve not used it for a while. The Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has really kicked in with electrification and associated works. I’ve realised I need to spend a day exploring just to document the changes.
I couldn’t help grimacing when we passed through Church Fenton. This was where HS2 phase 2 was meant to end, providing a by-pass of Leeds and Doncaster on the (even then) congested East Coast Main Line (ECML). Then – as usual – politicians with their penny-pinching and ever changing minds got in the way to waste billions without providing any workable alternatives. Now they’re all gone but the problems they left remain.
21:30.
I’m back at home catching up with bits and downloading more pictures. I’ll be working from home all day so I’ll flesh this blog out with more pictures and links over the weekend.
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/
We’ve had another productive (but cold) day here at Bigland Towers. This morning’s brief flurry of fresh snow was washed away by the arrival of rain this afternoon which has now settled in for the evening to make the Yorkshire stone pavements and cobbled streets things to venture along at your peril. Slips and trips? Not half…
Because of the forecast both Dawn and I ventured out earlier in order to pick up some provisions and get in our daily constitutionals before settling in back at home, where it’s been a productive day. I’ve caught up with more picture editing and blogging (another reservoir walk) whilst keeping half an eye on the news.
The doom and gloom the right wing media and politicians were predicting at the end of 2025 has singularly failed to appear. If you’d believed them, high streets were deserted because Xmas shoppers were staying away in droves as no-one had any money to spend thanks to this dastardly Labour government. It was all bollocks of course. Market researcher Worldpanel said overall grocery sales were 13.8 billion pounds in the four weeks to December 28, up 3.8% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the ‘Next’ chain raised profit forecast to £1.15bn after bumper Christmas sales. Wait – ‘bumper Xmas sales’? But I thought the media said the sales would be shit?
A new survey of senior executives by Deloitte indicates that business confidence among leading companies in the UK improved to its highest level in about two years following the Government’s autumn budget announcement. The exact opposite of the picture some have tried to paint.
To cap it all, the stock markets have also ignored the dire predictions. Today the FTSE100 closed at a record 10,122.73 points, up 1.18% on yesterday, bringing year on year gains to 22.84%. It’s a figure meaningless to some but relevant to anyone who has a pension fund or other investments.
There’s an irony to this. One of the reasons the UK markets are performing so well are the erratic actions of the orange fool in the White House. Trump’s behavior is destroying the USAs credibility on the world stage, causing investors to look at putting their money in safer markets like the FTSE 100. Plus, the fact the US is no longer seen as a trustworthy ally in the face of Russian ambitions has galvanised pan-European investment in re-arming and expanding industry, which is benefitting UK firms like Rolls-Royce and BAe.
Oh, mentioning Trump I should welcome all the new people who’ve registered to read this blog. Today I’ve had a flood of sign-ups from the USA, all using @pinchamail.org addresses. I can only assume these women are fascinated to learn more about railways, rambles around reservoirs in West Yorkshire or some of my other thoughts! Howdy folks…
Tomorrow I’m hoping for a change of tempo – and scenery (weather and train services permitting). If the forecast delivers on its predictions I’m intending to have a day out on the Settle-Carlisle railway to head out to Ribblehead, home of the famous viaduct, with the intention of updating pictures to capture some of the diverted Avanti West Coast, freight and local trains in what’s a glorious setting. This brings me on to the picture of the day. Here’s how the historic viaduct looked in October 2010. I wonder how it’ll look tomorrow? I’ll be making sure I’ll be dressed for whatever the weather can throw at me as it can get a bit changeable in these parts!
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/
After a welcome night at home, I’ve repacked my bags (which are now full of my PPE) and begun my journey across country to Swindon in Wiltshire to join the rest of the PWI team abd delegates for this year’s electrification challenge at the Network Rail training school at Cocklebury sidings.
My route avoids London, which means I’m taking a truly Cross-Country route to Leeds. From there, I pick up an XC train that goes via Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham and Cheltenham to Bristol Parkway. On arrival, I change for a GWR train for the hop to Swindon. What could possibly go wrong?
I’m about to find out…
Off to Swindon. Me that is, this train’s off to York!
The first leg of my journey was easy. Dawn was a star and dropped me off at Halifax station, which allowed me to bank some time in Leeds as I was able to catch an earlier train than I’d planned. A busy 3-car heading for York carried me to Leeds via Bradford – without any of the problems we encountered yesterday.
The ‘mobile office’ had to stay in my camera bag, meaning this first part of the blog was typed on my phone.
10:40.
I’m relaxing at Leeds and making use of the free station wifi to post this blog.
Checking real time trains it seems my next train is (mercifully) made up of two four-car Voyagers and is (almost) on time on its journey from Scotland.
Leeds platforms 15-16 used to be almost exclusively used by Trans-Pennine Express. I still do a double-take when I see a Northern service using one.
11:11.
All’s well with the world. OK, admittedly I’m really on a cramped 4-car Voyager, but we’re on time, I have a window seat, working plug socket, and WiFi- so I’m counting that as a win – despite the fact I now have a bum-numbing 3 hrs 12 mins on this train.
Ready for the road…
Now it’s time to set up the mobile office to get some work done…
12:15.
I’ve retraced yesterday’s steps as far as Chesterfield. We’re running a couple of minutes late but that’s hardly a problem. My car on this train is blissfully quiet. We’ve had people come and go at Wakefield or Sheffield, but there’s been no major influx. One of the ironies of Cross-Country services is that – despite the length of the diagram (this train’s travelling from Glasgow to Plymouth) most passengers are taking far shorter journeys. I don’t know what the statistics are now, but the average used to be about 50 miles. It’s no wonder the moquette gets so worn, that’s a lot of bums on a single seat in the course of the diagram!
Room to breathe. Unusual on Cross-Country.
12:55.
We’re now past Tamworth and well into the Midlands, heading West. This has been one of the most relaxed cross-country journeys I’ve had in a long time. After leaving Derby we passed the old Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, where the giant cooling towers overshadow the railway. It was the UKs last coal-fired power station and closed last year. Now it’s been slated for demolition. These structures dominated a lot of the skyline around where I now live but are vanishing one by one. Of course, the collieries that once fuelled them have already vanished. The line’s skyline’s changing. A new landmark is the viaducts of HS2’s triangular junction for the lines out of Birmingham, which is really taking shape. In fact, HS2 construction dominates much of this route into (and out of) Birmingham.
13:20.
We’ve left Birmingham to follow a far more relaxed and less contentious form of transport construction – a canal! Well, I say that, but I know Nimbys still existed in the 18th century – but they were landowners and the gentry rather than ordinary people! Despite an influx of passengers in Brum this train’s still got plenty of free seats – thank God for a double set. If this had been a single 4-car Voyager we’d be playing Sardines. I’ve had a walk-through this train. There’s three people in 1st Class, whist Standard class has loadings of around 20%
One of my reasons for a walk-through (other than curiosity) was to grab something to eat. Foolishly, I hadn’t prepared anything before I left so was reliant on on-board catering. Only the trolley service as far as Birmingham was bereft of anything substantive. It was snack-bars or nothing. But, after a crew change – we had butties from Brum!
It may be white bread, but it was still a decent sandwich.
17:00.
I’m in Swindon after a fault-free journey. Sadly, I have to report that the town’s not got any better and is still a sh*thole. That said, I have gone for a walk uphill into the old town in order to get my steps in. The old town’s much nicer. You know a town’s a mess when the only thing that brightens it up is street art. Here’s a few pics from my stroll…
A lovely, relaxed pub with a modern interior.This brightens up your day… I passed a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside BBC Wiltshire. I wonder if they’ll report on it? More street art..Yet more street art..Are you sure? I suspect that with some clients, a verbal announcement may be more useful…
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/
Hi folks. We’ve had a busy weekend and it’s late so here’s a short blog encapsulating two hectic days. I’ll be writing more about Saturday and Sunday later as they’ve been very different in character and worth describing at greater length.
Yesterday we attended ‘Craggfest’ for the first time. It was a cracking event full of fun and music, showcasing some of the best the Calder Valley community has to offer. Here’s a couple of shots.
It’s not my horizon that’s on the blink – honest! The field that Craggfest is held in is typical West Yorkshire – less than flat! So, the marquee that holds the stage, bar and food looks distinctly wonky.Sadly, we couldn’t stay until late, but we did hear a variety of talented local bands, including this one, which featured younger musicians
Today (Sunday) the weather had picked up so we ventured out on another reservoir trip to a place we’d never walked around before. Widdop, on moors North-West of Hebden Bridge. Conditions were ideal, although the reservoir had shrunk to half its normal size. The ridges either side of the reservoir contain some fantasic rock formations.
This evening we’ve retreated back to Bigland Towers where I’ve been on cooking duty whilst Dee prepares for the week ahead. We fancied a dish I haven’t cooked for a while – cucumber curry, here’s how it progresses.
The basic ingredients, minus a few dried red chili’s abd a teaspoon of sugar.Step 2. On the right is the coconut sauce with the red pepper, cucumber, peanuts and Turneric. In the frying pan are the other spices, chilli, curry leaves, and garlic.The finished article
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/
It’s getting late here at Bigland Towers meaning I don’t have enough time to do the day justice in a blog – especially as we’ve had a great day exploring. Instead I’ll you with a series of pictures as a teaser for a longer blog tomorrow when I have time to write.
We made the most of the glorious weather today by nipping out for a walk around Ogden water country park which is north of Halifax on the road to Haworth and Keighley. The area offers some outstanding views across West Yorkshire. Here’s a few pictures. Firstly, and oddity…
We noticed this collection of old tram rails that had been used to build a platform in a field adjacent to the A629. They must be pretty old as the Halifax network closed in 1939 whilst Bradford trams finished running in 1950. Looking South-East across the Ogden reservoir from the moors above. The cliffs at Ogden Clough.The view from atop the cliffs.Having walked across the moors to Ogden Clough we walked back along the wooded stream which feeds the reservoir.Looking back across the reservoir from the dam, we’d walked up high above to near the wind turbines you can see in the background.
After the walk we decided to explore. I looked up a nearby real ale pub in the Good Beer Guide and we headed off to try somewhere different in an area neither of us had explored before. I’ll blog about what we found at length tomorrow, but here’s a taster.
En-route we discovered this magnificent 20 arch Thornton railway viaduct which was built by the Great Northern Railway and opened in 1878 in but abandoned in 1966. Thornton’s the birthplace of a rather famous Yorkshire literary family – as we found out…
OK, more 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/
Sorry, I got a bit lost on our return from Surrey as there’s been a lot to do – hence the lack of blogs. The journey back was fine. It’s the first time when we’ve travelled to and from West Yorkshire to Surrey and back when we’ve had wall to wall sunshine in each direction – even the traffic played ball and the absence of roadworks ‘up North’ (where converting the M1 to a ‘smart’ motorway took years) was a welcome change. The only thing that made the journey a bit edgy was Yorkshire drivers who saw lane discipline and speed limits as optional.
Friday was a chance to revel in the glorious weather and adjust to being back home. Dee had the day and pottered around at home whilst I managed to get out for a walk whilst preparing to edit the hundreds of pictures I’d taken over our Southern sojourn. Admittedly, I did get chance to indulge in the Friday night quiz in our local pub and catch up with Friends.
However, Saturday saw me glued to my office as I edited picture after picture ready for adding captions -another marathon task as I identify locations and individual train workings. Now that task is done and the pictures have been added to my Zenfolio website. You can find the images in these falleries.
The only shots I have left to list are the ones from my HS2 site visit. Expect those to appear tomorrow.
Today’s been rather a more active day as we travelled over to Huddersfield to see Dawn’s parents (dropping off supplies and staying for a chat) before heading back to the Calder valley and a stroll around Norland Moor, which we spy across the Calder valley from our bedroom window. Admittedly, we were up there late in the day but it’s the first time we’ve seen it so devoid of other walkers – and their dogs!
Now we’re back at home and preparing for the week ahead, which will see me based at home, catching up on lots of stuff whilst planning for future trips (we’re off to Shropshire soon). Right now I’ll leave you with today’s picture, which is a view from the edge of Norland Moor looking home.
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!
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/
Greetings from deepest North Yorkshire! For the next few days the pair of us have relocated to Glaisdale, which we’ll be using as a base to explore the area, enjoy some walking on coast and moors as well as sampling some local food and drink. We’re off to a good start. I’ve already stocked up on mince, eggs and Black Pudding from the local family butchers just a few doors down the road. The village also possesses a combined post office and general store which is good for buying basics. We’ve struck lucky with the weather too as we’re enjoying some glorious sunshine, although a bitingly cold wind is taking the edge off things slightly. Here’s a look at where we’re based now.
There’s worse places to be!The view from the back garden right now. As office windows go…
I’ll blog more later when we’ve been out and about. Right now it’s time for lunch…
18:30.
What a stunning day! Whitby looked at its best due to the weather. We walked around the town for a few hours rediscovering old nooks and carnnies as well as trying out new delights in the cafes, bars and shops. Here’s a few pictures to pique your interest.
Returning with the catch…It was choppy out there today dues to the winds – as evidenced by the white-capped waves outside the breakwater. Danby delight. 156448 and 156490 approach the station whilst working 2N31, the 1557 from Whitby to Hexham. The pair seen in the late afternoon sun about to pull away from Danby.
Now we’re back at the AirBnB, changing from scruffs to more suitable attire as we’re off for a meal at a rather nice hotel not a million miles away. More later…
22:00.
The two of us are now back at our temporary home with feet up in front of a log fire, digesting the lovely meal we enjoyed at the Horseshoe Hotel in nearby Egton Bridge. This dog-friendly pub and hotel has internal decor that’s rather eccentric for this neck of the woods as it’s African themed, but the food is very British. Dawn and I shared a scallop starter before diverging on main courses. I opted for the belly pork with scallop and black pudding whilst Dee satisfied her carnivore instincts with a steak. All three meals were very good and the prices commendably competitive.
Scallops with Cauliflower puree and black pudding.Belly pork with mashed potato, scallop, black pudding and vegetables.
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 