Getting ‘Steamy’ in The Yorkshire Dales with Wensleydale Railway
Your Local Link’s Jason Chinnian went to see what Wensleydale Railway has to offer.
The first outing on The Wensleydale Railway was a showcase of the famous Tornado train. Now I am no train buff so all the stats, chassis numbers are of no interest to me. But I appreciate it is of interest to many who were there. However, there were also plenty of us ‘non-train buffs’ who just love a good day out appreciating beautiful scenery, historic transport and the company of good people.
After a steady drive up to Leeming Bar enjoying the reasonably quiet roads we soon came upon the station. It was like being transported onto the set of an Agatha Christie crime thriller, expecting to see Poirot boarding with his leather hand luggage.
The train was impressive. It is no wonder that people are impressed by steam trains. They just stand there all shiny with their masses of metal like a medieval knight and then for even more show they let off steam in a kind of testosterone fuelled display.
The platform was packed with those eager to witness these displays. Cameras were flashing and splintered light fractured through the smoke. The smell was also incredible and conjured up bygone times of Industrial Revolutions.
The carriages were old school, as expected, comprising separate compartments with sliding doors and a passage way along one side. The lighting was very retro and I’m sure would add that vintage chic to a living room space in anyone’s home.
The whistle was then heard, shrill and sharp along the platform, as the all clear was given and the locomotive lurched forward with the mesmerising rhythm that hypnotises you whilst staring out the window.
As the scenery glided by, you really feel you are thrown back to a past era and I started to imagine all manner of nostalgia; folks that travelled like this regularly for leisure, work and sometimes more noble reasons. Somehow, I felt I was a part of all of that. Totally illogical.
Anyway, the hours drifted past and before I knew it, I was back at Leeming Bar. The darkness had already drawn in and the scene became even more reminiscent of days gone by. The dampness in the air and of the platform all added to that oily, burning smoke and steam smell. It was a lovely lasting memory to take away from this stunning little railway. Long may they be well supported and therefor continue to run great journeys such as this. But I am sure they could always do with even more support. So, if you fancy something different, they have a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea event, Easter Afternoon Tea and even a Gin Train journey. Check out their website and Facebook pages for relevant details and to book your tickets.
Add a comment