Ne'erday in Weardale

[cessna152towser]

Up early on New Year's morning and drove the car over to Wolsingham to ride on the first train of 2008 up the scenic Weardale line. A dreich drizzly morning, but the train was already warmed up and waiting in the station with its engines idling, the deisel exhaust blowing slowly away in the light wind.

Plenty of other like minded people on the train, with similar intention to combine the train ride with some walking. The ticket inspector was the first person to wish me a Happy New Year. He said "You are obviously not a true Scot.............................................. ."
then after a pause he added
".....................................or you would have been too hung over to be here this morning."
So not the whats under comment that I might have expected from the first part of his statement.

Off the train at Stanhope which as far up the valley as it runs at present, and continued on foot via the Weardale Way.

Future kilts perhaps.

The River Wear above Stanhope.

Weardale was a centre of lead mining, coal mining and quarrying during the industrial revolution and many of the old workings have been allowed to flood.

Another view of a flooded quarry.

The Weardale Way continues to follow close to the river, crossing over the railway track where the railway bridges over to the opposite bank. This section of the line does not currently see regular trains.

[cessna152towser]

Once over the railway track, the Weardale Way follows the edge of open fields for some distance.

Further up the valley is this wooded section alongside the river bank.

To go beyond this gate will involve disturbing these cows and walking into some serious mud so I decided this was far enough for a morning and turned back towards Stanhope.

Back at the railway station, the smell of cooking beckoned and I ordered up ne'erday lunch at the buffet, Parsnip Soup with brown bread and butter, followed by Steak Pie, followed by a slice of coffee sponge cake, two shortbread biscuits and all washed down with a cup of coffee.

Stanhope Station and the train will leave again shortly.

I set off on my return journey, still early enough to allow time to visit Ann in hospital and take her back a souvenir of my trip - a book of old photographs from Weardale.
Ann was pleased with her gift and is feeling a wee bit better today.

[McMurdo]

Nice pictures Alex, glad to hear that Ann is feeling at least a bit better.

[Drillagent]

Unbelievable pictures. Can I come live with you for a while? Glad to hear Ann is feeling better. Let her know she's in our prayers.

[pdcorlis]

Another nice stroll through the countryside Alex - You're going to have to tell me who to contact so my wife and I can start investigating a re-location!

Thanks for the photos and Happy New Year to you and Ann!

[Mael Coluim]

Nice day trip. Glad to hear Ann is recuperating nicely.

[James MacMillan]

Nice pictures, but the best part is that Ann is feeling better. Thanks Alex

[ChattanCat]

My wife says WOW!

[Hamish]

Alex, many thanks for the photos and descriptions of your outing.

I must have missed a posting somewhere as I had no idea that Ann has been unwell and is in hospital. I do wish her well and would ask you to give her my love.

Take care,
Ham.

[GMan]

Give Ann my best, and I must admit those pictures are up to your high standards of enjoyment. Well done.