First Mainline Steam train into Rowsley Station, Derbyshire since 1960's

Big, historic day today at Peak Rail, Derbyshire: The first through mainline steam engine to reach Rowsley station, near Bakewell, arrived in style hauling a train of 11 passenger coaches, for The Railway Touring Company. It was the first through train from the south to travel over the line since it has been preserved and rejoined to the national network.


The train, which set off this morning from Kings Cross, was hauled by ex-British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell" and made a fine sight on such a beautiful day. This photo is one of several which you will find on my website at www.scenicbritain.co.uk which include also the first use of the restored turntable at Rowsley, before the engine was re-coaled and watered ready for it's return journey to London.

Ullswater, at Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

 

A gloomy day at Ullswater?  No, surely not! Peaceful. Reflective. Skies a little brooding, dramatic maybe. But never gloomy!

Stanage Edge, Peak District, Derbyshire

 

Stanage Edge, Peak District, Derbyshire

Seahouses, Northumberland, UK

 

Wild  'n' windy afternoon at Seahouses, with Bamburgh Castle in the far distant background

Hartland Point, North Devon, UK

Great scenes often just "happen to be there". If you just happen to be there, at the right time, like I was for this one, you can always later pretend that you waited for weeks for the right conditions!

Kingswood Junction, on the Stratford upon Avon Canal, Warwickshire, UK

I love this place! Canals, locks (the Lapworth flight), bridges, narrow boats everywhere - yet an idylic rural spot.

This is where the Grand Union Canal passes very close to the Stratford upon Avon Canal. The two waterways are linked by a "cut" between the two, and there are tow paths to walk all around the lot.

This is Google Map's view:


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Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, UK

Freezing cold at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, UK. Wonder what it was like living there in this sort of weather, in the 14th century - before the days of central heating...?

The River Ure, in Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK

Just happened to be crossing the bridge, between Bainbridge and Askrigg, and caught this nicely lit scene.

Pett Level, near Hastings, East Sussex, UK

 

I took this shot several years ago, but it has always been a favourite. I nearly missed it - as I was driving along the nearby coast road, and caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye. Had to brake quickly, pull over and dash across to the water's edge, before the light changed!

Cromford Wharf, with Cromford Meadows beyond, Derbyshire, UK

Another appropriately snowy scene, actually take this time last year (2011) showing the Cromford Canal, frozen over, at it's terminus in Cromford - birthplace of the industrial revolution - in Derbyshire.

Bishopsdale under snow, Yorkshire Dales

Given the current weather, I thought this pic would do as well as any for the first post on this blog.

More to follow later....