Although a few people had an idea of where we might be going, no-one knew for sure. Everyone was on time at pick-up points and looking forward to our day out, so we set off on time. The weather was beautiful - mid-twenties temperature forecast, although there was some breeze which proved to make it more comfortable than it might otherwise have been. How nice to leave coats behind with no worries about what the weather was going to do! We had estimated that the journey on the bus would be approx. one hour and on such a glorious day the views were incredible and the journey passed quite quickly. Comments as we progressed along certain roads obviously discounted some ideas of where we might be going.
Time then to decide what to do next and most opted for a train ride along the scenic 5 mile route to Slaggyford.
The shop and old ticket office have been renovated for modern use. The train left exactly on time and gave us some beautiful views of the Pennine scenery as we travelled along the north of England's highest narrow gauge railway, passing through Kirkhaugh and Lintley Halt before reaching the end of the line at Slaggyford.
There is a footpath that follows the railway line and it is possible to get on and off the train at any of the halts and enjoy a walk in the stunning countryside. At the end of the line there is a buffet carriage if refreshments are needed.
Watching the engine uncouple and go to the other end of the carriages to re-couple for the return journey is fascinating in itself, and many took advantage of the chance to watch the procedure and take a few photos.
Opposite the railway site there is also the Hub Heritage & Transport Museum. For a small charge you can wander through their collection of old cars, motor bikes, bicycles and items from the last century (or more!) They have an assortment of old photos and items from the old mining industry too. Going into the shed it looks as if you could whizz round in 5-10 minutes but once you start looking there is so much more to look at in there than 5-10 minutes worth!!
Snacks or more substantial meals were on offer in the wonderful cafe - most of it home made too. With a short post-lunch walk along the River Tyne, watching the sand martins darting in and out of nest holes in the bank of the river and the fish darting about in the water itself, our time at Alston soon flew by.
The trains, track, stations and facilities are all very well looked after by volunteers who are obviously very proud of their railway. Talking to any of them it is easy to see why it is also known as the "friendly railway"
A wonderful start to our day out. Could part 2 be as good?
On the bus again, a few people had made a good guess about where we were going next but many had never been inside the building itself. A short ride took us to The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed, on the Military Road close to Hadrian's Wall. The centre is brand new, only opening in 2017. It features exhibitions, a brand new Youth Hostel, cafe and shop. The cafe serves food and drink on the first floor level with glass windows all around to allow you to see the fabulous views. From the cafe you can then access the grass roof, with walkways, that enable you to stand on the roof and looks at the amazing 360° views over the surrounding countryside. Incredible!
Only a short stop here for refreshments, but hopefully it gave a "taster" to everyone so that next time they pass by they call in again!
A fabulous day out with friends.
