~Denthead and Appleby~
21st July 2012
Not a walk as such, a drive to Ribblehead and Denthead for a look at a steam-powered express train and then a short rail journey to Appleby for a look around.
Denthead Viaduct
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day....
Ribblehead Viaduct
Fell End Gill
I parked on a forest access road high above the railway line at Denthead, put on my wellies and made my down the ravine to cross this gill and make my way up to the abandoned farm building on the skyline. I've seen photographers up there before and wanted to give it a try.
Viaduct View
The view from the farmhouse was not ideal - a bit to "square on", so I ventured further along the fellside.
Denthead Viaduct
That's better. To my right are three other cameras, I didn't want to interfere with their views - they may have been able to see the north portal of the Blea Moor Tunnel. I've had some awkward leg pain, hence no big walk today. I got up here alright, but going back down was a bit tricky.
The Train Appears
Those cars all belong to photographers, they will be on a bank of land to the left of the photo, watching the train come out of the tunnel.
LMS Princess Coronation Class 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland"
Bang on time, as they usually are, this locomotive is heading for Carlisle with a Cumbrian Mountain Express which originated in Crewe (just like the engine herself in 1938). I could hear the train approaching and was hoping the next sunny interval would get here in time, but it didn't quite make it, by about ten seconds :-(.
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As the train makes progress, I look over my shoulder at the other photographers. Further up, to the right is a man in the undergrowth! You may just be able to see his long lens. Maybe we should have a game of "Trainspotters" along the lines of "Battleships". You nominate a square in a grid and blast the hidden anoraks out of their hiding places!
Denthead
Seldom seen, behind the viaduct, is a surviving pack-horse bridge. The present road is just in view, the other side of the railway line. After the steam train, I had just enough time to get to Dent Station for a regular service to Carlisle. I decided to head to Appleby.
Dent Railway Station
Looking north from the northbound platform. It's a 30 minute £8.20 (return) trip to Appleby from Dent.
Appleby Railway Station
The train heads off towards Carlisle and I leave the station for Appleby town centre.
River Eden
Capstick's Carpets in Appleby
By far and away the best carpet shop in Appleby.
Eden River Cafe, Appleby
Lunchtime at the ERC.
Boroughgate, Appleby
The main street in Appleby is called Boroughgate. High Cross at the top of the street bears the inscription, maybe C17th. It marks the upper limit of the market area and Low Cross does the same for the lower limit.
High Cross, Appleby
Behind me is Appleby Castle, privately owned, closed and a wasted opportunity to bring visitors into Appleby.
St.Lawrence's Church, Appleby
Appleby Cricket Pitch
Seascale's opening batsman reaches forward and defends against an accurate delivery. When he was caught behind, a little later, I was waiting for the big screen replays and punditry, but there were none available.
Appleby Railway Station
I spoke to a shopkeeper and explained that I'd arrived by train for a two and a half hours visit. "What are you going to do in all that time?" asked the bemused lady. I suppose there is a limited scope, not too bad on a sunny day when the cricketers are in action.
Kidsty Pike |
Appleby Station Buildings |
Appleby Southbound Platform
Cared for by the S&C gang, another fine station on the Settle to Carlisle Line.
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Dent Railway Station
The main buildings are available as a holiday let for self-caterers. At 1,150ft asl, it is the highest mainline station in England. I wonder which is the lowest and which is the bang in the middle....
Atren Gill Viaduct
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Eden River Cafe is a good place for a light meal. I had an excellent Tuna & Cheese Melt and the tea was served with extra hot water. They occupy half of an old grocer's building, there is a delicatessen next door in the other half.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2012 ©
Take me back to the start ....