The Pennine Lakelander Railtour
Loco used: 56312. Route: Shrewsbury – Carlisle (via S&C), Carlisle – Shrewsbury (via C.Coast Line).
The following report is courtesy of Rosie Dawe;
Early start for me on this tour. Up at 5:30am; now live in mortal fear of my alarm clock. If the working volunteers thought Mickey’s alarm clock sounded bizarre, they should have heard mine! For me and my dad it was down to Telford Central with sales stand merchandise in tow. Blimey, them Grid boys know how to travel lightly! Tour left Telford at round about 7:20am. Unfortunately (or fortunately, all depends on your point of view) my reputation (or what is now left of it) seems to precede me. Apparently people were forewarned that I was a troublemaker. That is of course, totally untrue and I would not jump to blame anyone (wouldn’t you agree Dad?). Spent most of the day in the company of Alan Hawkins, Brillo, Mark L and the accused. Good day for Alan, he nearly learnt how to use an Ipod! Tour itself was fairly uneventful. Actually took time to pursue the previous edition of Gridiron. Quick pit stop in Crewe, which was a good chance to get pictures of the loco. For me it was a good chance to hijack the pictures Dad was trying to take. I wasn’t causing trouble so much as entertaining myself. Is there a legal difference? Passed some epic scenery on the way to Carlisle. Wouldn’t mind a little hike there! Arrived in Carlisle for just after 2:00pm. Managed to dodge staying with the sales stand in favour of some lunch. What can you say, I’m 15! Got a sense of déjà vu walking round Carlisle, although it was actually sunny this time!! Left Carlisle at about 3:30pm. Got quite a view of the coast on the way back. Raffle was very successful, raised just over £400, impressive. Late night for me as well, didn’t get back till 23:00 something. What time I actually went to bed is another story!
Hoping to start doing more grid tours from now on, so I’ll try and see everyone on the 12th December!
