Kite goes Exploring, Trip Reports

[Some guy]

The good folk of Barnoldswick would tell you that you are still in Yorkshire!

Could say the exact same in Todmorden one half was Lancashire

 

[Kite159]

Could say the exact same in Todmorden one half was Lancashire

And plenty of other towns/settlements which were historically in one county but have shifted to another county due to historic paperwork changes.

Like around London with the likes of Hayes & Bromley which ceased to be part of Kent to become part of Greater London. Or towns on the edge of the boundary of Greater Manchester still wishing they were in Lancashire.

 

[Iskra]

For it was lack of a better idea, I wanted to try and tick off a TPE between Castleford & Normanton for route coverage on a TPE service, sadly my crazy idea with using the bus between those two stations

I was toying with buying an extra ticket for Knottingley to Goole as it's been a while since I've been on the zombie section of that line, but the cost wasn't worth it in my eyes.

Yeah, I'm wanting to do Huddersfield-York via Castleford for the novelty at some point too. That's a shame, I did it recently and had forgotten how pleasant it was.

 

[Kite159]

Yeah, I'm wanting to do Huddersfield-York via Castleford for the novelty at some point too. That's a shame, I did it recently and had forgotten how pleasant it was.

The section of line between Castleford & the former Burton Salmon station area is quite rural (where the lines from Castleford meet up with the lines from Pontefract), with the area around Milford interesting with the various freight wagons for Drax power station.

 

[Iskra]

The section of line between Castleford & the former Burton Salmon station area is quite rural (where the lines from Castleford meet up with the lines from Pontefract), with the area around Milford interesting with the various freight wagons for Drax power station.

Yeah I agree, I always find that bit interesting. I’ve done the Northern Sheffield-York service and a railtour through there this year, the bit I haven’t done for ages is Mirfield-Wakefield past Healy Mills.

 

[Kite159]

Yeah I agree, I always find that bit interesting. I’ve done the Northern Sheffield-York service and a railtour through there this year, the bit I haven’t done for ages is Mirfield-Wakefield past Healy Mills.

The sad remains of Healy Mills where it's a case of spotting the track underneath the trees.

 

[Iskra]

The sad remains of Healy Mills where it's a case of spotting the track underneath the trees.

It was never great, but this years vegetation explosion could have buried it once and for all. However, they are bringing it back into use, believe it or not as engineering sidings for the TP core upgrade.

 

[Kite159]

It was never great, but this years vegetation explosion could have buried it once and for all. However, they are bringing it back into use, believe it or not as engineering sidings for the TP core upgrade.

Makes use of the land considering it will have limited use for anything else due to the location for the big TP upgrade project.

 

[Kite159]

6th July – Day trip to the West Midlands

My original idea for this Saturday was a canal walk, either on the Grand Union in Northamptonshire or the Kennet & Avon between Pewsey & Devizes however with the weather forecast looking damp I changed my mind from a long walk to a red pen day, either heading to London or to the West Midlands. In the end I decided on the West Midlands as the forecast was looking like the afternoon could be dryer (whereas London it was showing as rain pretty much all day).

The day began with the 05:59 service to Basingstoke, formed of 159104 & 158880 with the guard printing off my tickets due to the TVM at Grateley being out of action (took a while due to multiple splits). At Basingstoke I popped to the ticket office to buy my DayTripper to save a job for when I arrived into the West Midlands (having to step back at Dorridge to buy from the ticket office [assuming it was open] to take a stopper to Birmingham. Anyhow since my last visit to Basingstoke the signalling issue which was preventing trains going towards Reading from platform 4 had been fixed as 221144 rolled in with 220034 for the ride. Only the rear unit was available for passengers due to a staff shortage which meant it was a bit busier as I managed to get a decent seat which wasn’t reserved until Leamington Spa.

At Banbury I stepped back into the pouring rain, feeling sorry for the crowd waiting for the shuttle buses to Silverstone for the motor racing outside the station and waited as 68012 headed south and 168328 & 168005 rolled in on the next Birmingham service. I grabbed a seat in the former 1st class area of the former TPE and settled down to watch the scenery go by, thinking I was lucky as this service passed a 3 coach 168 at Solihull which was looking quite busy.

68012 at Banbury Station heading towards London by Kite, on Flickr

Arrival into Birmingham Moor Street was near enough on time as the train went in on top of another 2 coach 168 as I had a gentle stroll towards New Street swinging via Tesco for breakfast items passing some sort of running event and had a decision to make as the next Shrewsbury train was showing as 2 coaches or should I sample my first Avanti 805 train on the ‘semi-fast’. I swung via the platform the Shrewsbury train was on with spotting 006+012 but before I could see if it split up, I dashed towards winner 805003 to take a seat on the latest Hitachi unit. Pretty much the same as the other Hitachi units with the same seats as fitted on Lumo, sadly with pointless low down fixed armrests by the window side reducing the seat width. The reservation screens were quite bright with the amber or red lights for the status of the reservation as I sat on a table seat (same sort of table as on the Pendo with a raised lip).

I can’t really make much in the way of comment about handling at higher speeds on the run to Coventry (one down side of doing units for 10 miles is the need to visit Coventry rather than Birmingham International), my first visit since before covid and since the new station building opened. Handy to have a Sainsburys local (and Greggs) in that new building area but I found it a bit soulless on the top floor ticket barriers as I headed towards platform 3 where I was going to have a fester for another 805 back to Birmingham. That plan changed when winner 196008 rolled in on the next Nuneaton service and because those 2 coach 196s are a bit of a pain to get (not the most used fleet at the moment) I took it to Bermuda Park for no reason other than wanting a better photo of this station.

196008 at Bermuda Park Station by Kite, on Flickr

Looking at the map I saw the Coventry canal ran close to this station, with a path which followed the rough route of the closed Griff Arm of the canal via an underpass & woodland leading to the canal where it seems to continue but on a heavily overgrown section alongside the canal to a bridge in the distance so maybe I will keep to my original idea of using Bedworth as a breaking point when I eventually get round to walking this canal. Back to Bermuda Park getting lucky as the latest shower arrived at the same time as I did so it was a case of hiding in the shelter for 196008 to return from Nuneaton to take me back to Coventry.

A short wait at Coventry before 390152 rolled in on a Birmingham service (no point in hanging back as there was no more 805s due from a glance of RTT) and once back at Birmingham New Street I looked at ideas for what to do to avoid cancellations, sadly looked like the service 196006 might have been on heading back into New Street was cancelled heading back out so that unit escapes me. The next Lichfield bound service was a pair of 323s but the next Redditch was winners 730007 & 730046 as I took a seat near the back of 046 for the trip south. I decided to remain on board to Alvechurch taking a calculated risk with the weather changing, met office was suggesting the next few hours was going to be dry with the chance of a light shower, so a last-minute decision was made for a canal walk.

730046 departing Alvechurch Station by Kite, on Flickr

The canal in question was the Worcester & Birmingham canal and my idea was to follow the canal skirting round the edge of Alvechurch towards Birmingham where I needed to bypass the long Wast Hill tunnel going via Hawkesley to rejoin the canal. The canal towpath was mostly solid ground, a couple areas where it was flooded due to the recent rain. Worst section was some narrower parts caused by weeds and low sections with overgrown trees ready to give someone a wet head if they hit the branches. Quite peaceful with a nice view of the Lower Bittell reservoir

At Wast Hill tunnel it was a steep climb away from the canal to join a little country lane where I turned down a shortcut footpath as it looked like it crossed a muddy field, preferring to stay with the hard road surface of this quiet lane (passing various areas of fly tipping) as it climbed towards Hawkesley. I followed some other paths via the back of some housing (featuring a couple of dogs having a barking match) and onto the ‘Barge Horse’ way with the solid surface disappearing for grass before returning to solid ground near a school. A short while (and one U-turn later) I was on top of a steep downhill section to drop back to the canal level, sadly the northern portal of the tunnel was hidden from view.

Southern portal on the Wast Hill Tunnel, Worcester & Birmingham Canal by Kite, on Flickr

The next mile was along a cycle route so the towpath was decent surface and mostly wide (a couple sections where it was narrow under bridges) as I reached King’s Norton junction where the Stratford Upon Avon canal starts. I decided as the weather was sunny (and it would be a likely 28-minute fester at King’s Norton station) to turn onto the Stratford Upon Avon canal for the walk towards Shirley. A decent towpath until the last section due to being used by a cycle route with some nice woodland in a peaceful environment, with even an old Trident being spotted in the Brandwood End area of the city where there was a short section to bypass Brandwood tunnel.

Along the way I passed a group whom it seemed was walking 26 miles along canals for a charity fundraiser, which I had to feel sorry for with the weather in the morning. Anyhow this was an enjoyable walk as the canal weaved a few times due to hills and soon I reached the Shirley drawbridge where I left the canal side to head towards Shirley station putting a bit of speed on to make it to the station for the next northbound train formed of 172104 & 172002 as I took a seat in the former Overground unit after a quick photo.

172002 at Shirley Station by Kite, on Flickr

I took these units to The Hawthorns for a short unsuccessful tram hunt as I headed back towards Birmingham Snow Hill on 172221 & 172336 where I exited the station (noting the barriers were wide open) swinging via a few shops to grab some supplies for dinner making my slow way to Moor Street where I decided to call it a day and boarded an extended 168321 (temporary with 2 coaches from another 168) and 168109 for the run to a busy Banbury (the motor racing had ended it seems) and onto 221138 where I managed to grab a decent seat in coach B for the run to Basingstoke.

25 minutes at Basingstoke and 158880 & 159104 rolled in on a Salisbury stopper, surprisingly quiet in the front coach as it headed towards Grateley and I had a gentle walk home after an enjoyable day. Wasn’t expecting to do a 11-mile canal walk with the forecast being rubbish but it was nice to be back out in nature. Hopefully my next trip to the West Midlands to do units with my red pen it will be a bit more productive. Thanks for reading, more photos can be found here, the Sunday was a rest day due to the changeable weather as I couldn’t quite bring myself to have a London day.

 

[Kite159]

Trips 13th & 14th July

13th July – Rural Northamptonshire on the Grand Union Canal

With the weather looking dryer than the previous weekend I decided to head towards Northamptonshire for another section of the Grand Union Canal, a walk I was hoping to have done last weekend but axed it with the weather. The day began with the 05:59 service from Grateley (a quiet 159017 & 158880) to Woking where due to the sprinters arriving a couple of minutes early, I made a connection into the service from Alton (450006 & 450064) for the run to Clapham Junction. The service I was aiming for was the one from Southampton which turns into a stopper from Basingstoke, a service I could swear never used to call at Clapham Junction unless my memory is playing games.

Anyhow at Clapham, the Overground was a bit chaotic with cancellations but thankfully there was no issues with the Southern service to Watford Junction formed of a busy 377705 to take me to the bay platform at Watford Junction where after a photograph of some passing freight (and a 57 hauling some coaches) I made my way across to platform 6 to board winner 805001 for the quick dash to Milton Keynes Central, another 805 into my book (and certainly Watford – Milton Keynes is a lot more interesting than Birmingham New Street to Coventry).

805001 at Milton Keynes Central by Kite, on Flickr

At Milton Keynes I headed across to platform 3 for the next Birmingham train to take me to Northampton (350238 & 350109) where after visiting the toilet I headed out of the station and towards the town centre, originally I was going towards a Tesco but got lost and ended up popping to Boots to grab items for lunch before making my way to a bus stop on the Drapery for the rough 2 hourly Stagecoach operated route 88 to Silverstone with bus 10537 on this reasonably busy bus. This bus took me to the outskirts of the village of Blisworth as I alighted at Station Road just beyond the railway arch carrying the WCML. An interesting route going out of Northampton town centre towards Delapre, then via a big Tesco before Milton Malsor.

My walk began with a short walk along station road to join the Grand Union canal, firstly heading underneath the railway and towards Gayton Junction where the Northampton arm branches off (a walk I will do later starting from Weedon). After a photograph at the junction, I headed back the same way I came, passing the remains of a railway bridge (which I think carried the old Northampton - Peterborough line). I went underneath Station Road and headed towards Blisworth itself, skirting round the edge of this small village leading to the northern portal of the Blisworth tunnel.

Northern portal of Blisworth Tunnel (Grand Union Canal) by Kite, on Flickr

Like most canal tunnels, this tunnel lacks a towpath, but thankfully the walking route bypassing the tunnel was straight forward along Stoke Road (even if it was a bit hilly), then along a footpath leading to the canal at the southern portal, passing underneath the remains of the old Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway route. After a quick photo of the southern portal, I carried on the towpath towards the village of Stoke Bruerne, passing the canal museum and reaching the Stoke Bruerne flight of locks. I continued passing the locks and into countryside as the canal did some weaving following the river Tove at first before skirting round the edge of Grafton Regis where the towpath which had been reasonable for a rural canal turned more overgrown, having to dodge nettles and thorns on both sides the path. I passed a small boat yard near Yardley Gobion (with an unusual "beware of elderly ducks" sign designed to get people to read the "slow down passed moored boats" section underneath it).

The canal continued in peaceful countryside before reaching Cosgrove with the towpath flipping sides at Thrupp Wharf and thankfully returning to a more reasonable path in terms of overgrowth. The towpath flipped sides once more at a lovely old bridge in Cosgrove itself. I continued, passing some old tracks embedded in the ground near Cosgrove wharf near Cosgrove junction where the remains of the Buckingham arm branded off. I crossed the lock and had a short stroll along the restored section (now used to moor boats) with the section beyond the bridge being saved for another trip where I can do something involving the Ouse Valley Way.

Cosgrove Junction on Grand Union Canal by Kite, on Flickr

I returned to the main Grand Union canal, crossing the lock once more and onto the final section towards Wolverton, crossing over the Great Ouse on the Cosgrove (Iron Trunk) Aqueduct reaching Wolverton with the canal skirting round the northern edge of the railway works. Ironically this was one of the worst section being narrow in places with added hazards of low trees. I reached the footbridge near Wolverton station which is where I started a walk back in March. I put on a extra bit of speed going up the stairs and towards Wolverton station arriving a minute or so before the next London train. I was worried when the PIS suggested the train was a single 4 coach unit but thankfully it was a pair of 350s. All be a pair of 3+2 seated /2s (yay!) with 350248 leading 350237 as I managed to grab a seat in the former 1st class area for the trip towards Watford Junction.

At Watford Junction I had a short wait before winners 730010 & 730006 rolled in from Milton Keynes to take me to Euston, where I had a short wait for 710263 on the next Overground to Willesden Junction, the train getting very busy after Queen's Park due to the Bakerloo line having some issues. I made my way to the high level platforms at Willesden to jump onto 378230 on the next Clapham Junction service hoping to make a completely unofficial connection to a Salisbury service.

730010 at London Euston by Kite, on Flickr

Due to being in the right position of the train (near the front) I easily made the connection to 158883 & 159108 on the next Salisbury service, made easier by being a couple of minutes late. The train reached Overton with some seriously heavy rain bouncing from the platform, thankfully by the time the train reached Grateley the sunshine was back, all be with some dark clouds. I had a gentle stroll home, feeling strange returning at 18:15 on a Saturday where I had some food from the freezer and relaxed for the rest of the evening. An enjoyable stroll along the Grand Union canal, the last 2 sections (other than the Leicester Arm) are easy enough to do on a Sunday [Weedon to Northampton as Weedon gets an hourly bus service & Warwick Parkway to Olton, just a case of waiting for both good weather and no engineering works. I did make a start with rough plans for the Leicester arm of the canal breaking it up into smaller sections with places served by buses.

14th July – A trip to the Southend Coast

The idea for today was originally going to be a trip to Hertford for the old railway line path towards the outskirts of Welwyn but due to the final of a kickball competition I didn’t fancy risking using Great Northern from Welwyn Garden City and with engineering works with Greater Anglia only being hourly from Hertford East and Hertford North being buses that idea was put on the back shelf again. I changed my mind from doing the river from Harlow to Bishop’s Stortford again on Saturday evening after looking at engineering works in the Southend area to dust off an old plan I had for Southend.

With engineering works in Salisbury, I decided to drive to Andover for the 07:03 train (good thing I did as the next couple services were cancelled) with a lightly loaded 9 coach service with 159106, 159003 & 159014 for the trip to Waterloo, only really getting busy after Woking (in the front coach). At Waterloo I had nearly an hour before the next train towards Southend Victoria, so I took the Jubilee line (set 96075 + 96118) to London Bridge for a Northern line service (51598 + 51599) to Moorgate for the long walk to Liverpool Street going via the Lizzy line platforms, just something to waste some time. After confirming the next Ipswich stopper wasn’t needed, I took a seat on unexpected winner 720103 on the next Southend service (unexpected because RTT was quoting a 720/5 for this service, so must have been a set swap). This service took me to Prittlewell where my walk began (and I’m sure most of the passengers who were getting off at Prittlewell had tickets and weren’t simply using that station to bypass the ticket barriers at Southend Victoria a mere half a mile away.

720103 alongside 720586 at Liverpool Street by Kite, on Flickr

I headed towards Priory Park, passing the priory itself to pick up a path called the Prittle Brook Greenway, a mixed used path following the route of the Prittle brook (a mostly dry river which I would imagine only flows during the winter or after heavy rain). Not the most interesting of paths as it was quite stop-start due to crossing roads, but it did have some nice parts with woodland near the Leigh on Sea end. When this path ended, I went along some roads to reach the top of the Belton Hills giving some beautiful views of the Thames Estuary.

View from the Belton Hills, Leigh on Sea (2) by Kite, on Flickr

There was many steps from the top of the hill to reach the bottom of the hill near Leigh on Sea station, before I picked up a busy path following the High Street giving some views of Leigh Marsh, the road turned into a footpath after Victoria wharf, a path running between the water (on the right) and the railway line on the left heading towards Chalkwell where the railway headed inland. I continued my stroll along the path next to Chalkwell Beach changing to Westcliff Beach when a busy road came in alongside the pavement.

I continued along the esplanade towards Southend pier, going underneath the pier towards jubilee beach, carrying on heading towards Thorpe Bay and Shoebury Common, passing many beach huts along the way. After Shoebury Common beach I went into the Gunners Park nature reserve, following the path alongside a beach the public can't access (with many warning signs about it being dangerous due to being an old army firing range area. After the park I carried on into Shoeburyness passing the east beach walking to the end of the path (where it runs into the Pig’s Bay military place). A gentle walk along the road (over the rusting remains of the Pig’s Bay railway line) and to Shoeburyness station buying a single to Southend Central making use of the new fare structure.

Leigh on Sea waterfront from footpath alongside railway line (12) by Kite, on Flickr

It was onto the next C2C service formed of 357202 & 357029 for the ride to Southend Central, exiting the station and towards the city centre, passing the Knife Angel (which is quite stunning in real life) and via the big Sainsburys to Southend Victoria to board winner 720102 on the rear of 720580 on the next Liverpool Street service, my phone going straight on charge as it was quite low.

These 720s took me to Shenfield where I stepped back for a 15 minute fester for a service from Clacton (I think) with dud 720119 leading winner 720128 for the run to Stratford (where I ended up on a fold-down seat by the doors as it was quite busy). At Stratford I headed towards the Jubilee line with the next service going from platform 13 and formed of 96062 & 96051, getting very busy along the way due to the kickball (and I was glad to get off at Waterloo). After grabbing some dinner items from Tesco I headed to the main station at Waterloo to board the 17:45 service for Salisbury formed of a quiet 159014, 159003 & 159017. I alighted at Andover, having a short walk to my car to drive home, relaxing for the rest of the evening.

Knife Angel in Southend City Centre by Kite, on Flickr

A mostly enjoyable walk (the second section from Leigh to Shoeburyness was more interesting that the first section). I did notice the older train was out on Southend Pier when I passed close to the pier, a trio of 720s into my book was a bonus as well (as well as departing platform 1 at Southend Victoria which from my notes clears that station). Nice weather for a waterfront walk as well. More photos can be found on my Flickr, thanks for reading.

 

[Kite159]

19th – 21st July – Weekend in Cheshire

This weekend trip was originally meant to have been for 3 days (staying overnight on the Sunday and returning home on the Monday) but due to my forthcoming job change I can’t afford to take any more annual leave so sadly this was one trip which got cut back to just the 2 days with various ideas of what to do on the Saturday, all depending on what the weather decided to do.

19th July – “Non-stop Rugby to Crewe”

The trip began with the 17:59 from Grateley, I was hoping to catch the 17:37 from Andover instead keeping my eyes on its progress from Exeter (where it was around 13 minutes late) only for it to wait time at Gillingham with the usual “This train will no longer call at” message popping up on the journey check website (although I will admit seeing it calling at Woking instead of Basingstoke was a bit unusual, but I’m guessing there are more options for passengers to reach Clapham Junction from Woking compared to Basingstoke). Anyhow back to the 17:59 as it rolled in around 5 minutes late and as expected 159103 was quite busy from the start and only got busier as the journey went on, although it did empty out a bit at Basingstoke.

Arrival into Waterloo was near enough on time, the lost time being recovered with a fast run, as I made my way to the Northern line for a very hot trip to Euston with set 51512/51511 as I wanted to catch the 19:46 and when I checked RTT on the approach to Waterloo it was running 5 or so minutes late but nothing major. When I arrived at Euston everything had broken, a broken down train in the Watford area was causing some lengthy delays with the train to form the 19:46 for Crewe arriving at 20:03 as it lost 30 minutes in the queue between Cheddington & Euston.

159103 at Grateley by Kite, on Flickr

With the expected delay to the inbound service the departure screens changed for the 19:46 to be nonstop to Rugby and then fast to Crewe, good for passengers for those stations, not so good for passengers for the stations being ripped out as it meant an hour wait for the following service. I was surprised though that the 19:56 Birmingham train had all it stops ripped out south of Northampton, considering that was expected to be only 10 minutes late from Euston (and had a 15 minute dwell at Northampton). Anyhow 350403 & 350110 eventually popped up for the 19:46 service, departing around 25 minutes late with various announcements about it being nonstop to Rugby then fast to Crewe. Although it did call at Milton Keynes for a driver change and to pick up passengers (as it was showing on the screens catching the guard off-guard). With the limited calls and short turnaround at Euston the front coach was very quiet as it went onto the fast lines on the Trent Valley for a speedy run towards Crewe, the fast run only coming to an end at the southern end as it waited for trains to cross in front before going into platform 7 arriving 13 minutes late. Speedy 350!

I headed away from the station, walking to my usual shared house for accommodation, being in the downstairs bedroom this time (it alternatives between the downstairs room & upstairs single room being cheaper), opening the windows full to get some air into the warm room, sorting out my bag and making my final decision for the Saturday based on the weather forecast being dry in the morning with some heavy rain expected in the afternoon/evening.

20th July – Exploring the Trent & Mersey Canal in rural Cheshire.

My original idea for today was to head across to Ashbourne for one of the limited buses to Pomeroy to walk the Tissington Trail, a path along the track bed of the old railway which ran from Uttoxeter to Buxton via Ashbourne (part still exists for the quarry at Dowlow), however with the forecasted heavy rain in the afternoon I decided to park that walk in the sidings (as walking in the remote Peak District in a thunderstorm won’t be fun). I decided to do a walk I was originally saving for a weekday (considering that both ends could be linked via buses from Crewe) as it was short (ish), the walk being to plug my coverage gap on the Trent & Mersey canal between Elworth (near Sandbach) to Lostock Gralam.

The day began with the 07:43(odd) service from Crewe to Manchester formed of 323229 to take me the one stop to Sandbach where my walk began, where straight away I ran into a blocked path with the footbridge over the railway to the south of the station being blocked forcing a detour via Moss Lane towards the canal at a footbridge I previously finished a walk at, dropping down onto the towpath and heading north heading away from Elworth (the place where Sandbach station is located) and soon into peaceful countryside with the solid towpath soon changing more rural. Peace was ended near Albion Lock where the canal meets the A533 road, running parallel to this road for the next couple of miles towards the town of Middlewich. A couple areas where the towpath got quite narrow due to vegetation growth as I soon reached Middlewich with the towpath getting busier with dog walkers (and canal busy with boats navigating the locks).

323229 departing Sandbach Station by Kite, on Flickr

I reached the junction with the short Wardle canal (which connects with the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union), carrying on via some curves and locks to exit Middlewich, crossing over the river Dane on an aqueduct as the canal returned to being very rural (in both countryside & towpath surface). The canal continued with a few bends along the way before heading towards Whatcroft & Rudheath, going underneath the Middlewich freight railway line via a modern bridge. The canal turned north again heading towards the Northwich area, reaching Rudheath with the countryside views changing to be more urban and finally industrial as the canal cuts through the Lostock Works site.

The final section of canal went underneath the railway line (where I was a minute or so late to catch a freight train passing over the canal) reaching the A559 road where my coverage was completed, meeting up with the point where I walked towards Runcorn last October time. My original finishing point for this walk was Lostock Gralam station, however because I was getting hungry, and I had around 45 minutes to kill before the next Manchester train was due. I followed the A559 towards Northwich, swinging via a B&M to have a nosey before popping into the large Tesco near Northwich station to grab lunch and extra liquids.

Railway bridge (Middlewich Branch) over Trent & Mersey Canal in Rudheath (2) by Kite, on Flickr

The next Manchester train was formed of a single 156425 which was reasonably busy as I managed to grab a table seat, this gave a +8 at Piccadilly for the next TfW service so when it was on time at Stockport I decided to remain on board, which nearly was a mistake as the 156 got put on the slow lines after Stockport for a late running Pendo before doing some random weaves on the approach to Piccadilly, thankfully I had a couple of minutes to dash towards a busy winner 197120 on the next train towards Cardiff, grabbing a seat in the declassified first class area (and putting my phone on charge as the USB sockets on the 156 weren't working).

I took this 197 to Nantwich (of all places) as the next Manchester bound train was another winner and was running a few minutes late allowing for an easy connection, even if I did have to fight through the crowd at the exit of the station to use the footbridge due to the barriers remaining down. Winner 197107 rolled in as expected, a set swap working to my benefit as this service from Milford lost quite a bit of time in the West of Wales and was restarted at Cardiff. I managed to get a decent seat for the run back to Manchester Piccadilly working out a rough plan as I had a couple other winner 197s due in the Manchester area (plus a third which was showing as working a service later that evening which had been swapped over at Cardiff to end up on a Swanline stopper).

197120 departs Nantwich Station by Kite, on Flickr

With around 45 minutes to kill I jumped on a Marple bound 195103 to Ryder Brow for no reason other than wanting some more photos of this station before it gets ‘upgraded’ with a horrible waiting shelter with a perch rather than an actual seat. I didn’t have long at Ryder Brow before 150138 rolled in from Marple (services terminating at Marple due to the issues around New Mills) which took me to Ashburys for a 2 minute (if that) linear hop onto 195015 from Rose Hill Marple back to Manchester Piccadilly, where I nearly caught a pair of 195s to Oxford Road but was worried about connections, but I shouldn’t have worried as the Castlefield corridor was its usual chaotic self with delays because using platform 3 at Oxford Road when another train is on platform 4 being delayed waiting for a driver is too much like hard work.

Eventually winner 197043 rolled in something like 15 minutes late (it had been on time passing Eccles!) which took me to Manchester Airport, my last of the current 2 coach 197s in use at the current time (the other 2 coach 197s are those for the Cambrian line with the signalling kit). I could have returned to Piccadilly on the same unit but decided to make a change and boarded 185135 & 185126 on a service for Saltburn, where the front unit (185135) was locked out of use due to being detached at Piccadilly as it had a leaking toilet which stunk). Not the fastest of runs back to Piccadilly due to following a late running stopper (just shows the Liverpool – Manchester stopper via Chat Moss should be split at Oxford Road or Victoria with a separate stopper between Piccadilly & the Airport to avoid delays being transferred across Manchester.

195103 departs Ryder Brow by Kite, on Flickr

Anyhow at Manchester Piccadilly once more, it was a short wait before winner 197102 rolled in from the Cardiff direction as I popped out of the station for some fresh air before taking this 197 to Crewe, just as a top & tailed charter passed with 57310 leading (looking smart in the GBRf colours). This is when I noticed the change on RTT with the 21:30 service from Manchester no longer due to feature 197113 which forced a quick replan as I headed to Chester on 197046 where the heavens absolutely opened, the rain bouncing from the platform as I headed across to platform 7 to wait the next Merseyrail service just to waste some time. Sadly, this is the time of day where trains would arrive at Chester but half depart back towards Liverpool as ECS as Merseyrail drops to 2tph (which in my eyes 7pm always seems too early to drop to 2tph, especially at weekends). Eventually 777007 rolled in on the 19:00 service which departed 5 minutes late so I played it safe & bailed at Bache rather than Capenhurst (the connection being reduced to a +1). There was some signalling issues to the south of Bache with drivers being instructed to pass a signal at danger as 777011 took me back to Chester having to fight through the large crowd waiting.

I had a short wait at Chester watching as the 777 departed as well as a busy 158 for Shrewsbury & Crewe [comes in from Holyhead as a pair and divides at Chester] before winner 197114 appeared from Wrexham on the next Liverpool service which I took to Runcorn, taking shelter in the rather nice waiting room on the Crewe bound platform for the 15 minutes before 350108 rolled in on a semi fast service for Birmingham, which was reasonably quiet in the front coach as I relaxed for the non-stop run to Crewe putting in an order for a pizza at Tiger Bite, picking up said pizza on the walk back to the shared house in the light rain. Although the pizza did defeat me (got to a point where I decided I couldn’t eat anymore, probably left it too late), I spent the rest of the evening listening to the rain, being thankful that earlier in the day at Northwich I picked up a bottle of flavoured water for the Sunday rather than having to go back out into the rain to the large Tesco.

777027 passing Bache by Kite, on Flickr

An enjoyable day on a Cheshire Ranger, a nice stroll along the Trent & Mersey canal followed by a short red pen afternoon with some 197s, I had hoped to somehow get across to Liverpool for a 777 hunt, but they can wait for another day.

21st July – Trent & Mersey canal in rural Staffordshire

The idea for today was to fill in another gap of my walking coverage of the Trent & Mersey canal, walking the gap between Stone station & Rugeley, a route which broadly follows the route of the Stone – Colwich railway line (used mostly by Avanti services between Stoke & London). The day began with checking out of the shared house and heading to Crewe station via Tesco Express for breakfast and grabbing something for lunch. At Crewe station I boarded 350103 on the 08:40 service to Stafford (via Stoke) which took me to Stone (which featured a very proactive guard checking tickets, which for London Northwestern is quite unusual).

Anyhow a few minutes late into Stone as my walk began leaving the station and taking a footpath towards a modern footbridge over the railway line (replaced a foot crossing) and to the Trent & Mersey canal turning left. After going underneath the railway line, the first section of the canal skirted round the edge of Stone town centre with a decent solid towpath which carried on passing the suburbs of Little Stoke to near Aston-by-Stone where the cycle path which made use of the towpath veered off towards the roads with the towpath switching to something more rural. The railway runs close to the canal along this rural section with some parts of the towpath quite overgrown meaning process was slow at times (as I tried to dodge various spiky plants, thorns & nettles).

350103 at Stone by Kite, on Flickr

The canal ran close to the settlement of Sandon with the river Trent not that far away (as well as the A51 road). I continued with the walk some areas being worse than others (some areas it looked like someone had been round with a garden strimmer to cut back the long grass). I paused for some lunch at a handy bench near Weston before carrying on with this wavy canal eventually arriving at Great Haywood where the rural towpath for a time turned more solid as I passed a large marina reaching Haywood junction where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal started (heading towards Wolverhampton, Kidderminster & the Severn at Stourport). I was glad to be walking downhill on this canal as some of the gradients on the towpath at locks were quite steep, even the bridge over the canal at Haywood Junction was steep.

After Haywood Junction I continued the walk heading towards Little Haywood skirting round the Shugborough estate going underneath the WCML at the same time as a London - Crewe service passed, one I was aiming to meet at Rugeley around 80 minutes later. When I saw said service was a pair of 350/2s I decided to gamble with the service an hour later (a pair of 350/2s are bearable if you can get into the former 1st class area however it would have been a large gamble if any seats in those areas being available at Rugeley). Anyhow back to the canal as I decided on a little detour away from the canal towards the Colwich junction memorial garden, the scene of a tragic accident in the 1980s.

390127 heading towards London passing Colwich Junction by Kite, on Flickr

I returned to the canal and carried on with the next section towards Rugeley, with the towpath becoming a bit overgrown again with tall bushes between the towpath & canal side blocking the view. I reached Wolseley Bridge (going underneath the A51 road) with the canal running close to the railway once more with the first (and only) towpath swap with a short section of canal with a dual towpath going underneath the main road (again) and going over the river Trent on the Brindley Bank Aqueduct (where the 2nd towpath drops away from the canal as it makes a sharp bend to skirt round the edge of the Rugeley suburbs before reaching the Station road bridge which marks the completion of the coverage gap (meeting up with where I walked from Fradley from April).

With 40 minutes to waste before the next London train and as my water bottle was nearly empty (somehow, I managed to get through nearly 3 litres of liquid on this hot day) I decided to carry on with the canal towpath to the next bridge to swing via Morrisons to grab some liquids and some reduced to clear bakery items. After visiting Morrisons I headed towards Rugeley Trent Valley station knowing the next London train would feature a 350/2 on the northern end and not a 350 at the southern end (as it passed me on the canal) I positioned myself close to coach 4 of 8, getting lucky with a decent table seat on 350126 leading 350261 on this busy service.

Trent & Mersey Canal between Stone & Sandon (25) by Kite, on Flickr

Nothing unusual happened along the way until Milton Keynes where the train crossed over to the slow lines just beyond the station before crossing back over to the fast lines between Leighton Buzzard & Cheddington (nothing overtook us as the Pendo which was following us at Milton Keynes also did something similar). Arrival into Euston was a few minutes late, nothing major as I had a gentle slow stroll via the roads to Waterloo (just to waste some time, as I had 70 minutes before the next Grateley service), swinging via Tesco to pick up dinner items before heading into the station, where I noticed the 18:45 service for Salisbury was showing as first stop Overton (and was running late due to various issues on the West of England line which forced the 18:20 service to start at Basingstoke).

158887 & 159009 were the units on the 18:45 service with the calls at Woking & Basingstoke made pick-up only due to expected overcrowding (I presume). Nothing unusual happened along the way back to Grateley and I had a gentle walk home to rest my tired legs. An enjoyable stroll on the canal (even with the overgrown towpath but that is always a risk with rural canals this time of year), I've only got one more section of the Trent & Mersey to walk (from Willington to the canal end at Shardlow, where it becomes the Trent Navigation).

A 350 alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal near Rugeley by Kite, on Flickr
Thanks for reading, more photos can be found on my Flickr Here, have a good day

 

[Kite159]

27th July – Visiting the Dean Forest Railway

When this tour popped up on the UK Railtours website, I was interested as I was meant to visit the Dean Forest Railway back in 2018 on a Charity Railtour which got postponed (and finally cancelled). As a bonus it started at Basingstoke which meant I didn’t have to fork out for accommodation and travel costs were low.

The day for me began with the 05:59 service from Grateley to Basingstoke with 159105 & 158886 arriving around half six giving me just over an hour to grab some supplies for the day ahead, but first I had a gentle stroll towards the Gresley Road passing the Network Rail signalling centre and doing a small loop coming back via Eastrop Park. After a visit to the supermarket, I returned to the station to find out that the charter was running around 15 minutes late due to a problem at Eastleigh depot.

Eastrop Park, Basingstoke by Kite, on Flickr

Eventually 33012 rolled in with the London Transport 4TC set as I located my seat in the rear coach as the service departed doing a little weave to get ahead of a stopper from Basingstoke but due to being out of path it kept on losing time. Another pick up was made at Woking before the 33 continued towards London, losing an extra 10 minutes outside Wimbledon to wait for a Thameslink service to clear platform 9 and to get a clear path to pass platform 9 for a little crawl via South London going via Tooting, Herne Hill & Wandsworth Road to reach Clapham Junction where it arrived just as a stopper to Reading departed.

The train did fill up at Clapham with 2 others joining me at my table for a crawl towards Reading, as the charter soon caught up with that SWR service. I noticed Staines has new signs promoting a bus link to Heathrow Airport & Thorpe Park. Anyhow back to the crawl as the train eventually reached the outskirts of Reading taking the connection towards platform 8 for a brief pause for staff before setting off using the festival chord to join the relief lines where it finally got some speed up only to loss time outside Didcot Parkway as a Didcot terminator got put ahead of the charter with the charter having to wait for it to depart back towards London.

33012 (D6515) arriving at Basingstoke by Kite, on Flickr

This extra delay meant the train was near enough an hour late for the final pick up at Didcot before having a fast run towards Swindon and onto the Golden Valley line (I will admit to having a little doze due to the warmth within the carriage as the 4TC set isn’t the nicest on a warm day with the restricted opening windows). Anyhow the train continued making up time due to missing out on a loop and a faster crew change at Gloucester before continuing towards Lydney, crossing over into the goods loop and after a short delay headed onto the connection to the Dean Forest Railway towards Lydney Junction station.

The train continued along the track of the Dean Forest Railway (formally the Severn and Wye Railway) passing at Norchard before running to the end of the line at Parkend (where I believe beyond is a mixed used path on cycle route 42 towards Cinderford which has gone onto my list). Anyhow at Parkend after a photo of the loco I decided on a late notice walk along the road towards Whitecroft, picking up a slightly overgrown footpath along the way which followed the railway, allowing me a chance to photograph the 33 as it passed the station heading to Norchard where it would shunt to the low level platform for servicing.

33012 (D6515) passing Whitecroft Station on the Dean Forest Railway by Kite, on Flickr

The steam train out today was the GWR 4575 Class, number 5541 with a collection of coaches of both Mk1 & Mk2. I grabbed a seat for the run towards Lydney Junction where I popped out of the station with the hope of making it to Lydney station for some photos but got distracted with the steam engine running round the coaches and didn’t make it to the national rail station (as I didn’t want to risk getting locked out of the station due to the barrow crossing). I took a seat for the short run to Lydney Town station, having a gentle stroll towards a Tesco for supplies for dinner before following a footpath which crossed the railway near Middle Forge Junction where the line splits for Norchard (which is a station which is split over two levels).

GWR 4575 Class 5541 running round the train at Lydney Junction Station on the Dean Forest Railway by Kite, on Flickr

I reached the road and walked the short distance to Norchard station, grabbing some photos and getting surprised as the person whom had the seat next to me had popped up. Anyhow the train departed the low-level platform heading towards Lydney Junction for a brief pause before joining the network rail line in the goods loop. The way back was similar to the outward but a bit slower with pauses outside Swindon (with a short pause on the platform), the Wantage Road loop & the Reading depot loop before the tour headed towards Reading West and via Bramley to reach Basingstoke where winner 66793 (one of the European imports) attached to the rear to haul the train towards London. Would have been foolish to turn down a winning 66 so I remained on board to Woking to get it into my book, a short wait before 159017 & 159020 rolled in on a semifast service to take me to Andover where I had a thirty-minute fester before 159011 arrived on the next stopper to take me up the hill to Grateley where I had a gentle walk home.

The Sunday was spent at home doing work in the garden so for me, travels wise July was over. Scary to think it’s August, where my plans only so far have one Railtour on the 10th August (the Intercity Loco Hauled trip in the North West) with only ideas for walking based on the weather for the rest of the month. August is a time when accommodation does get more expensive due to school holidays with no annual leave for this year due to starting training on the 12th August (one reason why I did the morning walk in Basingstoke was to get my bearings). More photos from today can be found on my Flickr, but for now I will leave you with the 66 at Woking as I have no idea when my next Railtour will be which features a 66.

66793 at Woking Station by Kite, on Flickr

 

[Kite159]

3rd & 4th August Trips

3rd August - Sewell Greenway & Crick Canal

The original idea for today’s stroll was the section of the Grand Union canal between Weedon & Northampton but as usual my plans changed along the way as I did an old railway walk which had been on my list and a shorter canal walk to make a start with the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union. The morning was a bit damp, but the rain was forecast to end later in the morning which was good news.

The day began with the 06:59 service from Grateley with 159015 for the short spin to Basingstoke, stepping back to board 450024 & 450034 on the next train to call at Clapham Junction giving me around 15 minutes to fester before 377703 took me to Watford Junction where I decided to board winners 730029 & 730042 on the next stopper which was terminating at Bletchley instead of Milton Keynes due to staff shortages rather than taking the next pair of 350s to Northampton. At Leighton Buzzard I paused to photograph the BLS tour passing, which was tempting but I couldn't justify the cost, before boarding an Arriva run F70 bus for Luton (with bus 3896) to take me via Leighton Buzzard town centre and to the village of Stanbridge where I began the first walk of the day.

69008 passing Leighton Buzzard by Kite, on Flickr

The Sewell Greenway is a short, mixed use path (part of cycle route 6) making use of the former railway line which ran from Leighton Buzzard towards Dunstable (and on to Luton which has been turned into the busway). From Stanbridge I headed south along the pavement (on a busy road) towards Stanbridgeworth turning into a housing estate and passing the former station building (now a private house) and onto the tarmac greenway path. A bit overgrown at the start as it crossed over the A505 before giving some nice views of Tottenhoe Quarry nature reserve. The woodlands gave way to the Sewell Cutting nature reserve which was quite nice for nature before nature gave way to the urban environment of the northern area of Dunstable.

I cut via a car park to reach Brewers Hill Road and headed towards a bus stop near Watling Close to board a late running Arriva run route F77 service (for Milton Keynes) with bus 3960. I was a bit tempted to wait a further couple of minutes to board the new Arriva run coach service to Milton Keynes but the connection between bus & train was a bit tight. This was a busy bus which headed away from Dunstable with some fast running on the A505 (bypassing Stanbridge) before heading towards Leighton Buzzard and all the traffic. One of these days I will get round to visiting the light railway in this area.

Sewell Greenway in Sewell Cutting (towards Dunstable) (5) by Kite, on Flickr

The bus dropped me off outside the railway station and I headed across to await the next Birmingham train with 350128 & 350242 doing the honours for the trip to Northampton as I looked at options. Sadly, this is where I noticed Weedon would have to be dropped (as Northampton to Weedon might be 2 buses an hour, they depart within 5 minutes of each other with the later bus overtaking the first bus due to having a more direct route. I decided that could be a Sunday walk and I looked up the timings of the next Rugby bus, which turned out to be around 40 minutes time from the town centre allowing me time to grab some lunch (and some more water) from Boots.

It was onto the Stagecoach run route 96 service (with bus 36948) which heads towards Rugby. A reasonably busy service as it headed away from Northampton town centre via the suburbs in the Northwest (Ryehill, New Dunston) where around half the bus alighted along the way before heading into the countryside passing Althorp Estate detouring via East Haddon before Long Buckby (which seemed to be a pretty village). The bus skirted round Watford heading towards West Haddon before some more speed along the A428 as I alighted at Crick marina to make my way towards the canal. The first section was short before running into the northern portal of Crick tunnel (which Google Maps seems to think has a towpath inside and refuses to believe otherwise).

South Portal to Crick Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line) by Kite, on Flickr

I knew about the lack of towpath as I had a short double back and onto a poorly signposted footpath across some fields (with some poorly maintained Stiles) to reach Crick village, going via the village and heading along Watford Road (a narrow country lane which was quiet) to where a path leading to the southern portal of the tunnel dropping back onto the canal towpath. Very peaceful in this area with some nice views of countryside as I headed along the towpath going underneath the railway (the Northampton loop) before quiet got replaced with road noise from the M1 before reaching the Watford Locks (featuring a Staircase Lock) with a lot of boats waiting to go up & down. Next up I passed Watford Gap services (although no access from the towpath to the service area other than what seemed to be locked gates), crossing from the north to the south .

The towpath itself was quite variable in quality with some trip hazards requiring extra focus to avoid those tree roots or large rocks ready to send someone headfirst into the canal (splash!) After Watford Gap services I crossed underneath the WCML and the A5 road with the canal heading towards Norton Junction where it met up with the main Grand Union canal in the Buckby Wharf area with some locks before my canal walk ended as I joined the "Three Bridges" road going underneath both the railway (Weedon line) and the M1 before the pavement ended on this busy 60mph road. Not the most enjoyable of walks as I headed towards Long Buckby station with the pavement thankfully returning for the last section as I reached the station taking a seat on a bench to await 350237 & 350107 on the next London service to take me to Milton Keynes Central (as this was one of the services which ran nonstop after Leighton Buzzard).

350405 arriving at Long Buckby by Kite, on Flickr

I popped out of the station at Milton Keynes to the nearby Morrisons for dinner items before heading back, turning down a pair of 350/2s on the stopper to gamble with the next train from Birmingham. Thankfully the gamble paid off with 350258 & 350406 with the former TPE unit being lightly loaded as I settled down for the trip to Watford Junction, transferring to 377703 on the last Southern service of the day (I presume engineering works which meant the last few services were only running as far as Shepherd's Bush). I made the mistake in alighting from the train at Shepherd’s Bush in the hope of getting a photograph of the BLS charter heading back north but that got delayed in the Kensington Olympia area, so I had to board 378213 to Clapham Junction. Heading across to platform 9 I had to do a double take when I saw a pair of 450s on a Chessington South service before boarding a busy 159022 on a Salisbury stopper where I thankfully managed to get a half decent seat in the front coach, for the trip back to Grateley.

An enjoyable day with 2 different walks, the old railway line followed by the first section of the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union canal, with 2 more of the 730/0s into my book.

4th August – Grand Union Canal in Rural Warwickshire & West Midlands

The idea for today’s walk was to explore the section of the Grand Union canal between Warwick (Parkway) and Olton via rural Warwickshire before reaching rural Solihull. The day starting with the 07:37 service from Grateley to Andover (159106 & 159003) stepping back to board 159019 on the Reading service which gave me 35 minutes in Reading to grab supplies for both breakfast & lunch before the first northbound XC service. This was a quiet 221133 & 220032 on a Stafford service (engineering works) for the trip towards Banbury (spotting a 165+168 combo on a London service). I stepped back onto 168004 & 168322 on the next Moor Street service to take me to Warwick Parkway where my walk began.

168215 attached to a 165 at Banbury on a London service by Kite, on Flickr

I headed from the station towards Hatton Bottom Lock to start the long climb up the Hatton flight (21 locks within 2 miles raising the canal up 45 metres), passing a busy cafe at the top lock with the towpath turning more rural (and quiet) with the section running close to the railway towards Hatton Station. There was a bit of road noise in this area due to being close to the M40 but thankfully not as loud as other canals which run close to main roads. In the Shrewley area there is a short tunnel requiring a detour away from the canal up a hill to the village itself before a short towpath tunnel (complete with steps) to drop back down to the side of the canal with the canal turning more rural and moving away from the motorway to be very peaceful.

The canal weaved a few times due to the hills reaching Turner's Green and Kingswood (where Lapworth station is located). I passed the short connection canal which linked the Grand Union with the Stratford Upon Avon canal and carried on skirting the edge of Kingswood and back into rural countryside with the canal entering the West Midlands and reaching Knowle Locks. The towpath in some places was quite narrow and like with the walk on the Saturday included some trip hazards, not massively overgrown compared to some canals.

Northern portal of Shrewley Tunnel on Grand Union Canal by Kite, on Flickr

I continued with my walk in the countryside going underneath the M42 and heading towards the village of Catherine-de-Barnes before the canal continued into a lovely woodland cutting with the towpath changing from rural to tarmac heading towards Olton via Elmdon Heath. Along the way I bumped into my good friend Jules who was in the area as we had a short catch-up for the last section to the Richmond Road bridge where my canal walk ended (meeting up with the section of canal I walked in June 2023.

With the next train from Olton not being for another 50 minutes we headed towards a bus stop on the A41 road for a late running National Express route 4 bus (fleet 6953) for the short run to Solihull station which runs 4 buses an hour allowing for a nice connection onto 165023 & 168109 (which I believe is the first time I've had a 165+168 combo). A steam train passed as the Chiltern service was in the station as we sat in the 165 (only because it was quieter than the 168). I said farewell to Jules at Leamington as he was heading back towards Birmingham as the train got quite busy (connects with a service from Stratford Upon Avon and it was the time of day where day trippers started to head home).

Grand Union Canal in Elmdon Heath (Solihull) (4) by Kite, on Flickr

At Banbury I had a short wait before playing the XC lottery, knowing it was 221126, the lottery being able to predict which end 1st class was (and hence coach B, I know they show on RTT but it's a gamble if the formation is correct). I was lucky to grab a seat in coach B of this 5 coach voyager for the trip to Basingstoke, where for the first time in ages I headed to the KFC to grab dinner (not like there are many other options in Basingstoke available at 19:15 on a Sunday evening).

My last train of the day was 158883 & 159017 on a Salisbury stopper from Waterloo. Easy enough to grab a seat in coach 2 of 5 as I settled down for the trip to Grateley followed by a walk home to relax for the remainer of the evening. An enjoyable stroll in the countryside, another section of the Grand Union walked and a short catchup. Weather behaved as well with it being mostly overcast with a couple sunny spells (even a short shower in the Olton area). Next weekend sees a return to Crewe for the Intercity “North West” tour which will hopefully be a good day. More photos can be found on my Flickr Here, thanks for reading

 

[Kite159]

9th – 11th August – Intercity Tour Weekend

When details of the Intercity North West Wanderer Tour came out, I was on the sleeper towards Aberdeen and decided it looked interesting so booked on it after securing accommodation in my usual shared house in Crewe (although this time the only option was the upstairs double room which I’ve only had once before). A good thing I booked up on that Thursday evening as the tour was sold out by the end of the weekend.

9th August – Unexpected delay in the Basford Area

The trip began with the 17:59 service from Grateley with 159002 on this reasonably busy service to Waterloo, nothing eventful happening along the way other than some slow running around Clapham due to congestion. At Waterloo I had a gentle stroll towards Euston to waste some time before my booked train to Crewe which tonight I had treated myself to the 20:43 Liverpool service.

Is it bad to have been surprised that the train was announced for boarding a good 20 minutes before departure? This allowed for a gentle walk to get a seat in coach G of 390152 to settle down for the trip towards Cheshire, calling only at Milton Keynes along the way. The train was delayed by a couple of minutes departing due to congestion caused by other services running late and did empty out a bit in Milton Keynes. Nothing else unusual happened along the way until Stafford where it got caught up with some congestion due to signalling issues at Manchester but nothing major as it passed around 5 minutes late.

All was going well for the last section until the Pendo ran into some severe congestion in the Crewe area, losing 15 minutes in the last couple of miles in the Basford area before going into Crewe on the lesser used platform 12, but on the bright side the 18-minute delay did mean getting back 25% of my fare. I exited the station in Crewe with blue lights flashing on the main street (with various “Road Closed” signs, as I walked via the back route towards the accommodation there was a strong smell of smoke in the air so I have no clue if anything caught fire. Anyhow I made it to the shared house without further issue, getting the key to room 3, opening the small window to get some fresh air in. Afterwards I sorted out my rucksack getting it ready for the day ahead, for me it had been a long day saying goodbye to everybody at work as I departed for my new adventure.

390152 at Crewe Station by Kite, on Flickr

10th August – North West Wanderer

My first experience with a tour run by Locomotive Services Limited with the Intercity brand (I had previously booked on a tour they ran to Stranraer but had to cancel when the day got changed when Network Rail were on strike). After departing the house (after a so-so night due to the warmth) I swung via the big Tesco in Crewe for some supplies and made my way to the station where the stock had already arrived. 50050 was at the front of the Mk3 coaches (former Greater Anglia) (plus some Mk2 coaches for staff use) with 45118 on the rear (providing electric for the coaches I believe). I was in coach C and after getting confused due to the coaches having two sets of letters, I found my seat next to some interesting gentlemen (one does YouTube videos, another acts as a booking agent for tours). Refreshing to have a tour where the people on the table weren’t quiet or glued to their phone tracking the route on Open Time Trains.

50050 (D400) at Crewe by Kite, on Flickr

50050 was a winner for myself as it hauled the train along the West Coast Main Line calling at Warrington, Wigan & Preston before a fast run to Carlisle where there was a 45-minute (or so) break. Since my last visit to Carlisle the Tesco close to the station has gone (along with the B&M) so the only real options for food was from a Boots. Something for me to bear in mind for the future. Anyhow I returned to the train to take my seat with 45118 now powering the train, a new class for myself. The 2nd leg of the journey was a trip along the Settle & Carlisle line, a case of looking out of the window, at Hellifield the train headed right to head towards Blackburn running a few minutes early due to being in front of a late running service train. After Blackburn the train continued to arrive at Preston where the class 50 was meant to come off with a class 40 added in its place but due to the failure of the 50, winner 40013 was attached to the front of the 50.

Since my last visit to Preston, a new Tesco Express seems to have popped out near enough outside the station which is quite handy to know if I’m ever in Preston on a day trip and need supplies. Anyhow back to the train with 40013 now leading (another new class for my little book), I agreed with the gentleman who does YouTube with his suggestion of putting a microphone near the loco to broadcast the sound it makes into the coaches so passengers can hear the loco better. The 3rd leg of the tour involved the class 40 heading back towards Blackburn & Hellifield with a pause before heading back towards Preston going via the Little North Western route.

40013 at Preston by Kite, on Flickr

Back at Preston, the 40+50 combo detached and headed back towards Crewe with the next locos caught up in congestion near Wigan caused by signalling issues so arrived quite late. After splitting 37521 & 37409 attached to the southern end of the train for the next leg of the tour, departing Preston something like 50 minutes late, making up a bit of time along the way to Blackburn & Burnley, taking the curve towards Todmorden (and getting put ahead of a Wigan stopper) and towards Manchester Victoria passing the station via platform 6. The charter passed a Clitheroe service at Salford Crescent giving it a clear run towards Bolton and Leyland (as Northern had cancelled a Blackpool stopper). Arrival into Preston for the last time of the tour was still 40-odd minutes late with the 37s detaching and running light to Crewe with 20118 & 20132 attaching to the train on top of the 45. Both the 20s (and 37s) are dud from various tours over the years.

The last leg of the tour was the 20s hauling the train back towards Crewe, calling at Wigan & Warrington arriving at Crewe around 30 minutes later than scheduled. After a couple of photos (how I wish people would take a photo and move out of the way to allow others to take photos rather than just standing around waiting for the locos to depart). I had a gentle stroll back to the shared house (where I’m not sure if the two people downstairs was on the same tour as they arrived shortly afterwards), I needed a quick shower due to the AC in my coach not being the best (got a bit sweaty) before relaxing for the rest of the evening.

20132 at Crewe by Kite, on Flickr

An excellent tour featuring some class BR locos doing some decent length (and speed) with a day of looking out of the window at the scenery. The staff were friendly doing litter runs and ensuring people were safe. I did notice when at Preston when I logged onto the station WiFi I was picking up “Greater Anglia WiFi” from the coaches (although I didn’t check if it actually worked). The coaches were quite nice being 1st class, although legroom was a bit tight at times, probably could do with both the seats & table being raised a few inches to create more legroom as they were quite low to the ground.

11st August – Exploring the Coventry Canal between Tamworth & not Atherstone

The original idea for today was to walk the Coventry Canal between Tamworth & Atherstone, I was toying with a bus move from Lichfield to Fradley but the first southbound LNR was retimed to run 10 minutes later from Stafford so the connection would be very tight. Although I almost bailed on that idea to do a simple day return to Liverpool to rope in a couple winning 197s between Crewe & Chester due to the predicted hot weather.

Anyhow I returned to my original idea (as I was nice and comfy in bed), leaving the shared house heading to Crewe station, swinging via the Tesco garage to grab breakfast, heading to platform 12 to board the 09:52 service to London with a large crowd building for it as the empty units arrived from the depot late with 350236 leading 350263 & 350241 for a 12-coach special (all the lovely 3+2 seating!) I managed to grab a seat in the former 1st class area of 236 for the trip to Tamworth where my walk began.

The first section was a stroll alongside the A513 crossing over the river Anker and underneath the XC route. After going underneath, the railway arches I headed towards the Glascote area of the town (along the B5000 road) picking up the Coventry canal deciding instead of heading towards Atherstone to head towards Fradley with the theory that the sun would be mainly behind me as it was already getting warm.

Railway arches in MacGregor Park, Tamworth by Kite, on Flickr

The towpath along the first section was quite reasonable as it headed south going underneath the A5 and over the river Tame to reach Fazeley (where the canal towards Birmingham branches off). After Fazeley the canal started to head north-west with the towpath turning a bit more rural and peaceful as it headed away from the general Tamworth area into countryside towards Hopwas and into Hopwas woods (which was an unexpected beautiful gem). My walk continued leaving behind the woodland skirting round the settlement of Whittington with the WCML running close in some places with the towpath being quite variable in quality.

I continued the towpath in the blazing sun towards Huddlesford where the former Lichfield Canal branched off (part restored) with the first section being used for mooring (reminds me a bit of the Somerset Coal Canal near Dundas aqueduct). This is also the area where the Coventry Canal goes underneath the WCML and passes a busy pub. The next section of the canal took me towards Streethay Marina (going underneath the railway line between Lichfield & Burton). A short section where the canal ran alongside the busy A38 followed (this was the worse section both for noise and also towpath quality) before the canal diverted away from the dual carriageway to run close to the railway line (with the peace broken by a diverted voyager accelerating). I was on the last section as I went underneath the A38 and into the settlement of Fradley, reaching the access point at Bridge Farm Lane where I started a walk earlier in the year (with Fradley towards Rugeley).

Coventry Canal between Hopwas & Whittington (6) by Kite, on Flickr

I made it to Fradley with around 10 minutes to spare before the next bus for Lichfield, which itself was running around 5 minutes late with the tracking so I followed Bridge Farm Lane and a cycle path towards a Co-Op to grab both a meal deal for lunch and for some more liquid before waiting for the Diamond Buses route 12E service to Lichfield (with bus 30992) for the short journey to Lichfield Trent Valley station. An attempt to grab a photograph of a passing voyager on the high-level platform was ruined by someone dashing in front of myself to wave at the driver to try and get them to blow the horn, but seeing 730s on the CrossCity line platform felt so out of place. The next London train was delayed by 10 minutes to the south of Stafford as I hid (along with many other passengers) underneath the railway bridge on the platform for some shade. The PIS was suggesting it was going to be a single 350 (with the following one due to be a pair of 350/2s as they were departing north when I arrived at the station).

The good news is the PIS was incorrect and the London train was the usual pair of 350s, the bad news is that it was another pair of 2s (350266 & 350242) as I managed to get a seat in the former 1st class area to put some charge into my phone and to relax for the journey to London (time I spent reading various bits I needed to do for Monday and my first day in my new job). The train remained 10 minutes late throughout so it was a fast turnaround at Euston fighting against the stampede as the train was announced a minute or so after the train had arrived. As I had just over an hour, I had a gentle stroll towards Waterloo before catching the 18:45 service for Salisbury with 158880 leading 159007 on a hot service (failed AC). These sprinters took me to Grateley where I had a relaxing walk home to relax for the rest of the day after getting my new rucksack ready for the 07:27 on the Monday morning which is going to be my commuting train for the next 6-8 weeks as I start my training (back to school I go, lol).

River Thames from Waterloo Bridge (August 2024) by Kite, on Flickr

It was an enjoyable (if a bit hot at times) stroll along the Coventry canal, the last sections can be walked using trains rather than needing a bus which is always a bonus as they can be pushed back to next year (working on the assumption the £2 bus fare cap won’t survive beyond December and bus fares go back to being high & a complete mystery (in some cases). Anyhow thanks for reading, going to be a bit harder keeping these blog posts up to date going forward due to work (no being able to type it up at work when on an extended lunch break), but I will try my best. More photos can be found on my Flickr Here, thanks for reading

 

[Iskra]

I'm glad you also enjoyed the Intercity tour and it was nice to get another perspective on it. I was also in Coach C and yes it did get unpleasantly warm in the afternoon and I also subsequently felt a bit grimy at the days end.

 

[Kite159]

@Iskra it was certainly one of the better tours I've done in recent times for the variety of locos, I suspect as it was quite popular they will do a repeat tour with different locos. I would love to do a tour on the Cumbrian coast.

Anyhow new writings.

Trips 16 -18th August

16th August – Grand Union canal in the Northamptonshire Sun

I had an unexpected day off training, so unexpected that I only found out about it on the Thursday when the trainer handed out the training schedule which had annual leave for this day, giving me a couple of options, either a London day to see if I can pick up some of the C2C 720s which seem to be out most of the day these days (rather than being peak time only) along with 730s from Euston and maybe some other GA 720s. As the weather was quite nice, I looked into doing my last section of the Mainline section of the Grand Union canal from Weedon Bec to Gayton Junction, something I was considering doing on the bank holiday Monday if the weather was nice.

The day began with the 07:27 service from Grateley formed of 159012 & 159108 for the run to Waterloo, nonstop after Basingstoke where I enjoyed a private table throughout. After grabbing some breakfast (discovering that the Sidings branch of Sainsburys does warm croissants as part of the meal deal, yum yum) I headed towards the former international platforms to board winner 701039 on the Windsor service, yes it might have taken me since January but I had finally opened my book with the 701s. Quite nice inside, maybe could do with the window seats being a bit further from the train walls but certainly a good replacement for the 455s.

701039 at London Waterloo by Kite, on Flickr

I decided to take this 701 to Staines for the fastish section outside London and to linear hop to Egham with 450082 & 450039 to intercept 458422 & 458426 on a service from Weybridge to sample a refurbished 458. Like the 701s I was quite impressed, decent quality seats (other than the fixed window-side armrest), as it took me to Vauxhall via the Hounslow loop. At Vauxhall I transferred to the underground to jump on a hot Victoria line service to Euston (set 11032/11031) where in hindsight I should have detoured via Sainsburys for lunch but instead headed to the platform where 350267 & 350108 was loading on a Birmingham service, the front coach of the /1 getting quite busy on departure (good turnover of passengers at Watford Junction). This service ran along the slow lines towards Watford to make use of the crossover at Watford North which is the first time I’ve gone from slow to fast lines there in quite a while.

This service took me to Northampton where I exited the station, heading towards the town centre swinging via Boots to grab lunch (one of these days I will look for that Tesco Express) before catching the route D2 service to Weedon Bec heading out of the Northampton suburbs following the A4500 towards the M1 then going via Upper Heyford & Flore to reach Weedon Bec where I alighted outside the Tesco Express just after the A5 where my walk began. I picked up the Grand Union canal at the point I exited on a previous walk, going via the village of Weedon Bec (with the soundtrack of various trains on the WCML).

Grand Union Canal between Nether Heyford & Bugbrooke by Kite, on Flickr

Soon the canal turned rural and headed away from the railway (which goes via a short tunnel which the canal goes round the side). I reached Nether Heyford with the canal skirting round the edge of this small village running alongside the railway (but sadly no real decent photo chances due to trees). The canal skirted round the edge of Bugbrooke with the towpath being quite variable in quality as I continued towards Gayton Junction and a lot of moored boats, I was happy when I reached the junction as it meant the mainline of the Grand Union canal had been walked (London to Birmingham).

At Gayton Junction I turned onto the Northampton arm of the canal which compared to the last hour was quite noisy due to running close to the A43 and dropping down a long lock flight. I went underneath the M1 which crosses the canal on a tall bridge and soon I reached the industrial outskirts of Northampton where the towpath was good quality but at times, I couldn't see the canal due to the overgrowth (reminded me a bit like the Selby canal). The canal skirted round the edge of the Hunsbury & Briar Hill area of the town, going underneath both the active railway (Northampton loop line) and a disused railway bridge (the freight line towards Bridge Street). The canal ends at the town lock giving access to the River Nene Navigation with a small detour via a housing estate.

Railway bridge over the Grand Union Canal (Northampton Arm) in Northampton by Kite, on Flickr

Looking at the time, I decided to swing via Morrisons to grab dinner items (and more liquid as it was very hot out on the canal) before making my way to Northampton station ready for another spin on the “Desiro Wheel of Destiny”. I got lucky with 350255 leading 350124 on a service from Birmingham, even getting lucky to get a table seat on the /1 to have my dinner when my phone was getting charged as I relaxed on the service towards London, losing time at Milton Keynes due to a late running stopper getting put ahead and hence losing the path across the WCML so arrival was 9 minutes late, annoyingly missing a connection to a pair of 730s on the next Tring train. I boarded the Milton Keynes stopper (350261 & 350119) for the run to Harrow & Wealdstone where I easily made the connection for winners 730044 & 730001 on a stopper from Milton Keynes.

These 730s took me back to Euston where after cursing for the lack of a 20:50 from Waterloo to Salisbury on weekdays (as that train starts at Basingstoke with no connection from Waterloo) I headed to Euston Square for lack of a better idea. A Hammersmith & City line service (21407/21408) took me to Farringdon where I changed to 700025 on a Rainham service to London Bridge, finally jumping on the first service for Charing Cross (which seemed to hang around until correct departure time rather than going when ready) which was 707020 & 707001. This pair took me to Waterloo East where I crossed over to the main area of the station to board the 21:20 service which was formed of 159019 running solo (cosy!)

730001 at London Euston by Kite, on Flickr

I took this 159 back to Grateley, doing some research with ticket pricing and coming up with an alternative plan for the Saturday as my original idea was the Kennet & Avon canal between Pewsey & Devizes, but instead I was going to head towards Staffordshire. I was happy I had finished the Grand Union, other than the Leicester arm and doing some research it seems there are a couple parts of that canal where the towpath is currently closed so sadly might have to wait until next year.

17th August – Making a start with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal

The Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal is a 46-mile-long canal linking Stourport & Great Haywood, and today I decided to make a small start with the coverage of this canal at the northern end from Penkridge towards the junction at Great Haywood (making use of the £2 bus fares in case they disappear in December). The day began with the 05:27 from Grateley (feels like ages since I did this particular service) for the run to Waterloo with 159103 where I had a gentle stroll towards Euston via a quiet London where I had a short wait for the inbound for the 07:46 Crewe service to pop up (as it was running late). Departure was around 5 minutes late with 350236 & 350267 (thankfully I managed to grab a seat in the former first-class area of the leading unit) with the run to Rugby passing without incident.

At Rugby I changed to platform 1 to await the next Birmingham service (the 07:23 from Euston) for the short run to Coventry with 350408 & 350108 (with the gangway doors locked out of use). After popping outside the station at Coventry to buy supplies for lunch from the Sainsburys it was onto winner 805008 on the next Birmingham Avanti service (I had seen this 805 at Euston but couldn’t ID it, nor was it showing on RTT so it was a bit of a shot in the dark). This 805 (with the extra loud announcements which echoed) took me to Birmingham New Street where I changed to 196109 for the run to Wolverhampton to meet up with my good friend Jan who was joining me on today’s walk.

66756 at Coventry Station by Kite, on Flickr

Next up was a quiet 350263 on a Liverpool service to Penkridge where the walk began (I was toying between walking from Penkridge to Great Haywood for the bus to Stafford or train to Stafford to do the bus leg first, deciding to walk north to keep the sun behind us). The first section was via the centre of Penkridge towards the canal on Cannock Road, heading north via the village before running close to the M6 as the canal soon turned rural. The next mile or so was spent close to the M6 so it wasn't the quietest but me & Jan had a good little catch-up as the canal headed underneath the M6 and headed away from the motorway (the traffic noise was still there but a lot quieter). The canal skirted round the side of Acton Trussell dropping down via some locks with the towpath being quite variable in terms of quality & overgrowth, a few parts was like a jungle.

We reached the Wildwood area of Stafford with some lovely views on the western side (nature reserve) before the countryside turned more urban skirting around Weeping Cross, going underneath the WCML and passing the formal junction with the short Sow Navigation (which linked this canal to the centre of Stafford, something which is being restored on a slightly different route). The Stafford urban area soon gave way to countryside once more with the canal running close to the railway towards the Milford area where it turned away from the railway to head north crossing the Sow heading towards the Tixall area. The canal ended at Great Haywood junction after crossing the River Trent, making a junction with the Trent & Mersey canal with the walk ending a couple of minutes later with a bus stop outside the farm shop. Thankfully the towpath in the latter section of the canal did improve with no jungle to push through.

Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal between Stafford & Great Haywood (12) by Kite, on Flickr

It was a short wait before the next Chaserider bus working a route 828 linking Lichfield with Stafford (bus 65). We rode this bus to the terminus at Stafford’s Gaol Square having a gentle stroll to the railway station (with Jan pointing out various bits because he used to live in Stafford). At Stafford it was strangely onto platform 1 for the next Birmingham service formed of 350242 (being surprised at being able to grab a seat in the former 1st class area). We took this to Wolverhampton where I said my farewell to Jan, and a hope to see him again in September time as I headed back to the station jumping on 196103 to Birmingham New Street, which instead of heading into platform 4C crossed right across to terminate at the far end of platform 12 (I believe it formed a Great Malvern service, rather than a Shrewsbury service).

I had time for a short 730 hunt, heading across to platform 8 to board a Lichfield Trent Valley service formed of winners 730009 & 730003 to take me to Four Oaks which thankfully is just over ten miles (and enjoys 4tph), the rearmost door didn’t open (even though it was all accommodated on the platform) and had a short wait before winners 730036 & 730004 rolled in on a Four Oaks terminator to take me back towards Birmingham New Street, having a short stroll to board winner 805011 on an Avanti London service to take me to Coventry (even featured a ticket check which is rare for Avanti!)

730036 at Four Oaks Station by Kite, on Flickr

At Coventry for the second time of the day I popped out to the Sainsburys Local to grab food (for dinner) before returning to the station with a busy 350259 & 350243 on a London service, where after noticing it gave a connection to a service from Crewe, I decided to bail at Rugby for another spin of the Desiro Wheel of Fortune. 350253 rolled in with 350372 on the rear, with the 350/3 being lightly loaded (another service where the gangway doors were locked out of use (the guard hiding away from the passengers)). Unusually this service called at Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead (both on the fast line platforms) & Watford Junction (with a large crowd waiting to board the train).

I took this service to London Euston where it took 10 minutes to leave the platform due to the barriers being in operation with another service arriving just before this one which had a short turnaround (so large crowds both sides of the ticket barriers). I headed to the underground taking the first southbound Northern line service (formed of 51629 & 51628) to Waterloo, where I headed towards the 21:20 service which tonight was formed of 159108 & 158883 as I took my seat in the front coach for the trip to Grateley. A busy day trip to Staffordshire making a small start with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, although I have no idea what sections I will do with the section from Stourport towards Wolverhampton, although I suspect Kidderminster might feature with a splitting point. A job for next year I reckon.

Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal between Stafford & Great Haywood (26) by Kite, on Flickr

18th August – Test Valley Rambler

After two long days on the rails, I decided on a shorter trip with mum to Southampton (as she wanted to visit the Lego store), giving me an excuse to ride the Test Valley Rambler bus route which has been introduced this summer linking Andover with Romsey via various tourist places within the Test Valley. I think it’s something the local council has spent money on getting running (although I do recall before Covid there used to be a similar Summer Sunday run service by Stagecoach between Andover & Stockbridge, connecting with a free community bus to Romsey).

As the first departure from Andover wasn’t until the 10:45 it gave us time for a more leisurely start and even breakfast in the local Spoons before heading to Andover bus station before Bluestar’s 2720 rolled in with a reasonable load (15 passengers alighting). The bus departed Andover with 14 passengers (including myself & mum) heading via the railway station (running on the diversional route due to gas main works).

Bluestar Bus 2720 (HF64 BPX) at Andover Bus Station on the Test Valley Ramnbler by Kite, on Flickr

After the railway station the bus headed out of Andover via Weyhill Road for a short section of running along the A303 to serve the Hawk Conservancy (which due to the road layout is only served on Romsey bound journeys). The bus ran via Amport picking up 2 more passengers outside Grateley railway station (a bus enthusiast from Basingstoke plus another passenger) before going via the Wallops to serve the Museum of Army Flying. I will give full credit to the bus driver in navigating those narrow roads, hard enough in a car. One of the passengers whom boarded at Grateley alighted from the bus outside Danebury Hill Fort with the bus continuing to Stockbridge when an idiotic car driver decided to pull out in front of the bus causing a collision with the bus striking the front wing of the Volvo SUV.

All the paperwork was filled in by the bus driver and thankfully 30 minutes later the bus continued towards Romsey having lost 4 passengers in Stockbridge & gained one more. After doing a turn round the roundabout to head back via the town centre the bus headed towards Houghton to serve the Houghton Lodge Gardens before Horsebridge (for the Test Way) & Mottisfont Abbey with no custom. After Mottisfont the bus dropped off 3 passengers outside the railway station in Romsey (picking up an extra 2 passengers) and ran towards the bus station where I would say 3 passengers remained on board (excluding the 2 picked up at the railway station). With the delay with the incident in Stockbridge my planned next move on the Southampton bus was ditched (as it would be a long wait due to heavy congestion on that route). I guess in hindsight we should have walked to the railway station for the next 158 to Southampton but instead jumped on the next route 66 service to Winchester (with Stagecoach's 36435), making an easy connection to 444004 & 444013 on a Weymouth service to take us to Southampton where the shopping trip began.

Bluestar Bus 1126 (HF58 KCA) near Southampton Railway Station by Kite, on Flickr

After visiting all the places, we wanted to visit in the city centre, we headed back towards the station to board 444043 & 444010 on a service from Poole, aiming for a seat near the rear knowing it was likely to be quieter due to being off the platform at many of the stations between Bournemouth & Southampton, getting rewarded with a private coach (where the front coaches looked busy). These 444s took us to Basingstoke where we had 20-odd minutes to fester before 159002, 159017 & 159101 rolled in on an Exeter service running nonstop to Andover, walking to the town centre car park where I had parked earlier in the day and headed to Spoons again for dinner (for the lack of a better idea).

An interesting day with that new tourist bus, other than the incident in Stockbridge (which frankly is a nightmare for car parking considering how popular it has become in recent years). Very odd seeing a Southampton Bluestar bus in Andover. Anyhow thanks for reading, more photos can be found on my Flickr, next weekend sees a return to Crewe with a day in Liverpool fitting in a disused railway walk depending what the weather ends up doing (I was going to do the Rufford Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool canal but it seems the towpath is currently closed between two of the bridges so that can go back onto the list to do at a future date. Have a good day and I will leave you with an unexpected voyager

221131 at Basingstoke by Kite, on Flickr

 

[Kite159]

Trips on 23d August – 26th August

I had originally booked my usual place in Crewe to be a Friday – Monday stay, however as I wasn’t quite 100% about the bank holiday with my training, I changed it to be a standard Friday & Saturday stay to return south on the Sunday rather than on the bank holiday Monday. I guess in hindsight once I had it confirmed I was off on the Monday I should have changed it back to include the Sunday in Cheshire but overlooked it until it was too late.

23rd August – Onwards to Crewe

The trip began with the 16:59 service from Grateley, with 159021 returning from Salisbury with 158881 running around 10 minutes late due to the 158 being late attaching to the 159 (would normally come from Gillingham but for whatever reason the service was starting at Salisbury). The 159 was quite busy but the 158 was pretty much empty, so I sat in the 158 for the trip to London with the train losing a few more minutes here & there due to being out of path.

At Waterloo as I had over an hour before the 19:46 service for Crewe I headed out on foot towards Euston (saves paying for the Underground), bumping into my good friend Jan who had arrived from Wolverhampton heading on his latest European adventure before I headed to platform 5 (I think) to board 350375 & 350370 on the 19:46 which departed quite busy with passengers standing in the front coach vestibule. Nothing really unusual happened heading north tonight and it arrived into Crewe around 10pm and I made my way to the shared house, this time having the single room on the top floor, getting my bag sorted out ready for the Saturday and relaxing

153376 passing Basingstoke Station (2) by Kite, on Flickr

24th August – A Day on Merseyside

My original idea for the Saturday was to walk part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, either from Maghull towards Burscough (and maybe on towards Parbold) or the Rufford branch starting from Hesketh Bank towards Burscough (and maybe on towards Parbold). However, when I checked the Canal & River Trust website on the Thursday both options were ruled out due to towpath closures being listed. In the end I decided on a back up option being the route of the former Cheshire Lines route towards Southport starting in the Old Roan area (the TransPennine Trail)

The day began with the 06:59 service from Crewe towards Holyhead to take me to Chester (158818 & 158822), where after popping out of the station to buy a Saveaway (now issued on ‘bog-roll’ ticket stock) I headed to platform 2 to board 158828 for the run to Wrexham General for a short wait before winner 197121 rolled in from Cardiff to take me back to Chester on a Holyhead service where I changed to Merseyrail with 777012 taken to Hooton where I made a swift connection to winner 777033 which I saw earlier at Chester. This 777 took me back to Chester, where I remained on board back to Hooton, keeping my eyes out for the other units.

777033 alongside 777007 at Hooton by Kite, on Flickr
I saw a winner 777 heading towards Ellesmere Port as I took 777020 to Bebington pinging back south to Eastham Rake on 777002 to intercept winner 777045 from Ellesmere Port to take me to Hamilton Square, going via the city centre loop to get it cleared for ten miles (due to my slightly silly rule that I need at least 10 miles from a unit for it to count). At Hamilton Square I crossed over to the city bound line with dud 777009 to Liverpool Central where after a visit to the toilet & shop I jumped on winner 777144 to Headbolt Lane, solely to scratch the platform 1 track. After a short walkabout (I suspect I will do platform 3 when on a Lancs Ranger to avoid a fester at Rainford) I returned towards Kildale with 777144, crossing over to the opposite platform for an Ormskirk service getting a surprise when winners 777025 & 777016 rolled in to become my first pair of 777s, taking them all the way to Ormskirk (complete with 5-minute wait outside the station for the next southbound to clear the single line). Surprised as I wasn’t expecting to see any pairs out today.

After a visit to the toilet at Ormskirk station I boarded 777016/777025 to push them over ten miles to alight at Old Roan where my walk finally begun! The first section was via Copy Lane towards Netherton crossing over the Northern Perimeter Road onto an old road leading towards the A5758, crossing this busy road via some slow traffic lights and onto the cycle path heading pass a field of sunflowers into the countryside (crossing the River Alt) and picking up the route of the old railway line in the outskirts of Maghull. A short section of road walking followed before picking up the old railway route beyond Sefton Lane, leaving behind urban landscape and into countryside.

The path was quite variable in quality, ranging from wide tarmac to quite narrow dirt paths. Not a lot of evidence of being an old railway line other than a couple of old bridges as the route continued in the countryside (beautiful and peaceful) with a detour at the northern end due to the original route of the railway being lost. The path ended on Plex Moss Lane, requiring a walk along this narrow country road towards Woodvale, crossing over the A565 and onto the "Coastal Road" (which I believe was built on the old railway route). I crossed over the railway line before dropping down having the option of heading towards Ainsdale or towards Freshfield via the woods.

Trans Pennine Trail along the former Southport & Cheshire Lines Extension Railway (19) by Kite, on Flickr#

I went for the option via Ainsdale Woods with a path running close to the railway in times before heading on a trip into the woods to come out near a golf course and crossing the railway at the Fisherman's Path level crossing. The next section was alongside the railway line towards Freshfield where my walk ended, a variable walk with some lovely countryside. Anyhow back to the trains with winner 777032 to Sandhills, changing to winner 777043 on an Ormskirk service which I took to Aintree (so another entry onto the sub-10-mile 777 list). The next Liverpool bound service was 777036 which I took to Liverpool Central, having a gentle stroll to Lime Street via a shop for some cold drink (as it was quite hot in the sunshine). Sub-10-mile unit 777022 popped up first on a West Kirby service which I took to Hamilton Square (giving it an extra couple of miles). At Hamilton Square it was onto winner 777039 on the next Chester service to take me back to Chester where I still think Merseyrail drops down to 2tph far too early considering there was a large crowd waiting for this service only to be told it was out of service as they run them back as empty coaching stock to Birkenhead North depot. In my eyes it should be 4tph until at least 9pm, especially on weekends.

Anyhow my day on Merseyrail had ended as I made my way across to platform 1 to board a very busy 197043 on the Crewe shuttle to take me back to Crewe where I returned to the shared house swinging via a takeaway for a burger box. After said takeaway I headed towards Morrisons to grab supplies for the morning (to make a change from the big Tesco) before relaxing for the remainer of the evening. A good day for my little red pen, and my feet as I can clear that walk from my big list of things to do.

25th August – Another failed attempt at Atherstone!

A couple of weeks ago I was going to walk the Coventry canal from Tamworth towards Atherstone only changing my mind on the train towards Tamworth to instead walk towards Fradley, so today for the lack of a better idea I decided to head towards Atherstone to walk towards Tamworth. After an average sleep (things on my mind) I checked out of the shared house heading towards the station via Tesco to grab supplies and to platform 12 for the first southbound LNR service of the day with 350377 leading 350246 & 350408. Due to the short platform at Atherstone I had no option but to sit in the /3 (where coach 2 was lightly loaded compared to the other coaches closest to the platform entrance), settling down to eat my breakfast as the train headed towards Stafford, unusually on the slow lines.

At Stafford there was a sudden announcement that the train had been cancelled with no reason given (RTT was suggesting it would run ECS to Northampton before resuming in service which did suggest a staffing issue) so for the lack of a better idea (and to avoid hanging around Stafford station which the Avanti staff in full megaphone mode about “LNR tickets are not valid” on the Avanti services) I headed out of the station. Annoyingly it looked like the service got uncancelled and ran 25 minutes late (skipping out Northampton), but there was no information from the staff.

Anyhow in a way I was lucky to have a backup walk for the Stafford area which I was saving for another day. I started the walk by following the river Sow via the cycle path heading passed a large Asda reaching the Fairway road where the tarmac path swapped sides and turned more rural as I headed via what I suspect is the floodplain, passing a random footbridge to nowhere (maybe something related to the old Sow Navigation) before reaching the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal for a brief section on the towpath before taking the "Two Waters" way path (a long viaduct over both the Sow & Penk) before some lovely woodland (with some not so lovely mud) in the Kingston Pool Covert.

Kingston Pool Covert, Stafford (7) by Kite, on Flickr

This section soon ended as I reached the A513 road, walking along the pavement for around a mile passing the army barracks and reaching the start of the Isobel Trail, a path running along the trackbed of the old Stafford - Uttoxeter railway route. I passed the overgrown remains of the platforms at Stafford Common station on this busy (dog walkers, cyclists, dogs riding bikes, runners) path and a couple of miles later the path came to an end at Doxey Road. One of these trips I will explore the Doxey Marshes as they look interesting. The last section was a short walk via some roads to reach the station where I was toying with rough ideas of what to do next (considering this was just after midday) as I boarded the next London LNR service (350376 & 350103) which was very busy.

I was toying with the idea of jumping off at Rugby to walk one of the old Grand Central paths, either to the south of the town (towards the Rainsbrook Valley Railway) or to the north (towards Newton) but I decided against both options (as I was sitting comfortably and I knew boarding a southbound LNR at Rugby on a Sunday could be hit or miss for how busy it would be. Both walks could be done on another day (those old railway line paths are not going anywhere soon) so I remained on board to Euston, where I had a gentle walk towards Waterloo to pass the time, aiming for the 15:35 service for Weymouth [to change at Basingstoke] but I made good time to catch the 15:20 Axminster service [line was closed beyond Axminster due to landslip at a tunnel] which was formed of a busy 159014 (cosy!)

Old bridge for the former Stafford - Uttoxeter Railway Line in Stafford (near Doxey Lane) by Kite, on Flickr

I guess in hindsight I should have switched to the Weymouth train for a more comfortable ride, but I had a seat for the trip to Andover where it was a same platform change compared to Basingstoke, and Andover is a nicer station to sit on a bench walking the world go by. Half an hour later 159001 rocked up on the service from Reading to take me up the hill to Grateley where I had a gentle stroll home to relax for the rest of the evening, having an early night ready for an early start on the bank holiday Monday.

26th August – South Downs Rambler, Liss & Wey Navigation

Today was one of those trips where I was linking a couple of walking ideas together which had been on my list of things to do for a while, as well as sampling the South Downs Rambler bus service being run on summer Sundays (and bank holiday) which I was hoping to do last year but never got round to it. The day began with the 06:59 service from Grateley formed of 159008 to take me to Basingstoke where after grabbing breakfast from Sainsburys I jumped onto 450036 & 450098 to Eastleigh working a Portsmouth service, remaining on the same platform for a busy 450126 back to Winchester, solely to waste some time.

I headed out of the station towards the bus stops located on the forecourt with the 09:15 service, which only appeared at 09:22 (Bluestar’s 270) departing 10 minutes with a handful of passengers on board. A lot more boarded in the city centre and the bus headed out of the city centre towards No Man's Land joining the A272 for a fast run towards Hinton Ampner & Bramdean. Near West Meon the bus headed along the A32 towards West Meon & Meonstoke doing an U-turn back to Warnford to take the narrow Winchester Hill road where the views became excellent with the bus climbing high into the South Downs heading towards Clanfield before a fast running section along the A3 towards Petersfield, going via the town centre before terminating at the railway station.

Bluestar Bus 270 (HF69 CMZ) at Petersfield on a South Downs Rambler service by Kite, on Flickr

Petersfield is one of those places which as far as I could tell doesn’t have any buses on bank holidays (or Sundays) other than this summer only service, so my option was to remain on the bus back to Winchester or head out to the railway station for the next stopping service towards London (the previous fast service being cancelled at Fratton due to a train fault with the stopper being around 10 minutes late with 450059 & 450102 taking me one stop up the line to Liss where my first walk began with the former military railway leading towards the MOD Longmoor training area via a beautiful woodland path, although the path was a bit muddy in places following the recent rain. At the end of the path (which continues into the MOD land which requires some future research as I was unsure if it was a bit like Salisbury Plain in being managed access) I headed back to Liss via the roads, swinging via a Tesco Express to grab lunch to save a job. Thankfully the next London stopper was also running late so I didn't need to rush before boarding 450050 & 450030 to Haslemere where I transferred to 444037 on the next semi-fast service to Godalming where my second walk began.

I exited the station at Godalming, heading to a path running alongside the River Wey towards the town bridge where the Wey Navigation began. A rural towpath which was reasonably busy with other people out for a walk (or a ride), with the water busy with canoes & paddleboarders as I headed away from the town centre towards Catteshall Lock skirting round the edge of Farncombe with a gentle stroll in the woodlands heading towards Peasmarsh & Shalford (pausing to take a photo of the junction with the remains of the former Wey & Arun Canal (a canal I believe which is getting restored). My walk along the Wey Navigation came to an end at Broadford Road bridge where I had previously walked a couple of years ago (time does fly).

River Wey Navigation in Peasmarsh (4) by Kite, on Flickr

Switching from the river navigation to a cycle path heading north over the North Downs line and towards Guildford via some nice woodland and Shalford Park. Soon I reached Guildford where I headed back towards the river navigation at Millmead lock, walking towards a weir where the towpath has been closed due to being washed away. I did a U-turn and followed the river towards the town centre which clears the Wey Navigation for walking (other than that tiny section on the weir if it ever gets repaired). On heading to Guildford station, I caught the sound of a mysterious steam train passing (nothing showing on RTT) and it was back to the trains.

As the next London train was a stopper which gave a nice connection at Worplesdon I decided on a random station revisit for some better photos, jumping onto 450046 & 450126 for the short journey from Guildford to this very quiet station. 5 minutes later 450084 & 450065 rolled in to take me back to Guildford where I transferred to platform 1 as I had noticed a bit of a novelty, a pair of 450s working a service via Bookham. There seems to be a booked pair of 450s on the Wimbledon suburban lines since the 458/5s started losing weight, and it had been a while since I last went via Bookham (at least in daylight) so I decided on a little spin on 450029 & 450023 on the slow run to Clapham Junction

450023 on platform 1 at Guildford Station by Kite, on Flickr

I arrived at Clapham Junction with around 10 minutes to spare before the next Salisbury stopper, enough time to pop out of the station to the Sainsburys to grab some dinner items before taking a seat on 158888 & 159007 on a Salisbury service, the leading coach of the 158 was very quiet (and from the announcement the guard made the rear coaches sounded busy as he was suggesting for those customers standing to move forward as there was a lot more seats in the front coaches. Anyhow these sprinters took me back home to Grateley where I had a gentle stroll home, and relaxed ready for another busy week of training.

As ever more photos can be found on my Flickr, thanks for reading

 

[Kite159]

31st August – Disused Railways in the New Forest

After the last few weeks where I’ve been heading further afield, I decided this week I would do something more local, walking the former Southampton & Dorchester Railway route from Ringwood towards Brockenhurst, something which had been on my list for a while. It also gave me an excuse to walk another short disused railway line path (the Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway) around the former Breamore station.

The day began with the 07:54 service from Grateley to Salisbury with 159010, a short delay at Salisbury where it ran into the back of a 158 unit before, I exited the station having a look at the car park works before heading towards the city centre via Sainsburys for something to eat before heading to Blue Bore Row to board the Morebus X3 service for Bournemouth. A large crowd was waiting for said bus (and at one stage I was toying with ditching that idea and instead heading towards Devizes) but I managed to board bus 1790, one of the newer 24 plate Enviro 400 buses (which did have much better seating compared to the older buses used on this route). A bit slow heading out of Salisbury but soon I was exiting the bus near the tidy settlement of South Charford, the northern edge of the Breamore Railway Path.

The first section of this path was reasonable but soon it turned evil, barely (and I mean barely) passable at times due to the overgrowth, I carried on (as I knew the only way out was back the same way) with the path opening out at times before returning to awful. Certainly, an old railway line path best done during the winter months (with the risk of mud) or spring before the thorns & nettles grow. The only highlight of the 2 mile walk towards Burgate Cross was the former station at Breamore itself, the station building now a holiday let.

Remains of Breamore Station (2) by Kite, on Flickr

Anyhow I reached the ending point near Burgate Cross, a couple of miles north of Fordingbridge alongside the A338 with a handy bus stop located alongside a lay-by. Google Maps was suggesting a 10-minute wait before the next Bournemouth bus, but when I fired up Bus Times, I found that bus caught up in issues within Salisbury city centre, where it took over an hour to get out of the city centre (I suspect an accident closing the road with the bus unable to escape via a side street). Standing alongside the busy A338 wasn’t much fun before bus 1784 rolled in on the following service (which looked like it diverted via the Ring Road) with the original bus being close behind. It was very busy but I got a seat for the trip to Ringwood via Fordingbridge, where a large crowd was waiting (I can only presume the original bus which overtook this one bypassed both Fordingbridge & Ringwood town centre).

The second of today’s walks began in Ringwood, after swinging via the town centre Sainsburys for lunch items, I soon reached the Castleman Trailway path along the route of the former Southampton & Dorchester Railway route which closed in the 1960s. I crossed over the Bicklerley Millstream and onto a short section where the route of the railway has been lost for a modern road. The route of the railway was joined near an industrial park and I took this path towards its end at Barrack Lane to the south of the town. The railway continues but isn't accessible so I swapped over to a couple of footpaths (and one muddy byway) leading towards Sandford where I was a bit worried considering the OS Map suggested a Ford on one of the paths. Thankfully there was a bridge for walkers to bypass the water crossing as I headed into the Kingston Great Common National Nature Reserve in the New Forest.

Ford on a footpath in the New Forest, between Sandford & Burley by Kite, on Flickr

Some beautiful views (and very peaceful) as I followed a path, eventually the path ending at Pound Lane near the Burbush Forestry Car Park where the former railway line route began once more. The path quality was decent for this section and it was reasonably busy with other users and soon I reached the former Holmsley station where the mixed used path came suddenly to an end for a section of walking along a road. I had previously assumed it would be a little country road with hardly any traffic. I was wrong, it was a busy road with no pavement (and a very soft verge). I was glad when I reached the point where the road headed north and the former railway line path resumed.

The next section was along the mixed used path, going near some camping sites with the final section of line lost forcing a detour via an access road going underneath the main railway to join the B3055 going underneath the branch line for Lymington and going onto Sway Road. The first section didn't have any pavements and was a bit narrow in places, especially the section crossing over the railway. I was glad again when the pavement popped up as I headed towards the railway station in Brockenhurst arriving just as 444043 & 444027 rolled in on a London train from Weymouth, which I took to Winchester, stepping back to the service from Portsmouth (450036 & 450046) for the section to Basingstoke where I popped out of the station to grab some supplies from the shop before boarding 158882 & 159010 on the next Salisbury stopper to take me to Grateley

View from the Route of former Southampton & Dorchester Railway between Holmsley & Brockenhurst (2) by Kite, on Flickr

Once at home, I relaxed for the remainder of the Saturday evening. Overall, a decent walk with the negative sections being the road walks with no pavements, I’m hoping to finish the last section of the railway line walk (branded as the Castleman Trailway) between Ringwood & Wimborne Minster at some-point (I was hoping to do it this coming Sunday but the weather looks quite wet), one of those walks I wouldn’t mind trying to do before the £2 bus scheme ends, talking of which leads me onto…

1st September – Buses in Devon & Cornwall

This is an idea which had been on my list to do since May-time, but either was ruled out with engineering works or having something else planned, a random trip to the South West for a couple of interesting looking bus routes. The day began with an early morning drive to Salisbury where I ended up having to park in the station car park due to my usual parking places close to the station either being full or not available due to road works. If I was on my own, I might have headed further afield to avoid the £5 parking fee but I was with mum so it wasn’t fair for her to walk too far.

Anyhow it was onto the 06:54 service for Exeter St Davids formed of 159010, 159107 & 159016 (with 016 being locked out of use and getting dropped off at Yeovil Junction). A quiet service throughout and soon we had arrived at Exeter Central, where we exited the station via the side gate for the walk to the bus station, via Sainsburys for both breakfast & supplies for lunch (just to save the hassle of trying to find something in Bude). The first bus of the day was the Stagecoach route 6A service to Okehampton (with the bus driver selling me a ticket all the way to Bude) with bus 15893 in heritage Devon General colours.

Stagecoach Bus 10456 (SN65 NZO) at Exeter Bus Station (on a route 1 to Cullompton) by Kite, on Flickr

I did this route back in May when heading to Okehampton for the old railway line walk towards Lydford so it was nice to come back to a scenic run over the hills via the settlements of Tedbuurn St Mary, Cheriton Cross, Whiddon Down & Sticklepath to terminate outside Okehampton station. Some weeks it seems this service continues to Bude, other week it requires a bus swap, this week it involved swapping to the route 6 service (with bus 15885). This headed back down the hill into Okehampton town centre where it picked up a good number of passengers before heading out into the hills getting caught behind some cyclists on a riding event (and considering how steep some of those hills were, fair play to those ladies for giving it a go).

This service was another scenic route, quite rural in terms of settlements the first big settlement being Holsworthy (with a lovely old railway viaduct) before crossing into Cornwall with the run to Bude via Stratton, where we had around 30 minutes on a connection which only works on a Sunday. After visiting the toilets, we returned to the bus stop to catch the "Transport for Cornwall" route 95 service for Wadebridge with bus 2216 (An Enviro 200) on this long route. Heading out of Bude via the scenic Widemouth Bay & Crackington Haven which did see a few passengers leaving the bus as it made its way via some narrow country lanes to reach Boscastle & Tintagel before heading to Camelford for a timekeeping pause (as it was running early).

Beach at Crackington Haven (from bus) by Kite, on Flickr

After Camelford the bus double backed on the route to serve the pretty village of Port Isaac, where sadly we didn't bump into Doctor Martin during another extended dwell stop of around 7 minutes (gave the chance for some fresh air and for a gentle walk around the bus). The bus continued on the journey towards Wadebridge via the seaside at Polzeath before a final extended dwell at St Minver (I guess the timetable has a lot of recovery time built in to cope with delays caused by heavy traffic). After St Minver the bus continued into Wadebridge bus station, 2 and three quarters hours after departing Bude. With 20 minutes to play with until the next Bodmin bus we headed to the nearby Co-Op (passing the old railway station, one of these days I will walk the old railway from Bodmin towards Padstow) before boarding the bus 2417 on the next route 11 for Bodmin Parkway.

This service (having started from Padstow) headed towards Bodmin itself before the long road to Bodmin Parkway station where it terminated. During the week & on Saturdays some services run all the way to Plymouth which is something on my list to do at some-point, as well as the route 12 from Plymouth to Bude. So many Cornish bus routes which looks interesting. Anyhow for us the day on the buses was over and it was to the station where the first Exeter train was cancelled giving us 45 minutes to waste (being interrupted with the arrival of a steam train from Bodmin).

GWR 4575 Steam 5552 running round a train at Bodmin Parkway (Bodmin & Wenford Railway) by Kite, on Flickr

Eventually 800316 rolled in from Penzance on a London train where surprisingly we managed to grab a couple of decent seats (as I was worried that it might have been busy due to being the end of the summer holidays). The train lost around 15 minutes in the Plymouth area due to signalling issues which meant the connection at Exeter St Davids to a Waterloo train went up in smoke.

We remained on the platform at Exeter St Davids for the 55 minutes, relaxing before 159104 & 159105 returned from the sidings to take us the long route to Salisbury, losing time in the Tisbury area due to a late running Exeter train (at least ensuring the delay was pushed over the hour mark rather than being 59 minutes and 30 seconds). At Salisbury we headed back to the car to drive home, the early start catching up with both of us and soon after getting home we headed to bed. An enjoyable day trip to Cornwall (and Devon), some beautiful views from the buses, shame about the extra hour in Exeter but I guess these things can't be helped. Anyhow thanks for reading, more photos can be found on my Flickr as I move into September, a month where the only overnight stay is near the end of the month for the 323-farewell tour in Birmingham, the other weekends are going to be day trips.

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Ringwood brings back memories for me of my only visit, on a Geography Field Trip 40 years ago. We were in pairs, tasked with trying to find out whether people shopped in Bournemouth or Salisbury by asking five people or couples where they bought their clothes most recently.

The results were as follows:
Bournemouth 1
Salisbury 1
Southampton 1 (a young couple out for the day in the country with their kids)
London (England) 1 (an elderly, well spoken lady who, as she had kept her figure, was still working her way through the clothes bought in Harrods when she was much younger)
London (Ontario) 1 (a couple who had moved to the UK because of a work transfer, and had arrived 3 days earlier!

Which proves something about size of sample being important...

 

[Kite159]

Ringwood brings back memories for me of my only visit, on a Geography Field Trip 40 years ago. We were in pairs, tasked with trying to find out whether people shopped in Bournemouth or Salisbury by asking five people or couples where they bought their clothes most recently.

The results were as follows:
Bournemouth 1
Salisbury 1
Southampton 1 (a young couple out for the day in the country with their kids)
London (England) 1 (an elderly, well spoken lady who, as she had kept her figure, was still working her way through the clothes bought in Harrods when she was much younger)
London (Ontario) 1 (a couple who had moved to the UK because of a work transfer, and had arrived 3 days earlier!

Which proves something about size of sample being important...

Indeed, all the shopping for clothes.

 

[Kite159]

7th September – Rural Wiltshire Countryside along the Kennet & Avon

I started walking the Kennet & Avon canal last year leaving the 12 and a bit mile gap between Devizes & Pewsey last summer time, an idea which has slipped over and over for the last few months, but with autumn arriving meaning rural canals will soon become off-limits (as towpaths turn into muddy quagmires) I decided to do the canal walk with another local area day rather than heading to the Midlands.

The day began with the 08:30 service from Grateley formed of 159103 on the Exeter service (which ran into an unknown unit at Salisbury). After speaking with one of the guards (who wanted to know how I was getting on with my training), I left the station heading into the city centre swinging via Boots for a meal deal before making my way to the bus stop on Blue Bore Row for the 09:25 service for Swindon (advertised as “Pewsey for Swindon” as it was one of those routes which are split up for distance reasons. At 09:30 when the bus was a no show, I was thinking about a plan B (involving catching the Bournemouth bus to Ringwood for the old railway line walk towards Wimborne) before bus 1140 (a Scania OmniCity) rolled in to depart around 10 minutes late.

The service departed Salisbury, heading towards Amesbury before going via Durrington & Netheravon (along some narrow roads) before joining the A345 for the run towards Upavon before reaching Pewsey. The delay on departure was easily made up and I remained on board after the centre of Pewsey to alight at the bus stop near Pewsey Wharf where my walk began.

Stagecoach Bus 10699 (SN66 VVK) in Salisbury on an Activ8 for Andover by Kite, on Flickr

This section of the canal is very rural and once away from the wharf area in Pewsey the towpath turned grassy, bit muddy in places due to all the recent rain. A few times I had to duck underneath low laying trees (including some thorns) and a few places the towpath did get quite narrow but nothing as bad as the Grand Union in Northamptonshire. It was very peaceful (with the occasional sound of train from the south) before passing the small settlement of Honeystreet (bringing back memories of the times I've visited the Barge Inn 20 or so years ago). Countryside soon returned as the canal did some weaving round hills, skirting close to All Cannings & Horton, with some places the canal hiding from view due to weeds.

The rural peaceful countryside got replaced with Devizes suburbia, and soon I reached the A361 road bridge where my canal walk was complete. Leaving just a small section around Crofton pumping station (where the towpath was closed) and the river Avon section from Bath towards Bristol to clear the entire Kennet & Avon, although I suspect both those walks will be done next year. After swinging via Morrisons, I headed towards the town centre to relax before the next Salisbury bus rolled in, trying to avoid the rain which had finally caught up with me.

Kennet & Avon Canal between Wilcot & Honeystreet (18) by Kite, on Flickr

This was the recently introduced X2 service from Devizes to Salisbury with bus 2729 (a Park & Ride Spec Enviro200). The bus departed with a handful of passengers on board (gaining more passengers as time went on), following the same route as the route 2 (via Potterne, Market Lavington, Tilshead, Orcheston & Shrewton) where instead of turning off to head towards Winterbourne Stoke, the bus went onto the main road towards the Stonehenge Visitors Centre (where it picked up 15 passengers, all avoiding the ~£20 Stonehenge Tour Bus [also ran by Salisbury Reds]) before a fast section along the A360 to reach Salisbury, terminating on the bus stop outside Tesco Express. Certainly, a fast journey at the end, but why it's been introduced is a bit of a mystery considering it undercuts the tour bus (which until this week was the only way to reach Stonehenge by public transport).

Anyhow back in Salisbury, I made my slow way towards the station, and to platform 6 where I took a seat on 159005 on the next stopper to Basingstoke, which took me home to Grateley, followed by a gentle walk home before the rain returned once more. An enjoyable walk in the Wiltshire countryside, bringing back some memories of my youth.

Salisbury Reds Bus 2729 (HF65 AYJ) in Devizes on a route X2 to Salisbury by Kite, on Flickr

8th September – An unexpected trip to London & Hertford

A bit unexpected as originally my plan for Sunday was to walk the old railway line from Ringwood to Wimborne, but with the expected wet weather that got put back on the shelf, along with a couple other random plans. It was only until I heard my good friend Jules was heading to London on another improv trip (think he only booked the coach tickets in the evening) I decided to do the slow “Tour De Staines” due to engineering works at Wimbledon.

The day began with a drive to Andover (as I’m commuting to Basingstoke at the moment my car use has dropped so I’m trying to give the car a run every week until training has complete) with the 06:55 (or so) service to London, formed of 159101 & 159018. Nothing unusual happened along the way other than RPIs boarding at Woking and going via Isleworth after Feltham, arriving into Clapham Junction a few minutes early due to a cancellation of a stopper which this service was due to follow. At Waterloo I headed to the underground with the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus (set 3250-3559) transferring to the Victoria line, jumping onto 11088/11087 as it was on the platform, remaining on the platform for 5 minutes due to an issue with a train in front.

Eventually this service departed and it took me to Seven Sisters as I made my way up the stairs to the national rail platforms (Tottenham Hale was closed today so GA were diverting via Seven Sisters), much to my surprise a Stansted service was on the platform being delayed and I jumped on (745109) for the run to Broxbourne, transferring to 720551 on a Hertford East shuttle. My original idea was to take this unit to Hertford East giving me 10 minutes to make my way across to the bus station for a bus for Welwyn to walk the disused railway line (the Cole Green Way), but that idea got shelved when the service lost 5 minutes around St Margarets due to a signalling issue as I bailed at Ware to begin a shorter walk.

720551 departing Ware by Kite, on Flickr

Annoyingly the weather forecast was wrong as it suggested rain wasn’t due until later in the afternoon, but it started to drizzle a few minutes after leaving the station as I headed to the New River path. I reached Ware back in July last year (time flies!) when I walked this path from Broxbourne ditching it at Ware due to the rain (why does it always rain on me when I explore the New River?). The first section was alongside the A119 before the waterway moved away from the road towards the King's Mead nature reserve, the path coming to an end as previously it crossed the railway on a foot crossing, which Network Rail has closed, the path turning very overgrown so I decided against walking it to the railway fence. I took a footpath via the nature reserve, going underneath the A10 viaduct having a small detour to find another crossing closed, before reaching the Hertford area, crossing over the railway on a foot crossing at Mead Land.

Once across the railway I headed back towards the New River, picking the path up and walking as far as I could towards the A10 viaduct (effectively now a cul-de-sac path) with the path suddenly ending in overgrowth, which is what I was sort of expecting. I did a U-turn back to the point where I joined the waterway and followed the path to the New Gauge House where it joins the river Lea. I joined the towpath the Lea Navigation heading towards Hertford, remaining on the towpath after Mill Road for the short section to Hertford Basin which somehow, I missed out when I previously walked this navigation. I reached the limit of navigation, and headed back towards Mill Road via a path alongside another part of the River Lea. Finally reaching Hertford East station, deciding against doing the railway line walk owing to timings and the changeable weather (for I was a bit wet).

New River in Ware (7) by Kite, on Flickr

Back to the trains and a late platform change from platform 2 to platform 1 with 720524 coming in on top of another 720 (which was stabled at the buffer stops), which I think is the first time I’ve departed from platform 1, only previously arrived on that side on a peak time extra. This 720 took me to Broxbourne where after looking at RTT found nothing of interest heading south for the next hour, I jumped onto 720513 & 720103 for the short distance to Cheshunt transferring for the Overground with 710120 & 710122 on the stopper, solely to cover that part of the Overground network for 710. I bailed at Rectory Road for a gentle stroll towards Hackney Downs going via the park (one of those short London area walks which had been on my list to do for a while), swinging via the Tesco Express outside the station for lunch before 710105 & 710257 rolled in to take me the 3 miles to Liverpool Street.

I exited the station at Liverpool Street for the short walk to Fenchurch Street where I met up with Jules on winner 720612, surprisingly out today on Leigh on Sea services. Pretty much the same inside as the Greater Anglia examples, other than more areas of “3-1+2” seating creating wider aisles. We took this 720 to Upminster, opening my book with the C2C examples, returning to West Ham on 357046, where we transferred to the underground doing a series of linear hops (and a walk from Chancery Lane to Farringdon) to reach London Marylebone for 165036 to West Ruislip, for a short fester before 165025 took us back to Marylebone (Jules was quite happy as this was his final Chiltern 165, which had been out of traffic for ages).

720612 departing Upminster by Kite, on Flickr

With time looking on, we headed to the underground to Waterloo (changing at Baker Street from the Bakerloo & Jubilee lines), popping out of the station to grab dinner supplies before taking a busy 159022, 159106 & 159002 (which didn’t help that it was advertised as boarding before the train even arrived onto platform 11 so there was heavy congestion on the platform, but when the train only has a 10-minute turnaround there is only so much control can do). I said farewell to Jules at Clapham Junction (where a lot more passengers alighted) and settled down for the trip via Richmond & Staines to reach Woking where the train had a booked 15-minute dwell to put it onto the path of the 18:20 Waterloo – Exeter train.

I remained on board to Andover, heading to my car to drive home. An enjoyable day with a walk in the morning (even if I did end up getting wet), but at least the New River path at the Hertford end is complete, leaving the section from Broxbourne to Palmers Green which I suspect will be done next year due to the oncoming of autumn. A good catchup in the afternoon as well. More photos can be found on my Flickr Here , thanks for reading

 

[Kite159]

13th & 14th September Trips

A day of enforced annual leave from training (I believe due to a monthly meeting) meant I had a Friday to come up with ideas, with booking a Railtour earlier in the week as a late notice booking considering accommodation costs weren’t as high as expected.

13th September – London & Stort Navigation

The day began with the 07:27 service from Grateley with 159006, 159017 & 159101 taken all the way to Waterloo, I can definitely tell that Friday commuting has fallen through the floor considering I had a private table seat all the way. Anyhow at Waterloo after swinging via Sainsburys for some breakfast I headed towards platform 23 to board winner 701036 on a Windsor service. This took me to Twickenham where I managed a zero-minute connection across the platform to board 450102 & 450067 on a London service from Windsor. After a quick play on RTT I decided to alight at Putney for another cross-platform change, this time onto 458416 & 458427 with both 458s being needed for renumbering. I had a rough idea to take these to Chiswick for a 10-minute connection for another pair of 458s back from Weybridge, stepping back at Barnes (or most likely Clapham to avoid the hassle of changing platforms) for a 3rd set I saw which were out.

This is where things went wrong, as I didn’t notice before leaving Barnes that due to signalling issues at Feltham junction services from Weybridge were being diverted via Richmond rather than via the loop. So, my 10-minute connection turned into a 25-minute connection for 450100 & 450101 to roll in on the last of the morning’s Hounslow loop services (I do wonder if this line will ever regain 4tph like it had pre Covid once all the 701s are in service). On the bright side the delay allowed me to spot 701028 on a driver training service.

701028 at Chiswick (Driver Training) by Kite, on Flickr

Anyhow back to the 450s, these took me to Vauxhall where I swapped to the Victoria line jumping onto 11040 & 11039 on the first available service for the long journey to Tottenham Hale, transferring to the Greater Anglia platforms turning down a pair of 720s on a Stansted service as winner 720118 was on the Cambridge service following (along with 720105). I took these 720s to Harlow Town where my walk began leaving the station doing a loop to join the River Stort navigation, walking along the towpath via Terlings Park with a couple swaps along the way as it hugged the northern edge of Harlow. The ruralness changed to more industrial as it neared the industry near Harlow Mill before returning to nature with the towpath being quite changeable in surface quality. The next section roughly follows the route of the railway (giving a soundtrack of 720s & 745s) before reaching Sawbridgeworth.

After some moorings the navigation turned very rural beyond the railway bridge with the soundtrack of trains gaining the soundtrack of planes coming into land at Stansted. Other than that, it was very peaceful weaving along towards Bishop's Stortford where it changed character from rural countryside to urban landscape. I took the towpath to the limit of Navigation, the road bridge on the A1250 and I set off looking for Sainsburys which I saw on the map. I saw the car park entrance but I must have missed the way in for walkers as I did a loop in the town centre, swinging via Tesco for a late lunch before making my way to the station.

River Stort Navigation between Sawbridgeworth & Bishop's Stortford (34) by Kite, on Flickr

I didn’t have long to wait before winner 720101 rolled in on a service from Cambridge, and with nothing else due to be coming south for a while I took this unit all the way to Liverpool Street, transferring to the sub surface line, linear hopping to Euston Square getting S7 set 21413/414 & S8 set 21111/112 over a mile with a linear hop at Farringdon. A gentle stroll took me to Euston where I headed to board winner 730045 on a Milton Keynes stopper which departed rather overcrowded, to such a degree I couldn’t even get off at Harrow & Wealdstone. I managed to get off at Watford Junction when the train did empty out somewhat, watching a pair of 730s zooming through without stopping from Tring as all the stops were ripped out due to departing 5 minutes late.

When I was waiting for the next 730 diagram, a pair of 350s from Crewe rolled into platform 7 causing a couple of Pendos to use the bi directional lines to head south via platform 8 [usual down slow] with a Tring bound 350 using platform 9 [usual up slow] to depart towards Tring. Anyhow it was a short wait before winners 730008 & 730002 rolled in on a busy service from Tring with someone kicking off that I dared sit opposite him (as the other options involved sitting next to someone else). Anyhow these 730s took me to Euston and I exited the station for a quick break.

390112 passing Watford Junction by Kite, on Flickr

Next up was an Avanti service for Wolverhampton formed of winner 805009 leading dud 805008 which I took to Watford Junction, the announcements from “Digital Doris” are just far too loud on these units to be comfortable. I returned to Euston nonstop on 350111 & 350237 sitting in the 350/2 due to a large crowd at the front of the platform, and headed to the Victoria line taking 11060/11059 on the first available service towards Tottenham Hale. When I saw the train go into the centre platform at Seven Sisters (the depot access line) I was expecting an announcement that the train would now terminate. I was surprised when the announcement played out that this train would continue to Walthamstow within the next couple of minutes, which it did covering the rare connection at the Walthamstow end of platform 4 (BLS hat firmly on). One of those cases of being in the right place at the right time.

An unusual northbound departure from Seven Sisters platform 4 by Kite, on Flickr

Anyhow back to the trains, I changed to Greater Anglia for the second time of the day and onto winner 720572 leading dud 720521 on a service from Hertford East to take me to Liverpool Street, remaining on board to take the same pair back out to Tottenham Hale, solely to push 572 over ten miles. I switched back to the underground with 11005/11006 taken for the run back to Euston where I managed to board 390049 on a service for Manchester which called at Milton Keynes (as I didn’t want to risk the next LNR service as that was showing as 4 coaches and with the previous LNR towards Northampton cancelled I would imagine it might have been busy.

The Pendo took me to Milton Keynes in comfort giving me around 20 minutes to relax before 350121 & 350118 rolled in on the Northampton service (would normally be Birmingham New Street, but LNR were having one of their usual meltdowns). This service took me one stop to Wolverton for a short fester for 350243/350109 on the next southbound service which terminates at Milton Keynes and unusually uses platform 2 from the north (platform 2 is normally used by the stoppers). Another tiny BLS style microgrice to end the day. I exited the station bumping into an online friend for a nice catchup as we walked towards my accommodation (the Travelodge in “The Hub”, close to the large Sainsburys [which annoyingly doesn’t open until 7am on Saturdays]). We parted ways and I headed to my room on the 6th floor for a much-needed shower and rest ready for an early start on the Saturday.

350109 at Milton Keynes by Kite, on Flickr

14th September – The Eastriggs Eloper Tour

A tour I was very much sitting on the fence since it got announced, the unusual track into Eastriggs (located between Gretna Green & Annan), formally a MOD place now seeing a new use of life as a secure storage area). I think what tipped me over the edge was the news that it would be using the freight track to the south of Carlisle linking the WCML with the Cumbrian Coast line, also with hotels in Milton Keynes being a quite reasonable £38.

Anyhow the day began leaving the hotel, making my way towards Morrisons for a supply raid (as the tour didn’t have much in the way of free time) and towards the station arriving in good time for winner 57310 to arrive hauling the Mk2 coaches. I was sat in the 3rd coach from the front (I think) which was lightly loaded as Milton Keynes was the 2nd pick up after starting from Watford Junction. The train headed via the Northampton loop for a pick up at Northampton before doing a loop to the north of the station before heading towards Rugby for a crew change then onwards to Nuneaton where the train did start to fill up. Another pick up was made at Stafford with my coach becoming quite full, but sadly the other passengers at my table were silent, not even a “morning” or “hello” from one of them. Great it was going to be another one of those tours I said to myself.

57310 arriving at Milton Keynes by Kite, on Flickr

After a further crew change at Crewe (not a pick-up stop as it was originally meant to use a loop but had to use platform 11 due to a freight train being in the way) the speed increased heading along the WCML with a final pick up being made in Preston. Onwards to Carlisle with the 57 making good time on the hills of the Lake District, where the train paused on platform 1 giving a 35-minute break when winner 66756 attached to the rear, enough time to dash to Boots to grab some food (considering there isn’t much else in Carlisle these days now the Tesco Express has gone).

I returned to the train, taking my low-down seat as the train headed into Scotland (I got lucky to get a photograph from the drop-light of the boundary river as the AC was broken once more so I needed some fresh air). The train headed off the WCML and towards the headshunt giving access to Eastriggs, running all the way to the end before reversing into the former MOD area (all the fences), passing some stored snow ploughs, reaching the stop board marking the ‘limit of lease’. The track continued beyond that point but was out of use (and likely will never see anything again).

Crossing the River Sark from the WCML (England - Scotland Border) by Kite, on Flickr

After a short break where the stock was watered (and driver had their PNB), the 57 hauled the train back towards the headshunt with the 66 taking charge once more with the train joining the Carlisle - Dumfries line to head back south towards Carlisle, doing a loop to the north of the station before doing line C within the station (one of the through lines) heading towards Upperby Goods Loop to the south of the station, reversing once more to head away from the WCML onto the freight line going underneath the WCML towards Currock Junction on the line towards Whitehaven (another line I want to revisit at some point).

66756 was in charge for the final time as the train headed back towards Carlisle for a brief pause to allow passengers to alight if they so wished (to have a longer break) before the train resumed its journey heading north, annoyingly not doing the goods line which goes round the back of Kingmoor yard (but it wasn’t advertised so I can’t complain). The 66 turned off the WCML onto the Longtown branch running towards a level crossing near Bush on Esk, it couldn’t go much further due to a MOD exercise, but I’ve previously been on this line in 2016 (although can’t remember where that tour reached). Anyhow one final reversal with the 57 leading the train back into Carlisle, going via the flyover near Kingmoor yard where I decided I had simply had enough, there was a very annoying passenger in my coach whom was quite loud and considering I was planning to bail at Preston (due to timings as I needed to get home) and I fancied a trip via the Tyne Valley line.

800205 arriving at Carlisle by Kite, on Flickr

LNER were doing the usual autumn diverts via Carlisle with the northern part of the ECML closed and I boarded 800205 attached with 801102, turning down the seat I had been given when buying my ticket and headed to a quiet coach which only had 3 other passengers in, relaxing for the slow run towards Newcastle, getting delayed near Hexham due to trespassers but the timings were padded more than my new winter coat, sadly it didn’t do the loop as booked to approach Newcastle from the High Level Bridge (for the novelty factor of doing an Azuma over that bridge). Due to an operational incident with an Edinburgh bound service this train reversed at Newcastle to head back over the King Edward bridge in reverse formation. The new platforms at Darlington seem to be coming along well with this coach only getting busy at York (emptying out at Doncaster). Nothing else unusual happened with the trip to Kings Cross with the train arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule (probably due to Thameslink having one of their usual Saturday evening meltdowns).

It was a long walk from coach 9 to the exit and to the underground. I was originally considering the Piccadilly line to Leicester Square but that was closed so it was onto the Victoria line with set 11023/11024 taken to Oxford Circus for a short wait for the next available southbound Bakerloo service with sets 3232/3536 taken to Waterloo. Exiting the underground, I headed towards the platform where the 22:50 service to Salisbury was loading up with 159013 leading 158881, sitting near the front where it was quieter and I relaxed with the journey to Grateley, tiredness hitting me after Basingstoke.

159013 at London Waterloo by Kite, on Flickr

A good tour for some new track into my book, along with 2 more locos, I had forgot how pretty the Tyne Valley line is. Next weekend sees a return to day trips before the 323 farewell the following weekend. Thanks for reading.

 

[Kite159]

Trips 20 - 22 September

20th September – An unexpected afternoon/evening in London

Unexpected because I wasn’t expecting to be finished work before 1pm on the Friday, and whilst I was in London it felt a waste to head home so I decided to break out my little red pen with a focus on the C2C 720s as I still needed 11 out of the 12 and I knew some only come out to work a single service in the evening peak. But first as I was at Clapham, I noticed the next Weybridge service was a pair of 458/4s I needed for renumbering so I jumped onto 458412 & 458413 to Kew Bridge for a short wait for 458408 & 458421 back towards Barnes (to inspect the new footbridge being installed making life a lot easier for the “this is a platform change” announcements which can happen (as it’s a bit of a hike between platforms 1 & 2 at the moment.

450095 & 450003 arrived on the next Weybridge service which took me back to Kew Bridge for another short wait before dud 458426 arrived with winner 458428 on the rear for the run to Vauxhall, using the reversal line around Queenstown Road due to signalling issues (and platform 1 at Vauxhall). I headed to the underground to jump on the first available Victoria line service (11048/11047) to Euston where I had a slow walk to the main concourse to board 350242 & 350120 on a Tring service to take me to Harrow & Wealdstone, where after a couple of passing freight trains winner 730039 rolled in along with dud 730042 on the “all-day” 730 WCML diagram, a recovery from the previous Friday when this unit went nonstop from Tring due to late running.

458428 at Vauxhall Station by Kite, on Flickr

These 730s took me to Euston where I headed to the underground (swinging via the ticket office to buy my ranger for the Saturday as there was no queue) before jumping on the first available Northern line service to Bank. Always a nice bonus when a sub mile LU set pops up on a required move with a busy 51606/51605, and I exited the station at Bank and walked to Fenchurch Street (via a Tesco Express), as I had the time to kill before the next 720 departure.

I arrived at Fenchurch Street to see the Pride 357; sadly, no good picture due to the angle of the sun but good to see it in the metal. A short while later winner 720610 rolled in from the depot to take me to Upminster where I headed across the footbridge to intercept winners 720611 & 720604 on a service from Shoeburyness to take me to the island platform at West Ham for a short (10 minute) wait before winners 720603 & 720601 rolled in on another Shoeburyness service, first stop Upminster.

720610 departing Upminster by Kite, on Flickr

These 720s arrived ahead of schedule to allow me a fast walk over the footbridge making a 0-minute connection onto 357312 & 357014 back towards West Ham where thanks to a slightly late running service in front I made the +1 onto winners 720607 & 720609 which annoyingly was first stop Laindon (thankfully e-tickets were available). I can’t remember the last time I did Upminster nonstop but it wasn’t a fast service due to following that late running pair of 357s for Pitsea (via Ockendon). I left the train at Laindon for a short 15-minute wait before winners 720605 & 720602 rolled in to take me towards Chalkwell, pushing both units over 10 miles.

A beautiful sunset awaited me at Chalkwell as I had around 15 minutes to wait before 720611 rolled in on the next Fenchurch Street service to take me to West Ham in darkness. Annoyingly none of the sockets were working on the units today (both 3 pin & USB) so I’ve got no idea if C2C has disabled them for some reason. Anyhow I was happy as my list of wanted C2C 720s had been slashed to just 606 & 608, neither of which were out that evening but 2 is better than 11.

The Sunset at Chalkwell by Kite, on Flickr

At West Ham I transferred with the extra long walk to the jubilee line platforms for 96028 & 96065 on the first available service to take me to Waterloo for a short wait before 159008 & 159010 took me to Grateley on the 20:20 service, departing a couple of minutes late due to only arriving at 20:18 (so a fast turnaround, and thankfully unlike the 19:20 service no stops were ripped out). At Grateley I headed home to sort my rucksack out ready for an early start on the Saturday.

21th September – Exploring the Wombourne Branch Line

The Wombourne Branch Line previously ran from Wolverhampton towards Stourbridge Junction where passenger services only survived a mere 7 years in the early 20th century. It has since been turned into a mixed used path called the Wolverhampton Railway Walk & South Staffordshire Railway Walk. Anyhow the day began with a drive to Andover as due to engineering works Salisbury was closed and I don’t trust replacement buses (and also my car needed a nice little drive).

It was onto 159107 working the 06: XX service from Andover to Basingstoke for a short wait before 220023 & 220013 rolled in on a Manchester bound service. The front unit was locked out of use until Reading due to not having a member of staff in that section (sadly not the first time it has happened with XC), I managed to grab an unreserved seat for the run towards Wolverhampton the train only filling up at Coventry (with the majority of those passengers boarding at Coventry alighting at Birmingham New Street). At Wolverhampton I grabbed some supplies for lunch before meeting up with my good friend Jan who was going to be my guide to his local disused railway route.

As the railway line walk began in the Aldersley area of the city, the first section was a walk along the Birmingham Canal Navigation passing the remains of an old railway turntable of this urban canal (which did have some nice railway bridges along the way). Soon we reached Aldersley junction where the Birmingham canal meets up with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, meaning I could add another canal I can add to my list of completed canal walks.

Railway bridge over the Birmingham Canal (Main Line) in Wolverhampton by Kite, on Flickr

We followed the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal a short distance before picking up a footpath which made use of the old railway embankment near the former junction (near Oxley Traincare depot), the footpath turning into the cycle path near the leisure centre. Passing the remains of Tettenhall station, the station building now a café before crossing over the closed towpath of the canal (signs said towpath improvement works) with the old railway line path moving away from the canal as it headed towards Castlecroft and exiting the Wolverhampton area (where the name also changed to being the South Staffordshire Railway Walk).

The path was quite nice in places, some lovely trees in some cuttings and some open farm land in other places. Quite well used with a reasonable surface, some areas were a bit muddy but that was to be expected after all the recent heavy rain. The rural countryside ended with Wombourne itself, with the former station being used as another café and we paused for some lunch at a handy bench.

Remains of the platform at Compton Halt railway station by Kite, on Flickr

Resuming the walk after lunch the path returned to being a bit more rural as it passed the remains of the platform at Himley where the cycle path surface suddenly comes to an end with the next section being a bit wilder (in terms of being a bit overgrown in places). We reached a footbridge where we decided to pause due to the rain getting heavy as a thunderstorm passed over trapping us under that bridge for a good 20 minutes watching the rain hammering down, turning the path we had just walked into a river. Thankfully the thunderstorm ended allowing us to continue the walk towards Brierley Hill going via the Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve with the railway walk ending in an industrial estate the walk itself ending at a handy bus stop on Dudley Road near an old looking Travelodge.

We didn’t have long to wait for the next National Express West Midlands operated route 6 bus arrived (double decker 4752) to take us to Stourbridge Interchange where I parted ways with Jan using the Wolverhampton bus and I headed to Stourbridge Town to catch 139001 the short distance to Stourbridge Junction for 172213 & 172340 on the next service towards Birmingham Moor Street where I exited the station, making my way across to New Street via Poundland to pick up some more drink before boarding winners 730032 & 730033 on a Bromsgrove service to take me to Barnt Green, swinging via a handy Tesco Express when doing a little loop before dud 730016 arrived from Redditch with winner 730030 on the rear to take me back to Birmingham New Street where I had to cut my adventures short due to a cancellation of a XC service the hour later.

139001 at Stourbridge Town by Kite, on Flickr

I had a short wait at Birmingham New Street positioning myself near the front of the train so when 221119 rolled in from Manchester I was able to grab a decent table seat in coach B to relax as the train took me back towards Basingstoke arriving near enough on time, where I could change to board the Andover shuttle which was 159107 & 159018 which took me back to Andover where I walked back to the car and drove home. A nice day with my good friend Jan, chatting about various bits & pieces plus a mostly enjoyable railway line walk, other than the last section where we had to dodge the rivers after the thunderstorm.

22nd September – Visiting the museum in Acton

The idea for today only came up when the weather forecast was predicting rain, rain & more rain around Dorset and when I saw the London Transport Museum was having an open day at their Acton depot, I decided it would be a nice treat for both myself & mum. The day starting with a drive to Andover to pick up 159018 & 159107 working the shuttle to Basingstoke where we changed to board 444026 & 444045 working Basingstoke – London shuttles (in the path of the 1L trains, and unlike the Saturday these were a better connection with the shuttles to/from Andover).

We were in coach 6 of 10 and it was empty, although the train did get delayed departing Basingstoke due to a 450+444 combo from the Southampton direction being late (which looked quite busy), losing a bit more time around Woking before passing the 450+444 combo near Weybridge. We took this service to Waterloo where after visiting Sainsburys for some brunch supplies headed towards the low numbered platforms to board 450020 & 450111 on a diverted Reading train which was going via Kingston (reversing at Twickenham) due to the lines in the Putney area being closed. This train got quite busy as I decided to alight at Strawberry Hill for no reason other than wanting some better photos and that the next train, we wanted was starting from the bay platform at Kingston.

450111 departing Strawberry Hill Station by Kite, on Flickr

Next up was 450113 & 450085 on a Barnes terminator to take us to Richmond where we changed to the Overground with 378202 taken to South Acton, taking the short walk towards Acton Town & the museum depot arriving in good time, so before heading in taking a little spin on the miniature railway they have on the outside of the depot. After that spin, we headed into the museum to have a look around at various artefacts which is a well worthy trip if you like old tube trains and various old buses (plus other railway related stuff). We even got lucky to get a seat for a talk by Tim Dunn about the Secrets of the Underground.

Anyhow trip to the museum was over and we headed towards Acton Town, jumping on a Piccadilly line service with 876 & 203 to Baron’s Court, crossing platform to board the next District line service which was formed of 21518 & 21517 to Earl’s Court where the district line was in a bit of a pickle on the Wimbledon branch due to some faulty signals between East Putney & Wimbledon. Eventually 21411 & 21412 rolled in on a Wimbledon service with some good announcements from the driver about the harsh braking as he was instructed to pass the signals at danger (I presume some sort of Emergency Special Working) with the train’s safety system kicking in automatically.

London General Omnibus Company Horse bus at Acton Museum Depot by Kite, on Flickr

At Wimbledon, we transferred to the trams with tram 2537 taken to Wellesley Road (featuring some revenue staff boarding near Reeves Corner to catch out those whom think payment is optional), where we headed to Wendy’s for dinner before heading to East Croydon station jumping onto 377147 & 377461 on a service from East Grinstead (my theory is those services are quieter than the ones from the Gatwick direction due to not carrying passengers from the airport). At Clapham we transferred to platform 9 boarding a busy 444010 & 444009 on a Wareham service for the trip to Basingstoke (managed to get some decent seats in the leading coach).

The final train of this weekend’s adventure was 159020 & 159007 working the other pair of units on Andover – Basingstoke shuttle services today, taking us to Andover where the departure screen was awashed with cancellations for the replacement buses, with no coaches in sight when we headed to the car to drive home. The end of a good day and a good weekend getting myself ready for an important week at work. Thanks for reading

 

[Kite159]

27th – 29th September Weekend Trips

A busy weekend with overnight stays in the Bristol area on the Friday for the opening of a new station and an overnight stay in Birmingham for the 323 Farewell tour.

27th September – Onwards to Filton… via Taunton

The trip for me began with the 16:07 service from Grateley to Salisbury, formed of a busy 159018 for the short journey to Salisbury, where I had a short wait before 158771 & 158766 rolled in on a GWR service for Cardiff Central. I managed to get a decent seat in the front coach and relaxed as the train headed towards Westbury & Bradford Upon Avon where it crawled for the next section due to signalling issues (losing 15 minutes in the progress), regaining line speed after Bathampton junction and arriving at Bristol Temple Meads where I exited the station for a stroll towards a nearby Tesco, bringing back memories of an old college friend I had (somebody whom we slowly drifted apart) whom had university accommodation in this area (memories of using his place as somewhere to crash for the night after music gigs).

Anyhow trip down memory lane over and I returned to Bristol Temple Meads deciding to take a gamble with a Plymouth bound XC service which is booked to go via Weston Super Mare but without stopping there, looking back it seems the success rate is around 66% but seemed quite reliable when the service was on time. Thankfully tonight former Avanti 221115 was on time arriving into Bristol (where it detached from another 220) and I managed to get a seat in coach F for a slightly delayed departure. My fingers were crossed and thankfully the gamble paid off as the train turned right after Worle to head via Weston Super Mare without stopping before rejoining the mainline and headed towards Taunton.

159021 departing Grateley station by Kite, on Flickr

I headed via the subway at Taunton to board a late running GWR service for Gloucester formed of 802003 without first checking the route it would use (for I had assumed it would also go via Weston Super Mare) but after calling at Bridgwater the next stop was Bristol Temple Meads using the cut-off line. I was toying with the idea of a late night trip to Cheltenham to get the novelty of a XC service going Cheltenham – Gloucester – Bristol but decided that could easily wait for another trip as the busy week working trains under supervision had slowly caught up with me and I decided to remain on the 802 after Bristol Temple Meads (passing a steam train) for the slow run to Filton Abbey Wood (congestion I presume caused by a diverted London – Wales service, due to flooding on the main-line between Swindon & Bristol).

My accommodation for the Friday night was the Premier Inn located in Filton itself, roughly .75 miles away from the station, including using an unlit subway with pavements. Took me a few minutes to locate the actual hotel entrance as it was a bit hidden, but soon as I arrived, got checked in and headed to my room I relaxed with the sound of passing traffic in this older hotel. An early start on the Saturday to walk towards Ashley Down so I was asleep by 10pm.

28th September – Ashley Down & West Midlands

I left the hotel around 06:20 which I felt gave me a good cushion to swing via a Tesco Express to grab supplies for breakfast and to have a look around the new station of Ashley Down (located between Filton Abbey Wood & Stapleton Road in Bristol). Although I was feeling rubbish as a cold stuck me overnight (so much that I turned down an invite for a breakfast catchup with some friends, can’t be too careful just in case it was something more sinister, it is cold season after-all). Anyhow 40 minutes (or so) of walking along various suburban roads I reached Ashley Down, a basic 2 platform station linked by a footbridge with lifts, a single TVM located by the entrance (which was quite busy with people buying/collecting tickets) with a good crowd for when 165135 arrived on the Filton Abbey Wood service, quite busy on board the train for the short distance where I swapped platforms to board the same unit back to Ashley Down to clear the station for alighting.

166213 was up next, which was back to being quiet for the short hop to Filton Abbey Wood where I had a short wait before 802003 rolled in to take me to Newport, only switching to electric at Severn Tunnel Junction rather than Patchway. A friendly guard on this train whom I managed to get my West Midlands Day Ranger from, just to save a job for later in the day. My original idea was to head towards Worcester direct via Cheltenham but there was engineering works so it was a case of going via Hereford instead.

An IET passing Ashley Down Station by Kite, on Flickr

At Newport I switched over to platform 4 for the Manchester train which was being delayed due to being stuck behind an Ebbw Vale service and 197118 rolled in. Sadly, my gamble at which end the posher seats would be didn’t pay off (they were at the Cardiff end) but I did manage to get a decent seat for the run north, when I noticed West Midlands Railways were having a bad day (and that was putting it kindly, does it say something when they have replacement buses running to cover for multiple cancellations?) Anyhow for lack of a better idea I stayed on board this 197 to Church Stretton (not much point staying all the way to Shrewsbury as it would miss both the WMR services for Birmingham with the next TfW showing as a 2-coach special). A station I wanted to revisit for some better photos and also for winner 197113 on the next Cardiff service which took me to Hereford where it arrived just as the Birmingham train was pulling out, because the timetable is rubbish).

So, with an hour to kill, I popped out of the station to visit Morrisons to grab lunch before returning with one of DB’s regeared 66/6 sitting on the through line for a Cardiff train to pass it. Some confusion with a late running Holyhead train causing a delay for the Birmingham service as winner 196113 rolled in to take me towards Worcester (with a further delay for a late running IET service to clear the single line). It had been a good couple of years since I last did a train from Hereford towards Ledbury so a nice reminder of the rural nature, the train getting busier at Droitwich Spa (a couple of trains for Snow Hill had been cancelled) and busy at Bromsgrove (as why take the stopper when you can take the fast service?) I took this 196 to New Street where I had a plan to intercept a service from Shrewsbury.

196113 at Birmingham New Street by Kite, on Flickr
It was a short walk to board 158835 & 158841 on a TfW service for somewhere beyond Shrewsbury (honestly, I can’t remember if it was Holyhead or for the Cambrian) for the run to Wolverhampton where I had a short wait before winner 196114 rolled in from Shrewsbury on the first day in passenger service, clearing the 4 coach 196s (my luck with the 2 coach units is still rubbish). This was a service which crawled via Tame Bridge Parkway, sitting at Soho junction for 5 minutes for late running trains to go in front, no wonder why the train emptied out at Wolverhampton.

Anyhow back at Birmingham New Street and my luck wasn’t the greatest with the 730s so I decided to cut my losses and jump on a busy 170113 on a Leicester service (featuring someone whom clearly hasn’t heard that you might have someone sitting next to you as he kicked off saying he wanted his personal space when I asked him to move his bag when seat options were extremely limited, if he wanted his personal space then the best place would be the inward facing seats behind the cab or to upgrade for 1st class (that assuming he even had a ticket in the first place). Back to the trains as this 170 took me to Nuneaton as I decided to chance my luck with the Leamington service, sadly it was dud 196004 which I took to Coventry (clears Nuneaton to Bermuda Park for 196 coverage at least), annoyingly sub-10-mile unit 196006 was the other unit out today. Ah-well, plenty more chances to hopefully get them into my book with future trips to the West Midlands. I wouldn’t have liked to have been on that Leicester service after Nuneaton as there was a big crowd waiting for it.

Next up was a 10 coach 805 set which I had mistakenly had down as a pair of winners but seems I forgot to remove 805011 from my list of wants when I scored it a couple of weeks back. Still 805010 was a winner as I took this service to Birmingham New Street where thankfully my luck with the 730s had improved with winner 730041 (and dud 730005) on a Redditch service which I took to Barnt Green, shouting at some idiotic kids whom were right on the platform edge to stand back as a XC 170 sped through for Bromsgrove before boarding winner 730020 & dud 730029 down the hill to Bromsgrove remaining on board back to Northfield where I was joined by my good friend Jules whom was also on the tour tomorrow.

170113 at Nuneaton Station by Kite, on Flickr

We had a nice little catch-up when doing a linear hop to Kings Norton on 730041 & 730005 where the plan was to wait for the service from Bromsgrove to take us to university where 196113 was on the next train from Hereford, sadly for some unknown reason those 730s were delayed departing Bromsgrove so the 196 sailed through (Jules not being a happy bunny as he wanted that 196). The next train from Redditch was 730033 & 730032 which we took to Five Ways, stepping back to board the late running service from Bromsgrove with winner 730024 leading dud 730007. I bid farewell to Jules at New Street and took this pair to Aston, where I headed towards my accommodation as I needed to check in before 10pm as it was rooms on top of a private member’s pub (which had already closed up when I arrived at 9pm). A sizable room which had both a double & a single bed, which came to the aid of Jules as his accommodation provider was messing him around and saved him forking out big bucks for a same day hotel!

After emptying my rucksack, I returned to Aston (very much an industrial area so it wasn’t that pretty) jumping onto 730046 on a Lichfield service (quite busy it was as well) with the idea of intercepting 024 at Sutton Coldfield but as that was delayed by around 10 minutes departing Lichfield, I changed at Four Oaks with the announcement that due to late running the last train to Bromsgrove would run nonstop after Sutton Coldfield to Birmingham New Street. 730007 & 730024 returned from Lichfield and running fast after Sutton Coldfield did claw back the 10 minutes of delay, as 024 was pushed over ten miles. I made my way across to platform 1 to board the Walsall train which was winner 730022 which I took to Aston, not wanting to take it to Walsall due to the time of night as I left it under ten miles (and hence creating a new tab on an excel spreadsheet).

730022 at Aston Station by Kite, on Flickr

I met up with Jules again and we headed towards the pub, sneaking him in via the side door (although I would imagine the main door would be locked up with the member of staff having gone home), and headed to sleep ready for another early start and another walk (with the backup option of a bus as the pub was located on the “inner circle” bus route had the weather turned out to be wet.

29th September – West Midlands 323 Farewell

I decided to book on this Railtour to say farewell to the 323s operating within the West Midlands, just feels strange being at Birmingham New Street and not seeing the 323s working Cross City line services but things move on and the 730s have slowly grown on me (although I still think the seats are too narrow). Me & Jules left the accommodation with a lovely sunrise over the city, bit noisy with the road but overall, quite reasonable for £50 for a Saturday night in near enough the city centre.

We headed towards Birmingham city centre with a short walk along the Birmingham & Fazakerley canal before cutting across the campus of Aston university (swinging via a Tesco Express to grab some supplies). On reaching the city centre we popped into Tim Hortons for something warm (and because the station doesn’t open until 8am on Sundays due to the late start up of services), first time I’ve been upstairs and it is quite nice, certainly somewhere I would return to if I ever had a long connection at New Street and wanted a comfy sofa.

Anyhow, the station was opened and the crowd of passengers headed towards the platform the 323s were due to depart from before 323222 & 323221 arriving from the depot, we were assigned coach D (sit anywhere you like within the coach) and departure was on time. The first trip was a nonstop run on the southern part of the Cross City line towards Bromsgrove pausing at Barnt Green to pick up passengers, reversing on platform 1 at Bromsgrove (probably a fair while since the wires on platform 1 saw some actual use!)

323221 at Birmingham New Street by Kite, on Flickr

The 323s climbed Lickey and headed back towards Birmingham New Street for a further pick up before heading towards Aston (using the chord usually used by Walsall trains rather than the flyover), after Aston the train continued towards Perry Barr before using the track in the Soho junction area to join the main route from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, going nonstop via platform 4 at Wolverhampton was a bit of a novelty before the units gained some speed on the run towards Stafford for a final pick-up. Next stop was Liverpool Lime Street but a bit of a farce around Crewe saw the service losing time and departing behind the 350 on the stopper (rather than being in front of it). The first section of the tour came to an end on platform 1 at Liverpool Lime Street where we decided to have a short walk to Liverpool Central to jump onto 777031 on a Hunts Cross service to cover the line between Liverpool Central & Hunts Cross for 777 coverage (and to give our phones a quick charge).

The same 777 returned us to Liverpool Central where we headed back towards Lime Street, grabbing some supplies before returning to the 323s. Annoyingly our original seats had been taken by someone else (and Molly was raging) [in relation to an advertising poster for some charity] so we had to relocate elsewhere in the coach. After a couple of photographs, it was back on the move with the tour heading towards Crewe with a short pathing stop before heading towards Stoke (with another pathing stop where the doors weren’t released because the dispatch staff had forgotten how to dispatch a 6 coach EMU). After Stoke the train headed back towards Stafford using the little used single-track chord onto the WCML near the remains of Norton Bridge station before another pathing stop at Stafford (for this afternoon was all the pathing stops).

323221 at Liverpool Lime Street by Kite, on Flickr

After the tour departed Stafford, it was a trip towards Rugeley Trent Valley crossing over the lines to join the Chase line (where it looked like West Midlands Trains had given up with running a service with multiple cancellations showing). A speedy run along the Chase line, bringing back memories of when I did a 323 on this route back in August 2019 when there was a random 323 service to Rugeley on a Saturday night. At Walsall the tour had a 30-minute photo stop, not the nicest of stations for photographs, even from the platform 1 side due to hedges in the gap between platform 1 & 2. Anyhow soon the tour departed Walsall heading towards Birmingham New Street via Soho for a brief pause before what was meant to be a nonstop run to Coventry but congestion on that route, twinned with a fare dodger whom got evicted from the train at Birmingham International meant the train lost 20-odd minutes eating into the turnaround time at Coventry and losing its path back towards New Street (departing behind a stopper).

At Birmingham International the tour was looped by both a Manchester bound Voyager and a Preston bound Pendo and I decided to call it quits as I wanted to catch a southbound voyager which was showing as a pair (and the one an hour later showing as a single 4 coach set, going via London was risky due to the 90-minute gap in trains calling at Grateley on Sunday nights (20:45 then the 22:20). So, both me & Jules called it quits (as his last-minute hotel was in the Birmingham Airport area), after a photograph of the 323s departing I jumped onto 390107 for the run to Coventry to pop outside the station to grab some dinner from the Sainsburys Local.

221129 at Coventry Station by Kite, on Flickr

The next southbound voyager was caught up in congestion caused by a late running stopper from Wolverhampton & being behind a London bound LNR service (which looked quite busy when it called at Coventry) with a busy 221138 rolling along with 221140, I managed to grab a decent seat in the rear unit for the run towards Reading (losing a few more minutes due to awaiting the 196 to clear the single track near Kenilworth so it was looking a bit dodgy with the connection at Basingstoke). A quick turnaround at Reading (not helped with the rear coaches getting locked out of use on arrival at Reading due to no staff member being available). Thankfully the train arrived into Basingstoke allowing a connection onto 159013 working the 19:45 service from Waterloo to be made. I guess in hindsight I could have forked out for the Avanti fare to London and used LU to avoid using XC but hey-ho.

The sprinter took me to Grateley where I had a gentle stroll home to relax for the rest of the evening although I was in bed by 10pm as tiredness of the last couple days early starts had caught up with me and I needed to be fresh for my assessment at the training school on the Tuesday. September had been a busy month for travelling, both local and longer distance, October is looking similar although one of the railtours I was booked on has been cancelled, the other pushed back to 2025 so I’ve got no real solid plans. Anyhow thanks for reading

 

[Kite159]

Playing catch up again.

Trips on 5th & 6th October

5th October – Trent & Mersey Canal in Derbyshire

I had a good number of ideas for this Saturday, in the end deciding that finishing the Trent & Mersey canal would be better than walking a bit more of the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union or doing another canal walk. As finishing something I started in January last year would be good considering my walks along this canal over the summer. My final section was from Willington towards the end of the canal where it meets the Trent at Derwent Mouth with a short section along the Trent to the Erewash canal to finish at Long Eaton station.

The day began with the 05:24 service from Grateley with 159007 working this quiet service to Waterloo where I transferred to the underground (after grabbing some supplies from Sainsburys) with the Bakerloo line & Victoria line to Kings Cross St Pancras (sets 3558/3245 on the Bakerloo & 11060/11059 on the Victoria). I made my way across to the EMR platforms at St Pancras, probably one of my least used major London terminus stations to jump onto 222012 working the 07:32 service for Sheffield, first stop Leicester before calling at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Long Eaton and finally Derby where I alighted, exiting the station for some fresh air.

222012 departing Derby by Kite, on Flickr

I returned to the station and managed to grab a seat on 170638 working the next service towards Birmingham which called at the underserved Willington station, the next Birmingham train wouldn’t be for another 4 hours, no wonder why there was a large crowd waiting for this 170. I exited the station (passing a recently installed TVM) swinging via a Co-Op to grab some supplies for lunch before making my way to the canal where I picked up where I ended up back in April, something which felt like a lifetime ago but a day I will remember as the day I got invited for my assessment day after radio silence for 4 months.

Anyhow to the canal as I walked along the towpath leaving Willington behind going underneath the railway line towards Uttoxeter heading towards Derby with the towpath running close to the railway before going underneath it near Stenson where it follows the route of the Castle Donington freight line (with a couple of freight services heard along the way). The canal in this area is quite rural skirting around the smaller settlements along the route (like Barrow Upon Trent) with the towpath a mixed bag for quality. The tarmac soon returning in the Swarkestone area where the cycle path alongside the former Derby Canal joins and runs along the Trent & Mersey before picking up the former Melbourne railway line.

Trent & Mersey Canal at Swarkestone (3) by Kite, on Flickr

Once the cycle path departs the towpath returns to being rural with some lovely woodland, I presume Donington race track had some sort of race going on due to the noise of vehicles from that general direction with the canal weaving & skirting round the edge of Weston on Trent & Aston on Trent before reaching Shardlow, passing the zero mile marker at Shardlow Wharf, a good place to pause for lunch before I continued with the last mile of canal to where it meets the River Trent at Derwent Mouth (also the mouth of the River Derwent). Trent & Mersey Canal, tick.

Now onto the River Trent I did a little detour towards Cavendish Bridge (the limit of navigation) before continuing towards the Sawley cut, crossing the river on a bridge alongside the railway viaduct (carrying the Castle Donington line). The next section ran alongside a golf course with the river hidden from view by trees, but the occasional opening giving a nice view of the closed Ratcliffe power station, a sight soon to be resigned to memory when the cooling towers are blown up.

Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station overlooking the River Trent in Sawley. by Kite, on Flickr

My walk along the Trent ended where it meets the Erewash Canal on a junction near the Cranfleet Cut & mouth of the River Soar Navigation. I joined the towpath of the Erewash canal walking towards New Sawley and finishing my walk at Long Eaton station. Originally, I was toying with a spin to Nottingham for a tram hunt but based on the time (it was around half three) I decided it probably wasn’t worth it (as I didn’t want a late finish) so I took my chance with the next London train (which just happened to be the next arrival at Long Eaton) with a busy 222012 (again!). I got lucky to get an unreserved seat in coach D (as I did have the potential of jumping off at Leicester to chance the 222 from Nottingham had I not got a decent seat).

Anyways around 90 minutes later the 222 arrived at St Pancras and I made my way to the underground with a reverse of the morning’s move with 11055/11056 taken on the Victoria line to Oxford Circus for 3245/3558 (again!) on the Bakerloo to Waterloo where I made it onto the 17:50 service for Salisbury, a busy 159022 & 159008 for the run to Grateley where I had a nice dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening, that early start catching up with me. An enjoyable walk along the Trent & Mersey canal in some beautiful sunshine, it’s coming into the time of year now where sadly rural canals are removed from my list as the towpaths do get muddy in places, especially after heavy rain.

6th October – Cole Green Way & London Day

The Cole Green Way is the name given to the mixed-use path which makes use of the former Hertford & Welwyn Junction Railway route running from Welwyn Garden City to Hertford (shocker that!), a route I’ve been meaning to do for a while but either gets rained off or engineering works popping up. Anyhow the day for me began with an early morning drive to Andover to catch the 06:58 service formed of 159002, 159017 & 158880 for the fast run towards London where after swinging via Sainsburys for breakfast I headed to the underground with 3537 & 3240 taken on the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus for 11072 & 11071 on the Victoria line towards Tottenham Hale, where I got to the booking office level only to do an U-Turn back down to the trains as there was a broken rail near Hackney Downs with Greater Anglia services using Seven Sisters.

11085 & 11086 took me to Seven Sisters, a station in a bit of chaos with delays with a couple of Stansted Express services before the next Hertford East service, something which RTT was suggesting was going to be a winner (720129) but 720136 rolled in, just one of those things with the incorrect data not reflecting any late swaps. Anyhow I turned down this unit for winner 720541 on an Ely service (no trains between Ely & Norwich so GA were extending their services to Ely rather than Cambridge North). This service took me to Broxbourne where I stepped back to a busy Cheshunt on 720572 with reports that the line around Hackney had reopened so winner 720519 arrived near enough on time on the next Hertford East service, taking me to the end of the branch line where I had a short walk to the bus station (although it’s nothing worth shouting about).

745009 arriving into Seven Sisters by Kite, on Flickr

It was onto the hourly route 324 service for Welwyn Garden City, a private bus from Centrebus (South), an Enviro 200 fleet number 502. This took me out of Hertford with some fast running along the A414 before dropping me off in Welwyn Garden City near Heronswood Road where my walk began. The first section was via a park before a path alongside the B195 before picking up the mixed used section near Cole Green Lane. Some nice woodland on the first section of this walk. As it headed towards an underpass of the A414 with the tarmac path ending with the section via some lovely woodland passing the remains of Cole Green station as the path skirted closed to Letty Green & Birch Green heading towards Hertingfordbury and Hertford, the path coming to an end with the viaduct carrying the Hertford Loop line close to Hertford Town football club. Certainly, a nice short walk on decent service. The next section was a case of heading towards Hertford town centre before making my way to Hertford East station where I jumped onto 720519 once more.

This 720 took me towards Tottenham Hale where I swapped over to board winner 720133 towards Broxbourne with an extended dwell at Cheshunt due to an incident further north. Eventually it did reach Broxbourne with the previous train from Hertford East blocking platform 2 with dud 720136 taken back to Tottenham Hale. Annoyingly a winner 720 I saw out earlier that morning on an Ely got swapped over at Cambridge but never mind, 3 more are into my little book. The next 90 (or so) minutes was spent on the Underground, mainly on the Piccadilly line getting 1973 stock over a mile, ending up at Arnos Grove (where I did consider walking to New Southgate for a 717 to Moorgate but the rain had started).

Remains of Cole Green Station (2) by Kite, on Flickr

I exited the underground at Liverpool Street, where after a trip to Tesco for some dinner supplies I took a seat on winner 720138 on a Chelmsford service (with dud 720533 on the rear) to Shenfield, swapping platforms for winner 720135 behind dud 720545 on another service from Chelmsford taking me to Stratford where for the lack of a better idea I headed towards the westbound Central line/Elizabeth line platforms with the first Central line service featuring a sub mile trailer (92252) for a nice bonus. I took this Central line to Mile End where it ran in alongside a sub mile District line service (21387/21388) which I took to Whitechapel turning down the next Hammersmith service for another District line formed of 21405/21406 for another sub-mile S7 cleared with the run to Embankment (having checked the ID of the service starting from Tower Hill).

My last leg on the Underground was with the Northern line (51618/51617) to Waterloo, before boarding 159107, 159104 & 159020 on a busy 18:20 service for Exeter St Davids which took me back to Andover where I had a gentle drive home (giving my car a little run out). A successful day with a good number of LU stuff cleared for a mile as well as getting 5 more GA 720s and walking the Cole Green Way. Another disused railway line walk removed from my big list. More photos can be found on my Flickr album for October, link is *here*. Thanks for reading (assuming people are actually reading this and I'm not speaking into the wind) and remember to always read the small print…

A case of reading the small print! by Kite, on Flickr

 

[Mike99]

I've read it, as always

 

[Andy Pacer]

It was onto the hourly route 324 service for Welwyn Garden City, a private bus from Centrebus (South), an Enviro 200 fleet number 502.

What do you mean by "a private bus"?

 

[Kite159]

What do you mean by "a private bus"?

Only passenger on board

 

[Andy Pacer]

Only passenger on board

Aah right, I was completely off track there! I spent a bit of time at WGC recently when completing my Great Northern managed stations - i'd not been there for some years having previously been there for the buses.

 

[Kite159]

@Andy Pacer it is always strange when you get effectively a private bus when it's just yourself & the driver on board. I presume that bus route must get some funding from Hertford council.

Anyhow slowly catching up again:

Trips on 11th to 13th October

11th October – An evening out in London

The idea for this evening’s little trip to London was spotting that both my last C2C 720s were out on services which called at Upminster and were both gettable without requiring mad dashes between platforms. As a bonus a winning GA 720 was also showing as out on a service from Southend calling at Romford which was timed nicely with the 2nd of the C2C services.

After finishing my work for the day, I headed towards Waterloo on 159015, 159017 & 159104 and headed to the Waterloo & City line for the ride to Bank on 65507 & 65508, first time in nearly 2 years since I used this underground line last (I wonder if TfL will ever reopen it at weekends). At Bank I made my way towards the DLR platforms turning down the first service before a triple for Lewisham formed of sets 86, 41 & 46 where I needed 41 for a mile. I took this set to Shadwell where I broke out the deckchair on the look out for any more of my sub mile DLR units, both the older type which are due to be replaced and the newer types, although I have no idea if some of the ones on my list are still active.

DLR 32 at Tower Gateway by Kite, on Flickr

With one eye on the time, I decided to call it a day with the next Tower Gateway service, getting lucky with sub mile unit 32 on the rear of set 90, with the three quarters of a mile trip to Tower Gateway being enough to push it over the mile mark, which was a nice little bonus. Anyhow I headed towards Fenchurch Street, swinging via a Tesco Express to grab some dinner items, arriving just as a pair of 720s were rolling in empty from the depot. I was glad when I saw it was winner 720606 was leading dud 720602 as I took a seat for the run to Upminster. After transferring to platform 1 I boarded 357044 & 357322 to take me back towards West Ham for a short wait as winner 720608 rolled in with dud 720603 on the rear returning myself to Upminster where after a quick photo, I made my way across to platform 6 to board 710116 on the Romford service.

As I had around 20 minutes to waste before the next fast GA service, I decided to pop out of the station for a little stroll and a visit to the shop where I picked up a reduced to clear chilled pudding as I was still a bit hungry. Anyhow back at Romford, my fingers were crossed as winner 720134 rolled in with dud 720576 on the rear which took me to Liverpool Street, another GA 720 into my book before I made my way back towards Waterloo going the quickest way I know, which is the Central line one stop to Bank (91139, 92204, 92406 & 91283) before the Waterloo & City line (65504 & 65503) to Waterloo (although not like it could take me anywhere else from bank lol!)

720608 at Upminster by Kite, on Flickr

The 19:50 service to Salisbury tonight was formed of 158880 running solo which did get quite cosy on departure, and extremely cosy after Clapham Junction. After Basingstoke it did empty out as I headed home after a successful little evening in London. I didn’t fancy hanging around London as the West of England line had somewhat fallen over with both the 20:20 & 21:20 services starting at Basingstoke.

12th October – A Cheshire Day Ranger in the rain

My original idea for this Saturday was either a walk along the disused railway from Warrington towards Altrincham and towards Cadishead Viaduct on the former Glazebrook East Junction to Skelton Junction line which Open Street Maps/Google Maps suggests is walkable. The 2nd option was to walk the canal from Runcorn towards Warrington before following the route of the former Sankey Canal towards Earlestown. Sadly, both ideas went back on the shelf with the adverse weather forecast which suggested heavy rain from the afternoon for there would be no point getting soaked.

The day trip began with the 05:24 service to Waterloo with 159022, followed by a quick leap to Vauxhall on 458416 & 458401 to get 401 into my book for renumbering. Annoyingly the Sainsburys outside Vauxhall station doesn’t open until 8am so I had to wait until I got to Euston (where it was a case of hunting down the sandwiches as the shelves had been moved around) with 11076 & 11075 on the Victoria line. After grabbing breakfast supplies, I headed towards the 07:30 Glasgow service formed of 390135 for the nonstop run to Warrington Bank Quay where I decided to have a little stroll as the weather was dry.

I exited Bank Quay station, turning south and climbing onto a footbridge which crossed the low level lines and followed the path towards the bank of the River Mersey with the disused transporter bridge. I followed the footpath alongside the river via the industrial area heading towards Sankey Bridges. I picked up the route of the Trans Pennine Trail where it leaves the St Helens/Sankey Canal, going via some woodland before crossing the River Mersey heading towards the railway bridges and the remains of the Runcorn & Latchford Canal.

Warrington Transporter Bridge over River Mersey by Kite, on Flickr

After following the Trans Pennine Trail towards the Wilderspool area of the town, near the former Walton lock linking the Runcorn & Latchford Canal with the Manchester Ship Canal I headed via a park area and had a fast walk back to Bank Quay station to purchase my Cheshire Day Ranger and managed to get a seat on a Manchester Piccadilly bound 197108 which was on time approaching Manchester but somehow lost 10 minutes in congestion around Oxford Road. After I popped outside the station to grab lunch from the Co-Op, I returned to take a seat on winner 197119 on the next service towards South Wales. This 197 took me to Crewe where for a little time-wasting spin, I took 331011 on the next Northern stopper to Sandbach with 331018 back to Crewe.

At Crewe once more, I headed across to platform 11 to await the next Chester bound Avanti service for both my first experience of an 805 on diesel (previously only ever having them on electric) and because both 805004 & 805013 were winners. I took these units to Chester where I headed across to platform 7 for a little spin on Merseyrail trying to determine my route home, trying to avoid 9 coach Pendos as I didn’t have any sort of seat reservations (and the extra 2 coaches on a 11 coach Pendo are handy)

331011 at Sandbach by Kite, on Flickr

As it was Autumn, there was 7 diagrams on Chester services meaning instead of the usual 5-minute turnaround the services were there for around 12 minutes (personally something I think Merseyrail should do all year round to aid time keeping). The first available Merseyrail service was winner 777053 which I took to Bromborough Rake, before realising my mistake in that Bromborough Rake isn’t the nicest to get between platforms in any sort of hurry! Anyhow the next Chester was showing as a dud and I decided to jump on 777010 to Spital which has a nicer platform to platform change (keeping my eyes on both northbound & southbound services). The next Ellesmere Port service was winner 777051 which I took to Ellesmere Port and back to Spital to clear it for 10 miles as the next southbound Chester was an unknown. Sadly, not a winner as it was 777008 which I took to Eastham Rake to ID the 7th unit on Chester services (another dud) and headed for a gentle stroll towards the car park just as the heaven’s opened.

I returned to the platforms at Eastham Rake to take 777009 to Chester, managing to get a seat on 197012 working the next Manchester Airport service to Warrington Bank Quay where I decided to gamble on the next nonstop London train having some seat availability. It was running a few minutes late but nothing major as 390137 rolled in and I grabbed a pair of airline seats, settling down to watch some videos as well as watching the rain thundering down. This Pendo took me to London nice and fast arriving around 15 minutes late due to congestion on the southern section of the WCML.

390154 at Warrington Bank Quay by Kite, on Flickr

The weather in London couldn’t have been any more different to what I left behind in Warrington and with time to kill I had a stroll towards Waterloo arriving in time to board 458415 & 458410 on a Weybridge service to get another 458/4 into my book for renumbering. I alighted at Vauxhall, jumping on the first available service from platform 7, which was 455742 & 455852 back to Waterloo before making my way across to platform 7 to take a seat on 159017 working the 20:50 service. Bit of an earlier than expected finish today but that early start had caught up with me.

An uneventful journey to Grateley, where I finished the trip with a gentle stroll home, to relax after sorting my bag out ready for another day trip on the Sunday.

13th October – An unexpected return to North Camp

The idea for today was to head towards South Wales to take a trip on the Treherbert line as I hadn’t been on that line (in daylight) for a while. Also to score off the new platform at Treherbert which at the time I believed only saw use on Sundays (since checking RTT it seems platform 1 is in use for the majority of services with the original platform 2 only being used at the start/end of the day when services go ECS to the sidings. Also, the plan was to have a trip via Barry as the mainline was closed for works.

The day started with the 07:37-odd service from Grateley with 159022 & 159106 taken to Andover where I stepped back for 158890 on a Reading service for the trip to Reading where I planned to make a connection onto a Swansea service (which RTT was suggesting was a 5-coach special). When I got to Reading the GWML had fallen over due to a points failure at Slough meaning services from London were delayed or cancelled, so after having a quick walk to Tesco Express for some supplies I decided on a little plan B to waste some time and jumped onto an Ascot bound 450050 to take me to Ascot (where it arrived onto platform 2). One of these days I will get round to doing the peak time services which does the connection into Platform 1 from the Bagshot line (and from platform 2 at Ascot towards Bagshot).

450050 underneath the footbridge at Ascot by Kite, on Flickr

Anyhow I changed onto 450078 working a service for Guildford (with such a brilliant timetable which saw the Reading train departing just as the train from Guildford arrived!) as the Bagshot line is another line I hadn’t travelled on since before Covid stuck. My original idea was to take this service towards Ash to change onto a stopper to Reading but that stopper had been cancelled so I bailed at Ash Vale for a gentle walk to North Camp, a place I wasn’t expecting to visit today! A reasonably busy 165104 took me back towards Reading on a semi-fast service giving me just over thirty minutes to waste before the next Swansea service.

The next Swansea service was formed of 800007 & 800021 and I easily managed to grab a seat in the front coach for the fast run towards South Wales where my plans for a little tour of Barry or Treherbert were put on ice as I worked out it would be possible to grab my last 3 active 197s with a trip to Hereford so I alighted from the 800s at Newport, changing to a busy platform 4 for the Holyhead service formed of winner 197117 to take me to Abergavenny where after looking at the construction of the new footbridge I did a little loop around the local roads, just to pass the time before dud 197120 rolled in. Looked like it swapped over with 197124 at Swansea, ah-well those things happen as I took this 197 to Hereford where I exited the station for another gentle stroll to pass the time.

New footbridge & lifts under construction at Abergavenny Station by Kite, on Flickr

I returned to Hereford station with a busy platform as winner 197125 rolled in, full & standing as I ended up standing near the drivers cab with the aisle & vestibules pretty much full, I think everybody got on at Hereford but passengers at the stations towards Newport were left behind as you couldn’t fit anymore passengers on board. I was glad it was a 3-coach unit rather than the 2-coach unit which was due an hour later! Anyhow this service took me back to Newport and I was glad to take a seat on the next London Paddington service which was formed of 387157 & 387142 on the Sunday afternoon Welsh Electrostar working. It only really got busy after Didcot with a couple of passengers asking where was 1st class (it doesn’t exist on this service) so I was glad to change at Reading.

My last GWR service of the day was the late running Basingstoke shuttle formed of 165127, not as cosy as the TfW service but still quite busy on departure from Reading running late because the Sunday timetable simply doesn’t work. Anyhow I took this 165 to Basingstoke where I relaxed in the waiting room until 159010 rolled in from Waterloo on a Salisbury stopper to take me back to Grateley. A good day for mileage (and 387 based fun) with 2 more 197s into my book. Considering I was around 3 hours late into Newport due to the issues earlier on I didn’t do that badly.

220021 at Basingstoke by Kite, on Flickr

As always, thanks for reading, more photos can be found on my Flickr but I will leave you with this photo of a sunrise at Grateley during the week when I’ve been commuting back to Basingstoke for another course.

Sunrise at Grateley Station (October 24) by Kite, on Flickr