Juliano's World Frenzy/Tech's Trip Reports

[Techniquest]

Glad you made it to Pwllheli Tech! I agree the town offers little, bar the essential amenities you need for a long journey. Shame about the ruffians on the way back however.

Sorry I completely forgot to reply! Yes it was good to get an official record of Pwllheli into the book, definitely no rush to go back there. I'll return to Criccieth for sure sometime, that was a nice little place, and I want things like the Ffestiniog Railway done eventually so I'll be back in that part of the world at some point.

Below is my first proper trip report for what feels like ages:

17/05/2023 - Tech vs Fragma - Tech's Miracle

Hello and welcome to my first trip report in a good while! 17 days into May and I finally got on a train for the first time all month, thanks to the credit card. That's not my brightest idea, I know, but I needed an escape and this would be my last opportunity to do one of the daytime 67-hauled MK4 sets to Holyhead.

7am and I got up after a far from great sleep, and I kept going to and fro with the plan for the day. After rushing breakfast and everything else, at 0737 I decided to chuck the stuff I needed in a bag and get moving ASAP. The 0756 to Holyhead was a few minutes late, booked for a 67 and MK4s, was showing on Real Time Trains as actually being so, and I finally got out of the house and moving at 0751. No problem I told myself, it's only a 5 minute ride to the station, I'm a bit late but I'll make it.

Well no, it was late and I managed to get my first ticket in time, but not quick enough to make it on board. I was gutted, and frustrated, especially as it was a former Grand Central set. I like them more than the former LNER sets, and now I was having to make a new plan. With the next train just under an hour away now, I pedalled my way to Asda in the end to source some supplies. 10% is 10% I suppose! With the use of shared-use paths, and some good fortune, I made it back in good time for the 0856 to Manchester which had 175113 on it. Amazingly, no issues getting on board with the Blue Beauty, and most of the way to Shrewsbury was spent planning and planning, and planning some more! At one point, I was going to stay on the 175 to Stockport and do some long-desired rides up that way.

In the end, I figured I'd drive myself crazy at the rejected opportunity to do the 67s, so settled with alighting in Shrewsbury for a +31 onto a Holyhead train. £40 later, I had an All Zones North Wales Rover and it was coffee time. The nearby Iron & Fire was finally sampled but I wasn't blown away by their coffee. Back on the platforms, there were delayed trains including 175113, so I'm glad I didn't stay on it after all, that extra 16 minutes would have driven me crazy! 197042 had its photo taken while on what appeared to be a training service, and eventually I was off on 150256+158828 towards North Wales.

The journey to Gobowen was as slow and boring as ever, and I was annoyed the USB sockets weren't working. My data signal was rubbish in this part of the world too, which made planning my afternoon much harder! I got fed up of the ever increasing delay, so with a far better option available I alighted at Wrexham General. After taking a photo of 230008 parked up in one of the bay platforms, I had a quick ride over to Wrexham Central for the 1134 to Bidston. Those of you paying attention to the current happenings on the railway will have gathered why I was doing that!

My first ever Class 230 fell to 230010, and I have to say I really enjoyed the journey. The acceleration on the 230s is incredible, and so quiet. Yes the doors aren't the fastest at opening and closing, but they're not as slow as I was led to believe. Overall, I was really enjoying the 'D-Train' and if I hadn't been on a different mission I would have gone up to Bidston happily. The cycle space is too small for a cycle, and no ability to secure a cycle in it, so that wasn't so welcome. The USB ports were good, the PIS reliable and working exactly as it should, and I found the longtitudinal seating surprisingly comfortable. I'm now very keen to have another journey on 230s!

I alighted at Hawarden, after much planning, and was soon pedalling away. When I got close to the enormous roundabout, with unclear signage for the route I was looking for, with the North Wales Expressway (how very much USA a name) then I instead found myself following a sign for Drury. At Burntwood, I finally stopped for a breather after the climbing, only to find I was going completely the wrong way, and was almost in Buckley! Eventually I found my way to the correct route and could not believe how badly my sense of direction had been! After a while, I found myself at Northop Hall, having successfully navigated my way around a load more climbing and some seriously nasty speed bumps. Time for another check of Maps!

One route I could have taken had 'Flint Mountain' showing and that was happily rejected. I followed Maps' recommendation, with it suggesting following Oxenshott (or something like that, I typed this up without my map in front of me) Lane to the A548. From there, I would follow that to Flint railway station, and I had just enough time to join a late running 175 from Cardiff. Some sweeping curves with suspect surfaces in places, with high hedges blocking the line of sight in other places, so definitely one of those to keep one's wits about for but otherwise it was a good choice.

With 3 minutes to spare, I made it onto 175107, happy days. Aboard that, I had lunch which was most welcome by then, around 5.5 hours after breakfast. I was tempted to change my plan for the day, but kept with it and ended up alighting at Llanfairpwll. I'd love to be able to spell the whole name but I would be here all day, and no I can't say it! I was surprised to see there was a level crossing just east of the station with manually operated gates still. That really must be overdue for replacement! Soon, with a route in mind, I was convinced I knew where I was going and started pedalling.

I found out I was on the A5, the Holyhead Road, not to be confused with the motorway-style A55 North Wales Expressway. So the plan was immediately gone once I chose to follow that and see where I'd end up. I just kept going west, with the wind not hugely helpful as it was blowing from the southwest. After nearly 6 miles, I was needing a quick breather, I had winter cycling tights on as I had had no clean cycling shorts ready, so the heat was not helpful in that respect. Incredibly welcome though! It's a good thing I took the breather, Maps had suggested a significant climb and I'd assumed it was fibbing. It's not well known for accuracy with elevations after all, but no it was pretty spot on, that climb just kept going!

I pulled over outside a pub at the top of the climb, but it looked like they didn't sell coffee which is what I wanted. So after an energy gel, I was off again and the descent was nicely welcome. Another short break for an energy gel was had at the junction with the A4080, which I was going to follow down to the railway, but I think I knew I'd feel like I cheated myself on not finishing the challenge that was the A5. So I kept going, and going, and going some more!

When I got to the town of Valley, my back was fed up of the weight of my backpack, so when I saw a sign for a cafe I went for that and happily stopped for a long overdue coffee. By now, it was just after 1500, and my previous coffee was finished around 1020! Relish Cafe were just finishing for the day, but they were very nice and made me a sugary black coffee. This one was better than that in Shrewsbury, so it was well worth £2.75 and they even let me use one of their chairs to have my coffee on in the sunshine. I'd happily go back there, and based on my experience I'd recommend it to others too.

Refuelled, I was soon on the move again and I cycled over onto Holy Island. Soon, Holyhead Mountain was in view and that is an impressive piece of viewing! Of note was the shared-use path alongside the road at Beddmanarch Bay. It was nice to have, on the north side of the road, but it wasn't deemed safe for cycling. It was effectively a moderately wide pavement, with a central reservation barrier in the middle of the path. Cyclists had no protection from road users, as they were on the road side of the barrier which felt a bit nuts. No passing places on it either, so I can't imagine it gets well used!

One last quick stop just after Tesco Extra to check everything was in the bag, and I passed by the railway station and ferry port. I had time yet, with my plan being to do the 1634 Holyhead to Cardiff Central. I ended up touring a bit of Holyhead, and found myself at Breakwater Country Park right next to Holyhead Mountain. The peak of which I believe is 764ft above sea level, and if I wasn't on a mission already I'd have been exploring the place properly! Back in the town centre, and I completed my mission very successfully. I knew I'd cleared 413km of cycling for the month when I'd arrived at Flint, and I was determined to clear the 600km challenge on Strava for the first time in some months. Even as I type this up, I hadn't looked at my total but I knew I was ahead of my vague target at least. Having looked the day after, I'd finished the ride on 453km!

There was just enough time to visit Co-Op for some food and water before the train, and I found I'd got 67017 providing the power with 82226 on the other end. With the Blue Beauty safely secured, I got one of the seats nearest the 67 and when I could hear it, I enjoyed the noise. It was an ex-LNER set of MK4s, but that would be fine today, I didn't have the option of being fussy! It was an on-time departure and my feast began!

Occasionally the 67 was audible over the really loud chavvy woman, who spent something close to 45 minutes on the phone with NWAS and/or the mental health team (maybe they're the same, I didn't care enough to look) about her sectioned daughter who was in there for multiple reasons. The whole world found out all the details as not only was she *loud* she had the phone on speakerphone. Apparently her daughter was being falsely diagnosed with anorexia, she was suffering other mental health issues and this woman was apparently an amazing mother. Hmm, from the conversation I heard three rows back she wasn't very pleasant, I won't expand on that any further but I was so glad she got off in Abergele & Pensarn.

I had also sourced an Earl Grey, although whatever Welsh brand it is they serve on TfW is not a good Earl Grey. Not worth £2.40! Thankfully the half-drunk enthusiasts who were by now on board eventually settled once they had some food, and by the time I finished the catchup of these notes I was most of the way to Wrexham General. I didn't realise 197s were regularly going to Holyhead now, I'd seen 197007 at Llandudno Junction doing so and 197018 also going there during the reversal at Chester.

The fellow passengers on the train may not have been enjoyable, but the MK4s and 67 certainly were welcome, and this was a big thing to tick off my to-do list. Finally getting a 230 in the book was also now off the list, and while I still want Chester to Shrewsbury done in First Class that can wait. I noted in Wrexham that 230008 had moved, good thing I got the photo when I did!

The journey passed by in what felt like no time, and on passing Leominster I finished my preparations to alight. I arrived a couple of minutes early in Hereford, which was a nice surprise! Once outside, I was soon pedalling away as fast as possible to get back to base, where more food was deemed essential, as was putting the washing machine on. It had been a very good day, some exhausting points on the cycling but some majorly overdue things were finally taken off my to-do list. I believe it's been 10 years that I've had 'do a 67 to Holyhead' on my list for! Having now done part of the map colouring in, my Sustrans map does look good for the Anglesey bit of cycling. I also have more things on my to-do list, such as Breakwater Country Park and the walk from Holyhead to Valley.

The day was also good for providing an insight into just how much I need to change jobs. I'm not happy where I am, to the point of even hating the point of the day where the uniform goes on. My job makes me a less pleasant version of myself, and that just cannot continue for much longer. The adventure in North Wales showed that I can be happy, to be honest I was starting to wonder about that. I'm also very aware of how judgemental I can be, and that's something I've decided to work on as a high priority. The trip even brought some focus on my food intake, which has been a bit of a concern for a while. So despite it being an expensive day, it was very much just what the doctor ordered!

 

[Purple Train]

Looks like a very productive day then - certainly a very enjoyable read!

 

[Techniquest]

Looks like a very productive day then - certainly a very enjoyable read!

Thanks I tried to keep it interesting to read, not always an easy task. Once upon a time I'd have been solely on trains for the whole day, but that is a very different version of me!

I've booked Advances for my next adventure, which is on Wednesday 24th May. I've got cycle spaces booked, and interestingly I've booked the 0756 from Hereford although I know it will be a DMU. Same for the 1822 return, it'll be a DMU but the times were convenient. The other options were too early or too late, the 0756 means I don't have to get up until 0630 which is good as I don't finish work until 10pm on Tuesday.

Where am I going? Chester! I've had it on my list of places to explore for far too long, and it's finally about to be done. I have no doubt that I won't get it all done, but a mighty good start will be made. A combination of walking and cycling is the plan!

Some more photos from the trip to Holyhead are attached Three of them are from Breakwater Country Park, featuring Holyhead Mountain, there's also a bike-selfie at Holyhead (I couldn't find a better place to lock it up while I went to Co-Op), then a photo of stored 175s with 175005 nearest the camera, then there's photos of 67017 and 82226 at Holyhead, plus one more at Shrewsbury

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a couple of good bike rides and a decent run behind a 67. Shame about the woman who was talking loudly about private matters.

Maybe one of these days I will get a 67 to Holyhead, my luck hasn't been the greatest in the past and now it seems that during the busiest time of the year TfW decides to get rid of them. Probably will be replaced by a single 153

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Such a shame they make you pay for the meals now. I'd have certainly looked at doing a full length run in 1st otherwise. 197, 230 and 777 I hope to do in one go, on a Liverpool/Chester/Bidston-Shotton trip.

You didn't say which unit you sat in from Shrewsbury northbound - I hope it was the 158

I can't say I've ever had Earl Grey tea. It doesn't sound very appealing to me to be honest.

 

[Techniquest]

Kite, yes I would not be much surprised! I'd like to hope it will go over to a 175, or a pair of 158s, but I'm not optimistic. I'm booked on a former MK4 diagram next week, I'll be interested to see what produces!

TT, yes I'm surprised I omitted that detail! I was indeed sat in the 158, and those who remember my Pwllheli trip in the April summary will notice I had 158828 from Mach to Shrewsbury on that. This time, on the Shrewsbury to Wrexham leap, I had no smokers in the carriages which was welcome. Earl Grey is my favourite type of tea I would recommend trying a quality brand of it though, not the stuff TfW sell!

 

[Purple Train]

Thanks I tried to keep it interesting to read, not always an easy task.

Tell me about it! I drift off during mine even when I'm typing, so I dread to think what it's like for people reading...

Where am I going? Chester! I've had it on my list of places to explore for far too long, and it's finally about to be done. I have no doubt that I won't get it all done, but a mighty good start will be made. A combination of walking and cycling is the plan!

The only thing the people I know who have visited Chester have come back singing the praises of is the zoo. I don't know whether it says more about them or Chester

Some more photos from the trip to Holyhead are attached Three of them are from Breakwater Country Park, featuring Holyhead Mountain, there's also a bike-selfie at Holyhead (I couldn't find a better place to lock it up while I went to Co-Op), then a photo of stored 175s with 175005 nearest the camera, then there's photos of 67017 and 82226 at Holyhead, plus one more at Shrewsbury

Looks delightful! And clear skies as well, proper luxuries!

 

[Techniquest]

Well you won't get that from me with the zoo, I absolutely despise such places. You couldn't pay me enough to go to such a place!

Chester looks like a pretty place to explore, I guess we'll see what I think. Will it be like Oxford and Cambridge? Maybe not but we'll see!

 

[ChrisC]

Chester looks like a pretty place to explore, I guess we'll see what I think. Will it be like Oxford and Cambridge? Maybe not but we'll see!

Chester is a very interesting city to explore but I would say that most of the lovely historic parts are better explored on foot rather than cycling. The city walls are well worth walking around although I think it is about 2 miles to do the whole circuit. Like at York the walls are are fairly extensive and certainly the section from near the Cathedral down to the river should not be missed. The Cathedral too is well worth visiting. The black and white timbered medieval shops in some of the main streets known as The Rows also need to be explored especially a walk along the upper walkways. It‘s very pleasant down by the river and a boat trip on the river is also quite a nice thing to do. I also remember visiting some quite extensive and interesting Roman remains in a park quite close to the centre of the city. The cycle route along the canal through the city centre could be quite good to explore and can be accessed from the road into the city centre from the station.

I hope you enjoy Chester. It must be around 7 years since I last visited. I’m off to explore Liverpool on Monday for 5 days. I have been before and have visited many of the interesting museums and the cathedrals. I’m staying in a hotel near the Albert Dock so want to explore the waterfront. The weather forecast for next week is really good so may get out of the city centre a couple of days and do some walking on the coast near Formby and over on the Wirral. Five nights in Liverpool is a last minute change of plan. I had got 9 nights booked in Aberdeen and was going to explore Royal Deeside and the North East Coast by bus. The train strikes the following week when I was due to travel home has resulted in me having to cancel which is very annoying with the weather forecast being so good for the next 10 days in Scotland.

I’m going to Liverpool by train but as with last summer I’m mainly planning trips away to more rural areas where I will take my car and giving up on planning anything that relies on train travel. It’s so disappointing when you have done research on an area and planned days out and then have to cancel. I was so looking forward to 9 days in the North East of Scotland. Not to mention having to book hotels at a more expensive flexible rate just in case a train strike is called and just when I want to get travelling again after the covid restrictions.

 

[Techniquest]

@ChrisC Many thanks for the detailed response! Yes indeed, Chester has always struck me as a place best done on foot rather than by cycling. I plan to do a bit of both, and originally when this was getting firmed up as a plan for the future on Thursday, I was going to do it as a multi day trip with a Premier Inn or similar. I'll be back in the area for 197s and 777s eventually, and more 230s hopefully, so if I have to miss something then I know I'll be back. It's not a long way from Hereford, so it's certainly always a possibility.

Like yourself, I'm trying to make the most of this good weather! I feel for you there with having to cancel your Scotland trip, it's a beautiful place to go to especially in great weather. I'd be fuming about not being able to go, indeed I want to go back myself. It sounds like you'll have a good time in the North West though, if it is indeed good weather you'll have a great time. So much to do when the weather is good, and yes I have a lot I want to do up there too.

There should be a trip report out by this time next week, if not slightly earlier, about my visit to Chester. I'm excited about my 8 hours of intense exploring, no question of it!

 

[D6130]

Chester is a very interesting city to explore but I would say that most of the lovely historic parts are better explored on foot rather than cycling. The city walls are well worth walking around although I think it is about 2 miles to do the whole circuit. Like at York the walls are are fairly extensive and certainly the section from near the Cathedral down to the river should not be missed. The Cathedral too is well worth visiting. The black and white timbered medieval shops in some of the main streets known as The Rows also need to be explored especially a walk along the upper walkways. It‘s very pleasant down by the river and a boat trip on the river is also quite a nice thing to do. I also remember visiting some quite extensive and interesting Roman remains in a park quite close to the centre of the city. The cycle route along the canal through the city centre could be quite good to explore and can be accessed from the road into the city centre from the station.

Fully agree with all of the above....but with one caveat. Make sure you don't go when Chester races are on. If you do, your day will be ruined by thousands of drunken Scousers staggering around the streets drinking in large, noisy groups. (In my experience the women are the worst!) Don't get me wrong, I love Liverpool and I love Scousers....but there's a sort of herd mentality on race days in historic cities. A similar phenomenon occurs when thousands of Geordies descend on York when the races are on there.

 

[anthony263]

Thanks I tried to keep it interesting to read, not always an easy task. Once upon a time I'd have been solely on trains for the whole day, but that is a very different version of me!

I've booked Advances for my next adventure, which is on Wednesday 24th May. I've got cycle spaces booked, and interestingly I've booked the 0756 from Hereford although I know it will be a DMU. Same for the 1822 return, it'll be a DMU but the times were convenient. The other options were too early or too late, the 0756 means I don't have to get up until 0630 which is good as I don't finish work until 10pm on Tuesday.

Where am I going? Chester! I've had it on my list of places to explore for far too long, and it's finally about to be done. I have no doubt that I won't get it all done, but a mighty good start will be made. A combination of walking and cycling is the plan!

Some more photos from the trip to Holyhead are attached Three of them are from Breakwater Country Park, featuring Holyhead Mountain, there's also a bike-selfie at Holyhead (I couldn't find a better place to lock it up while I went to Co-Op), then a photo of stored 175s with 175005 nearest the camera, then there's photos of 67017 and 82226 at Holyhead, plus one more at Shrewsbury

I've just realised this is the first trip report I've read of yours techniquest since around 2014.

Since I've gotten married now and have a 3 year old daughter I dont really get much of a chance to do my own trip reports anymore so its nice to read these

 

[Techniquest]

I've just realised this is the first trip report I've read of yours techniquest since around 2014.

Since I've gotten married now and have a 3 year old daughter I dont really get much of a chance to do my own trip reports anymore so its nice to read these

Wow that is a long time ago. 2014, good gravy I can't remember right now much about the year. I'd have to have a look back through this thread to find out what I did

We all have different priorities, and I'd absolutely agree with not spending time doing trip reports with two important people to be there for

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Wow that is a long time ago. 2014, good gravy I can't remember right now much about the year.

I was ten/eleven, imagine that. Busy year too. Met the queen, started secondary school, and flew British Airways for the first ever time
Now I'm a month away from turning 20.

Earl Grey is my favourite type of tea I would recommend trying a quality brand of it though, not the stuff TfW sell!

I'll always be happiest with a strong cup of PG Tips. It's the simple things

 

[Techniquest]

@TT-ONR-NRN That's fair enough, I'll happily flag a PG Tips but then I am a bit snobbish when it comes to tea!

I haven't done a trip report for yesterday's very much unplanned adventure, but I attach some photos of one of the nicest stations I've been to in a long time It's a shame I ended up ticking it off in a manner that I hadn't planned to, but a mechanical issue caused an early termination of the ride. As will be clear in the screenshot, there was a particular destination in mind!

I've also attached some photos of the impressive railway viaduct in Stockport, getting photos of that has long been on the to-do list and I am happy to report I was as impressed by the view from street level as I hoped to be!

 

[AM9]

@TT-ONR-NRN That's fair enough, I'll happily flag a PG Tips but then I am a bit snobbish when it comes to tea!

I haven't done a trip report for yesterday's very much unplanned adventure, but I attach some photos of one of the nicest stations I've been to in a long time It's a shame I ended up ticking it off in a manner that I hadn't planned to, but a mechanical issue caused an early termination of the ride. As will be clear in the screenshot, there was a particular destination in mind!

I've also attached some photos of the impressive railway viaduct in Stockport, getting photos of that has long been on the to-do list and I am happy to report I was as impressed by the view from street level as I hoped to be!

If your "mechanical issue" was brakes, I could think of less convenient stations at which break down.

 

[Techniquest]

If your "mechanical issue" was brakes, I could think of less convenient stations at which break down.

Took the ol' girl down to Boneshaker Cycle Repairs (highly recommended local bike shop in Hereford) and they had a look. Turned out the big issue was a loose rear wheel, how that didn't cause a bigger issue I have no idea but I'm very glad it didn't!

That got sorted and they tightened up the rear brakes mechanism which had come a bit loose too. Fixed in no time, and I've given the Blue Beauty a good run-in since then over 9 miles around the city, she's back in good order again Still need to book her in for a service soon mind.

Definitely worse places to terminate a ride early at! I didn't realise the line into Chapel en-le-Frith arrived there on a 1 in 58 gradient until yesterday, I shouldn't be surprised given some of the hills I took on after Whaley Bridge mind! It's a surprisingly interesting station, the history board on the Manchester-bound platform was a good read. Quite the trek to the town, but it looks like a place I'll be back in one day.

 

[Techniquest]

24/05/2023 - Tech's First Visit To Chester

Now before I continue, I should add I've been to Chester a number of times, but almost exclusively no further than the station entrance. I did once stop in a Travelodge in the city, although why I can't remember any more, but it would have been dark and not in the city itself. So this was my first proper explore of the city, an item that was on my to-do list for a long time!

0630 and I was up and about, and it still took until well after 0730 to get out of the house. That said, on my pre-work trips it can take over 2 hours to get energised and out the door! 153935+153369 were on the 0756 to Holyhead, and to be fair the journey went quite smoothly. It was never terribly busy, and on time all the way with maybe one or two minutes lost in places. I spent a lot of time planning my day, with a lot of consulting both my Sustrans Merseyside & Manchester map as well as Google Maps. Of course, it all pretty much went out of the window as I pedalled along with the flow anyway!

That wind was more fierce than I liked, and it made what should have been an easy ride up the A548 into a challenging mission. At Deeside Parkway, I saw a Starbucks logo and I was immediately sold on stopping there. The break was incredibly welcome, it was expensive but oh so good. A bit more planning and I knew if I didn't tackle the A548 a bit more I'd be fuming with myself. So that's what I took on, yes more pedalling into the wind!

The road stayed dual carriageway which I hadn't expected from what I could see on Maps. The crosswind on the bridge was nasty, I didn't know if I'd make it to the other end without being blown off to be honest! At the junction for the B5129, I happily turned off for Connah's Quay. I came close to linking up with my recent coverage to Flint, but it was not happening on this occasion! The tailwind into the town was most welcome, I can assure you, and once at the other end I was in Shotton before too long, noting a cycle shop near the high level platforms. I didn't visit in the end, but I've made a mental note of it for the future.

I had way too much time to fill before the next 230 was due, so I figured I'd go meet it in Buckley, linking up with the recent coverage there. That made sense, until I took a left turn where I needed to go right. I found myself in Queensferry on another B road, and soon enough I was up by the bridge carrying National Cycle Network's Route 5 over the incredibly wide and busy A550. It made sense to join that and I'd clearly forgot how nicely relaxing that route is compared to the roads in the area. Good quality surface all the way, that's what I was wanting!

I made it to Shotton Low Level station, after getting some photos at Hawarden Bridge (the actual bridge, not the station), with tons of time to spare, so bought my day return to Bidston from the ticket office on the Bidston-bound platform. This was an excellent opportunity to tuck into the supplies I'd brought with me, and it was eventually onto dud 230010 for the slow trip to Bidston. I'd clearly forgot how low linespeeds are on that line! With a quick snap of the 230 at Bidston, I was soon back on and I overheard two drivers swapping over saying 'I don't know what's wrong with that one' which wasn't a promising sign. I read later on that it was removed from service with a fault, so I'm glad I did it when I did, and not gone back later on to do the peak time only stop at Hawarden Bridge station.

I alighted from 230010 at Neston, a station I'd not done before, as I wanted to do National Cycle Network's Route 56 to Hooton. I just want Shotton to Hawarden for 230 coverage now, which should be nicely easy to do later in the year. I've been on Transport for Wales services a lot lately, and a break from them would be nice! Route 56 then, well this was a former railway route so at least it would be an easy one, and it forms part of the Wirral Way. It's less than 5 miles to Hooton, it'll be easy won't it?

Well no, not as such. Once I got to the bit I wanted to do, and ensured I'd linked up to January 2022's coverage in the area, I found the surface was not great. On a mountain bike, no problem, and walking on it would have been fine, but my Blue Beauty does not like stoney surfaces! A couple of miles in, and there's a missing bridge so there's a diversion down a steep path to a farm track and back up the other side. To be honest, I was considering walking the Blue Beauty up to the near-ish road and just doing that instead!

Eventually I got to the preserved station at Hadlow Road, and I did consider getting a coffee there. It made more sense to carry on though, Hooton was not far away, and when I found Route 56 left the Wirral Way eventually I was more than fine with that. I missed out on the last bit which would have taken me directly to Hooton station, but I ended up following the roads. I missed the turn I required for Hooton, and ended up in Childer Thornton (I think) before discovering I was in Little Sutton. I did consider getting onto MerseyRail there, and taking the train to Chester, but it made a bit more sense to carry on to Ellesmere Port.

The logic there being I could do a farewell ride on a 507/508 from the end of the route while I was there, I won't be in the area again for a long time so by then it should be 777s. A single to Chester was £4.90, the same price I'd have paid from Hooton, so I was pleased with my choice. I had considered cycling over to Helsby to score the station there, and possibly bust out the red pen too, but MerseyRail won that decision. 507021 took me on what could actually be my last 507 journey, and with only a short wait in Hooton I was onto 508104 for the dash to Chester. It could well be my last 508 as well, because to be honest I don't see myself going back up to Merseyside to have a full day of touring the area on 507s and 508s!

Once outside the station, I had a short ride along Brook Street to the city centre, then it was time to finally explore the city. I'd had good fun touring on two wheels, and wanted to do more, but now it was time to see the city. That was a good choice, as I did the City Walls and got some excellent views up there. The cathedral's nice, but I prefer Salisbury and Hereford's cathedrals. I also finally got a coffee from a cafe just south of the river, and mercifully I had my travel mug as the lid on my takeaway cup was not very good. £2.15 and the coffee was OK but I've had better, indeed I was regretting not going to Pret!

Once I finished the City Walls walk, which was definitely worth doing, I found myself fancying a canal walk too, so once I got to Northgate Locks I did just that. I'd probably not recommend trying to cycle along the canal, but I'm rarely impressed by cycling alongside canals anyway. It was a nice walk, and eventually I found myself choosing to head back to the city. On my way back, I saw Evans Cycles and just had to have a look. Eventually, I chose some stuff that I both wanted and that I would need on future adventures, and £34.09 was a lot less than I could have spent that's for sure!

The city centre itself was next on my agenda, and I was getting ravenous. I didn't want to settle for it, but I ended up in Greggs for two vegan sausage rolls. Oh wow they went down well, I needed a better meal but that would do, I was getting to the point of 'hangry' so while it's hardly a good choice it kept me going. Onwards and upwards, and after 5 and something miles I finally stopped my walking. There was more to do, but I could do that another time. I was in serious need of relief, it had been multiple hours since the facility on the 230! With a bit of a ride for some more cycling coverage, made much better once I joined Route 568 and got away from the traffic, I eventually made it to the station. With the Blue Beauty secured, business was attended to and that was better!

Over on platform 4, I wasn't going to get coffee but I decided my vegan KitKat (I highly recommend them to everyone!) needed something to go with it. £3 got me a coffee that wasn't too great from the cafeexpresshop on platform 4, wouldn't recommend it! 150240 arrived with the 1634 from Holyhead to Cardiff Central, and to be honest I expected it to be a challenge getting on with the Blue Beauty. Much to my surprise, it was actually not an issue, and in the 57 coach at least we left Chester with a surprising amount of seats available.

During my time at the station, I'd observed 3 197s required for sight, and it would appear the Crewe to Chester shuttle is regularly a 197 now and the 1756 to Crewe was 197002. The delayed 1751 to Llandudno, something close to 20 minutes late due to a train fault, left with 197011+197006, and I managed to observe 197043 on a training run. I think it's just a matter of time before I return to the area on a rover to tick off some 197s, certainly it looks likely to be combined with a trip to Llandudno before too long!

The journey south went really smoothly, and I got caught up with my map update amongst other things. It wasn't an easy task, at an airline seat, but it got done. I am a little surprised that the train still sits at Shrewsbury from 1913 to 1925 though, it obviously has a good reason but I don't know what that is. 67010 was observed pushing the late running 1714 from Cardiff to Holyhead, making a great bit of noise as it left Shrewsbury. The remainder of the journey to Hereford was spent typing the trip report up, I wasn't going to do one but changed my mind. It got finished the day after, but I got most of it done in that time.

67012 still in its debranded Wrexham & Shropshire/Chiltern Railways Silver livery was at the head of the rather late running 1855 from Cardiff to Manchester, and it reminded me that I have a trip to Cardiff due for some more 231s at some point. I rode into the city centre, stopping off at a cash machine before visiting my local chippy. I was rather hungry and I had almost zero patience for cooking, and a portion of chips with 10 onion rings is a nice treat. Incredibly unhealthy, obviously, but it was tasty and the sort of meal I've been steering away from having for a good while. I'm still working on matching my food intake to my output, but it's coming on slowly.

So ended a successful day trip. A lot of new cycling coverage, a thorough city explore on foot (with a few bits left for another time), more coverage on a 230, a station score, some smooth on-time journeys with Transport for Wales (not a common thing at the moment) and overall an enjoyable day out. Including a bit more MerseyRail 507/508 farewell action was a bonus, I've since seen the 777s are still causing issues so I'll probably be waiting a long time for the last ever 507/508 journey still. Let's not go there with my views on 777s!

Where's next? Well to be honest I haven't a firm plan, but I do run on impulse quite often. A West Midlands Day Ranger seems imminent now the 196s are also doing Nuneaton to Leamington Spa services, and I have some exploring to do in that part of the world. Both on foot and on two wheels, and there's a station that's now been open for years that I still haven't done. That needs correcting!

----

Photos attached in the order the forum's put them up in are:

1) 175115 and friends parked up alongside platform 7 at Chester
2) Bike-selfie at Hawarden Bridge (the station is behind this angle)
3) Bike-selfie at Shotton Low Level
4) 230010 in a grab-shot at Neston
5) Route closure over a former railway bridge on the Wirral Way
6) From the same spot, facing west this time, the Wirral Way towards Neston
7) From the farm track, the former railway bridge with its missing deck
8) The preserved station at Hadlow Road, which I've made a mental note of for a possible future adventure
9) Finally, a bike-selfie at Ellesmere Port station. A grand station building, mostly not in use now although it's in better shape than a lot of buildings near it!

 

[Kite159]

A good little day trip in Cheshire area. I do like Chester, that wall walk is on my list to do at some point (as well as the river walk towards Churton)

 

[Techniquest]

You will definitely enjoy the walk along the walls, I sure did.

I've attached a small number of photos from the exploring of Chester, I took more than 30 photos in the end so this selection is by no means all of them.

 

[Techniquest]

I haven't got around to sharing more Chester photos yet, but then I haven't gone through them all yet. I do have a new trip report though from yesterday's nostalgia overload, it's a longer read than originally planned but it took well over 2 hours to type!

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed living it and typing it!

28/05/2023 - Nostalgia Isn't What It Used To Be!

Oh boy that was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions and memories in places! This trip had been postponed for way too long, and thanks to Transport for Wales (TfW) finally getting a Mark 4 and Class 67 set out on a working I could do to Swansea, I was finally doing the trip!

I'd spent a fair bit of money recently, in a bid to bring my to-do list down. In fairness, I was having a lot of success with that, but by now I had told myself to be more sensible with money. Well that went out of the window didn't it! With a day return to Cardiff Central and a day return from Cardiff Central to Swansea sourced, at £26.10 and £11.10 respectively, I was spending more than I was really wanting to. That said though, the weather forecast was on my side and the opportunity to do a Mark 4 and Class 67 to Swansea could not be turned down.

I picked up my tickets with the original plan to do the 1006 from Hereford to Swansea, and have 2.5 hours there before picking up the train of my desires on the 1455 Swansea to Manchester Piccadilly. Shortly before departure, while also counting the higher power that I wasn't heading to Birmingham or Manchester due to the football fans, I decided that I should chance it and wait for the 67 to arrive. That would be due out at 1208, and I needed to give the Blue Beauty a good clean anyway. The weather was pretty good for cycling in Hereford, so I had a pleasure cruise around the city for around 9 miles first. With a coffee and sandwich for lunch, the cleaning spree was well underway and the Blue Beauty was gleaming afterwards. She definitely rode a lot smoother later on!

Back at the station with plenty of time, I was a bit anxious the train would be swapped but 67025 rolled in on an ex-GC set and I was very pleased with that. With the Blue Beauty secured in 82201, I managed to get a seat almost at the front for the 67 noise. When I could hear it, the noise was really welcome! I moved to a table seat at Newport, and the noise of the drunk women going to Cardiff for more alcohol was not welcome. Nor was the constant racket of the 6 50-something women heading back to Milford Haven from a night out in Cardiff, the journey to Swansea seemed to drag on and on and on!

Eventually I got off the train almost 8 minutes late, and after getting my photos I set off on a ride. I did consider doing just a quick loop and getting back on the Mark 4s to head to Cardiff, with the goal being to do some 231s over there. Fortunately I chose wisely and did nothing of the sort, heading down High Street and beginning my nostalgia overload.

Swansea was my home city from autumn 2003 until at least late 2005, I don't actually remember the date I left there. I don't remember living there in 2006, and I'll be here a long time finding the details. More importantly though, when I moved to Swansea to attend university in 2003, I also discovered the joys of the railway. I'll never know why I ended up at the station one day, but I watched an HST clagging and screaming its way out of Swansea and that was me sold!

In autumn 2023, I'll be having a rather large celebration of the 20 year anniversary of this, but we'll cover that in much more detail in 4 months time. Good gravy, that isn't far away!

Back to the present then, and I was on a mission now to cover National Cycle Network Route 4 to Port Talbot. I started off well with that, and some dodgy signage saw me down by some regenerated docks. Two fishermen kindly directed me to the right route, and I could not believe how close I was to the right route when I looked at my map later on. I got fed up of overcrowded shared-use space quite quickly, so gave up and decided the priority should be what is now called Swansea.com Stadium, in my day it was Liberty Stadium.

With every effort available, it was time for some serious power up the A road to the stadium and Morfa Retail Park. The Frankie & Benny's I had already seen was now a Costa drive-through and a Greggs, and the Pizza Hut I worked at and opened in 2005 was now a Nandos. That memory was certainly broken now! Nostalgia isn't what it used to be! Onwards and upwards to the city then, and it was back in for some drop-the-hammer pedaling to the seafront. It was also pretty warm, and I was wanting a break and a supply raid, so I pulled into Tesco Swansea Marina. This is always a favourite place to get supplies from when I'm in Swansea, and to be honest I'm surprised I didn't grab some photos of Quadrant Bus Station while there, that was a place I visited frequently in my Swansea era. Thankfully it's been hugely modernised since then, it's not a dump of a place like it was!

With the supplies sourced, and some of it I still have the day after to my surprise, I was soon on my way again and I took on the shared-use path along the seafront. You guessed it, plenty of memories here! I didn't stop for the rugby ground, one place I have memories of from even more years ago, so many that I'm sure it was Wales and Borders for the operator at the time, but now I've remembered it will feature in the walking expedition. That's going to feature a lot of miles, I can promise you all that much, it's already lined up to be a major entry in my SuperNovasOnTour series! As I type this up the morning after, I'm starting to regret not having started my planned separate walking and cycling thread yet, there's been some epic tours this year!

I finally got to Mumbles, and a sign for Oystermouth Castle intrigued me. Believe it or not, I'd never seen it before as I wasn't so interested in exploring in the 2000s. It was so, so, so much more about the trains and not the places I went to or lived in. It is what it is though, there's still time to go back to some of those places and create new memories. I would be here a very long time discussing all the places I'm going back to for some epic walking and cycling missions, but for now let's just say the list features York, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Blackpool, Lincoln and Exeter as a small example of where I'm going to at some point!

With a food break at Oystermouth Castle, and I promise I'll try to keep this trip report on track now, after 12 and something miles, I had added it to my list to do properly some time. I don't want to know how many miles that walking expedition is going to cover! Well, that's a lie, I do want to know but I don't think my feet do! Onwards and upwards, and I had Fforestfach on my list of places to go to on this trip. I took on the big climbs up the road towards Killay and Carmarthen, I knew they were tough but they certainly made my tired legs work hard. Bear in mind this was less than 30 minutes after my refuel! Now I could have gone towards the city from the top of the climbs, but I had now decided another bit of nostalgia was required. I knew from a family visit to the area by car in 2022 that the Toby Carvery in Killay had been replaced by Miller & Carter Steakhouse, so that memory had long been killed. There was something else to see!

Hendrefoilan Student Village is where I lived in the 2003-2004 academic year, and I wanted to see what the place looked like now. I was in for some disappointment, as the majority of the site was now a St Modwen Homes site. Long gone was the student pub where I watched the rugby world cup final and watched England show the world it can do ball sports well. I should note that I haven't followed rugby for a long time, but that was a good memory for me. A Route 8 bus went up the road a bit further, so I carried on and thankfully the block I lived in was still there. The whole area was run-down though, and the university building just a bit further up was clearly long closed. I was breaking a lot of memories here, so after a photo from the road of my old block I got moving again.

Up to Killay was on my agenda next, as I still wanted to do Fforestfach. This was a tour of Swansea unlike one most tourists would do! I could have gone via the city, but I wanted more cycling coverage and having studied Maps I could do it via Gowerton without too many issues. The climb up through Dunvant was tough, and the descent to the junction for Three Crosses was pretty steep. No warning of this sort of thing of course, and with it leading to a narrow section over a bridge, I'd have expected more warning. The climb up to Three Crosses would be a contender for Tour de France and its King of the Mountains competition, it looked evil. Thankfully I was going the other way, and eventually the road to Gowerton got flatter and led into a long and shallow descent. I finally got to get up to my fastest gear!

Just after the Co-Op, not far from the railway station in Gowerton, the weight in my backpack was hurting the back, I needed a stop and out came two SiS Tropical gels. With the bottle empty after the refill at Oystermouth Castle, that got refilled too and after another Maps check I was soon enough off again. My ride took me up to the A484, which was definitely not fun as it also meant riding into the wind. Eventually I made it to the second roundabout, where left would take me to the services next to the M4, right would take me to Fforestfach and the city. Naturally, I turned right and the descent was seriously welcome to get the fast gears in use again, albeit briefly. The climb up the A483, not welcome but I knew it was there. I worked for a while at Pizza Hut on Fforestfach Retail Park, and the Tesco Extra there used to be my main local shop. I had originally planned to visit this area before the shops all shut, but that nostalgia trip could wait. I realised later that for maximum nostalgia I needed to do Route 111 via Middle Road. I could easily merge that with the shopping trip!

The main thing I wanted to do here was to ride up to where I lived in 2005, and I was happy to see the house and the estates still looked about the same as they did back then. With some major climbing coming up, and a fair bit of it already done on the A483, another rest was had. It had clouded over a good while prior, which helped, but it was still pretty warm! The big climb on Middle Road was now done, and Ravenhill Stores was a nice and previously forgotten memory, I wonder if it's still in business. It was closed when I passed, but then this was well after 5pm on a Sunday. If it's open on my walking expedition, and I can see that mission easily smashing past 20 miles in one day, I will have to pop in.

Eventually the climb was passed, and I made my way back down to the A483. The sight of the CK's supermarket, now part of Nisa, just off the roundabout was a memory trigger even though I never visited that one. Up the A483 which was much easier going in this direction than the other, and I was soon passing the station. Going over some new tarmac, I uttered to myself 'that's the way I like it' and that song popped into my head. I may have to play it soon actually! Indeed, KC & The Sunshine Band's song was on a few times during this typing!

Down to Kingsway next, a bit of nostalgia and I see it's been heavily improved. In my day, it was much more traffic focused, with two lanes in each direction. Even the now-old Metro priority route through here was long gone, and it's become much safer and pleasant for pedestrians. That much created a nice and new, improved memory! Down past the Tesco to finish filling a gap on my map, and I saw it was 1804. I had just 30 minutes before the last TfW train of the day to destinations east of Cardiff was to leave Swansea, I had to get on with things! Fortunately, I was by now in the mood for a 'drop the hammer' session and absolutely floored it down Oystermouth Road!

I took the junction for Guildhall, making notes ahead of the walking expedition, and I originally turned off for Sandfields and new coverage. The multitude of confusing one way and no entry roads saw me change my mind and took St Helens Road again instead, with a horrid stench of weed in the air. I don't remember it being such a problem in my days in Swansea! Back up Kingsway I went next, and with a new gap made but another filled, the ride ended with a spin up High Street. I barely recognised it from my time here, none of the shops etc are the same. With 18 and something miles on the clock, I'd arrived at the railway station with 16 minutes until departure.

After the long overdue PNB, 150259 was eventually opened and I had no problem getting a seat and cycle space. On time for the departure, with some drama coming up. Stay tuned!

With the notes all logged on Strava, I'd done close to 31 miles around South Wales and I spent some time refuelling on food. My last coffee had by now been well over 6 hours ago, so I was exhausted! No issues to Cardiff, and by then my map update was done. At Newport, the drama began!

Unbeknown to me, in the rear coach, some very drunk people were causing a fight and the police had been called to the scene. During a rather necessary PNB, I heard the screaming of verbal abuse they were giving out, not to mention the threat of physical violence. In front of young children as well, and the man's wife was no better behaved! They eventually alighted as the police arrived, and three people were taken away by the police.

No more issues to Abergavenny, and we'd recovered 7 of our 18 minute delay. Well no, as it turned out there were now trespassers on the line! Eventually they were cleared, and arrival in Hereford was around 33 minutes late. All that was left for me was to pedal as fast as I could, and I must have done well as I pulled up at base camp less than 5 minutes after setting off!

Overall, that was a successful day out. With the Tesco visit, it weighed in at around £45 so it was cheaper than a lot of my recent trips! A major item now off my to-do railway list, and a seriously major item off my exploring to-do list with the nostalgia overload and the cycling, I covered pretty much everything on my list of desires in Swansea. A lot of old ground covered, a lot of new ground and a whole ton of memories enjoyed and created. In my time in Swansea, I was not active at all and would never have been found cycling or on power walks. Strictly speaking, a nostalgia day out in Swansea for me would feature a number of buses! Even so, an epic walking expedition is absolutely coming soon, I have the Brecon to Swansea bus route I want to do yet so it will inevitably get added to that.

I got to enjoy some good weather too, and I was lucky to avoid the agressive people on the train back to Hereford. I've spent a lot of time and money on TfW recently, a break from them will be welcome. Originally I'd been going to avoid them for that reason, but a 67 to Swansea just could not be turned down! A few days away from the railway would not hurt, and that was my plan. Would I stick to it? Probably not!

------

Photos attached in order are:

1) 82201 and Blue Beauty at Swansea
2) 67025 and Blue Beauty at Swansea
3) Nandos, formerly 'my' Pizza Hut, at Morfa Retail Park, Swansea
4) The former overbridge on Oystermouth Road, long blocked off, this photo taken from the shared-use path
5) Not much further on, a photo of the beach, facing towards Mumbles and Bracelet Bay (a highly recommended area for exploring)
6) Signage for Route 4 at the point it heads inland. Still not done that bit but I have a hunch it's not suitable for a road cycle!
7) From a bench opposite it, this was a grab-shot of Oystermouth Castle
8) Two of the blocks on Hendrefoilan Student Village, what's left of it anyway, and my one was the one with the white handrail furthest from this view, taken from the road
9) Finally, a bike-selfie outside Swansea railway station

 

[andythebrave]

You know, this is a darn good read, I thank you for that but I don't thank you for awakening the urge to do mucho exploring around my old haunts. My legs won't thank you!


but my mind will

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Sounds like a fabulous day Tech! I bet you're glad you didn't get the 1455 Swansea to Manchester in the end as the Mk4 was swapped off at Cardiff! Look forward to seeing more reports from you.

 

[Techniquest]

You know, this is a darn good read, I thank you for that but I don't thank you for awakening the urge to do mucho exploring around my old haunts. My legs won't thank you!


but my mind will

I'm glad you enjoyed the read, and if you do go out exploring have a great time!

Trust me, my legs weren't thanking on some of those climbs yesterday so I know the feeling!

Sounds like a fabulous day Tech! I bet you're glad you didn't get the 1455 Swansea to Manchester in the end as the Mk4 was swapped off at Cardiff! Look forward to seeing more reports from you.

I was very glad indeed!

More action coming in the next couple of weeks, not sure where or whatever but it should be good fun

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good trip back in memory for the Swansea area. Would imagine that is the vast majority of 67+Mk4 network covered, bar the Sunday morning trip via Styal and any random Crewe - Chester services which aren't booked

 

[Techniquest]

Correct, that bit between Wilmslow and the junction where the airport line joins the mainline (I cannot remember the junction name) is all that remains on regular 67 coverage of the TfW network. I'm not aware of Crewe-Chester being done on a 67 in anything like regular occasions.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Correct, that bit between Wilmslow and the junction where the airport line joins the mainline (I cannot remember the junction name) is all that remains on regular 67 coverage of the TfW network. I'm not aware of Crewe-Chester being done on a 67 in anything like regular occasions.

Slade Lane Junction will be what you're thinking of!
Crewe Chester shuttles with the Mk4 sets sometimes happen in serious disruption, but not usual of course!

 

[Techniquest]

Slade Lane Junction will be what you're thinking of!
Crewe Chester shuttles with the Mk4 sets sometimes happen in serious disruption, but not usual of course!

I had a hunch it was Slade-something. Slade Green came to mind but I knew that was not it

Thanks for the correction, and regarding that 67 coverage from Wilmslow via Styal I might try for it later in the year with a hotel stay in the town. With the backup option being to head out on a cycle ride if the 67 fails to materialise, and to finally go and score the last station I want on that line!

 

[SuperLuke2334]

I had a hunch it was Slade-something. Slade Green came to mind but I knew that was not it

Thanks for the correction, and regarding that 67 coverage from Wilmslow via Styal I might try for it later in the year with a hotel stay in the town. With the backup option being to head out on a cycle ride if the 67 fails to materialise, and to finally go and score the last station I want on that line!

Sunday mornings are your best bet for that, but you'd likely have to do an overnighter in Crewe or Wilmslow to do it!

 

[Techniquest]

Sunday mornings are your best bet for that, but you'd likely have to do an overnighter in Crewe or Wilmslow to do it!

Hence the plan being to book a Premier Inn at Wilmslow to do it. If the 67 fails to produce, then I can still go off and do some cycling instead