In the Yorkshire Dales

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Dave Rodgers wrote

Hi,
 
Being Half-Term Julie and I had a few hours break out in the Yorkshire Dales yesterday morning to photograph the first of the season's 260-mile 'Fellsman' (every Wednesday 28th July - 15th September).  Earlier news on the grapevine that the loco would be No. 46115 Scots Guardsman proved unfounded and it was 8F 2-8-0 No. 48151 that did the honours on the first day. 

The forecast was for the day to be hot and sunny after morning mist had cleared and amazingly this was correct!  It was so dull and gloomy that we went in search of new positions and our first new position was Horrocksford Jct., just north of Clitheroe.  As our arrival coincided with the sun breaking out we decided to stay and the 8F is seen accelerating away from the Clitheroe stop heading for Hellifield.  The tall L&Y signalbox can be seen behind the train and on the right is the connection to the Castle Cement works (IMG_9487).
 
We headed away north and were rather surprised to see the smoke before Gisburn and were able to get a pleasing (albeit a grab shot) before Gisburn with the brooding Pendle Hill still partly covered in cloud at this stage (IMG_9488, 9489).  We then continued north heading for Settle and despite observing the 30mph speed limit through Gisburn was passing over bridge beyond the north end of Gisburn tunnel just as the train came into view (IMG_9490)!  3 shots in less than 10 miles (2 not planned!).
 
We had selected for our main shot the occupation bridge over the 4 tracks immediately north of Settle Jct.  Parking is now extremely difficult here and having walked quite a way found the farmer has padlocked the gate and installed 'No right of way' signs!  So it was back to the car and Plan B and settled on the curve immediately north of Settle station.  As it was an extremely clear morning and with little breeze we trekked (gasped) up the fields to get a much higher vantage point than normal overlooking the town (IMG_9497).
 
We had missed a southbound coal train shortly before we arrived at Settle but were rewarded with No. 66111 heading the Mossend - Clitheroe cement train at the same location as we walked back to the car (IMG_9501).  Lunch followed in the Hellifield station cafe (when we missed a coal train and a gypsum train).
 
A pleasant little break!
 
Dave