The second week of my self-devised ramblings which fill a gap in the more organised trips which have dominated lately. This time, I'd decided to head north - for no reason other than it had been a while since I'd wandered around some of the places I regularly end up visiting for what seems like mere minutes. The plan was a circle - up the Midland to Sheffield, across the Pennines to Manchester and home via the West Coast Main Line. It meant the customary early start, and I confess that it was a bit of a struggle hauling myself down to the station in the cold and dark today. Summer, in its various forms, has been pretty kind to the weekends this year and it's been a while since I've felt quite as challenged by the elements. My thoughts were moved to snow shoes and slippery trips to the station. I wasn't sorry to see the train arriving - all six carriages of it. The reason for the extension to the usual pair of coaches was the Ryder Cup golf in South Wales. Yesterday's poor weather meant they were starting play very early, and I arrived at Temple Meads to find the station really busy. As the crowd was predominantly middle-aged and male in character, the breakfast resources at the station had been decimated. Consoled myself with coffee and watched the unusual activity for this time of the morning, whilst waiting for the 07:30 to arrive.
Regular observers of my travels with realise that this is a little later than my usual departure. However, there was something appealing about a non-stop service to Yorkshire today. As we headed north the sun began to rise rather provisionally, but eventually managed a low winter glow which warmed the carriage. The train was busy, partly a football season effect I suspect, and I was condemned to share my seat for much of the way, but managed a relaxing and lazy trip nonetheless. There is something really uplifting about being able to get out and about for a fairly low Advance fair, finding yourself in another city by 10:00am or thereabouts. Today I'd allowed myself time to wander in Sheffield - the first proper chance since a visit early in the year at the end of a week of heavy snow. I didn't get far from the station on that visit, but it was certainly more about the freedom of getting out and about than any particular railway related goal on the occasion - which had something in common with today I suppose. First stop was a chance to get a few photographs in the now clear, bright morning. Started with the impressive curved steel fountain which scythes across the station forecourt, before heading over the Sheffield Hallam University Union 'pods'. Wandered a little from here and identified the now up-for-sale Axis Studios, location for Slow Club's It Doesn't Have to be Beautiful video. Another snap before snaking my way through the city to find coffee and a pleasant time spent watching people coming and going. Whilst I realise that the city centre on a busy Saturday morning is probably far from representative of the great mass of Sheffield, I found myself struck by the generally prosperous, happy and attractive local populace. Then I recalled it was Freshers' Week!
Back to the station via a moment to admire the concrete wall of Park Hill snaking along the hill behind the station. Evidence of regeneration and improvements to part of the building are promising, and I maintain this is one of the finest views of modern architecture in an urban setting there is. Others disagree, some vehemently I know. Time for more coffee before boarding the 13:11 to Manchester via the Hope Valley. Settled back and enjoyed the remarkable views of Mam Tor and Kinder Scout once again, whilst listening with amusement to the antics of a bunch of off-duty soldiers on the way to a football match. The weather worsened as we headed west, and by the time we began to descend towards Stockport it was looking pretty grey and bleak. I'd hatched a plan for the rest of the afternoon based on a half-read news item, which was to cover the recently opened MediaCityUK branch of the Metrolink network. After a lot of hassle trying to get a ticket among dodgy machines and crowds heading for the rugby match, finally boarded an Eccles Line tram - in fact one of the recently delivered new ones. Spacious, surprisingly few seats and so far, clean and tidy. As we headed out of the city I wondered if the tram would do as predicted and reverse at MediaCity, using both sides of the triangular junction. It didn't, turning the curve to Broadway instead. I hopped off perplexed, and walked the short distance back to the Harbour City stop, crossing the new track in the process. There was no sign of any movement from the new terminus, and the signal remained set for the curve. Checked the Metrolink website on my 'phone and read the rest of the story - the incident which had occurred left the new service entirely suspended at present! Back onto a Piccadilly bound tram, realising that the one bit of railway interest I'd worked into today had failed miserably.
The evening had brightened a little, and given how busy the coffee shop at the station was, I decided to have a break outside on the tables usually frequented by smokers. Watched the orange, wintry glow over the city descend as I waited for my train back to Bristol. It was another busy trip, and again I found myself sharing a seat. Snatched a few moments to listen to music, but got drawn into a conversation instead which had its own very strange and meandering logic. In any case, this entertained me back to Bristol and beyond...ending with a comedy farewell at Weston with bags flying and doors unopened. A strange ending to an unusual day. Testament though that these trips can still surprise and amaze, even after all these years.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
