Two years ago James was just about to be locked down in his 3rd year Sheffield University digs, mere yards from the Crow. That summer he completed his Computer Science degree on-line, but missed out on the vital ceremony of dressing up in Ede & Ravenscroft robes in the summer of 2021, due to the… Continue reading GRADUATION DAY
FRIENDS OF HAM
The 18:13 from Gargrave to Leeds was delayed by a minute, so I only had a minute to run from Platform 15 to Platform 6 to catch the fast service to Sheffield, which if young people moved quicker I’d have jumped on before the doors slid closed 30 seconds early. So, an hour to kill… Continue reading FRIENDS OF HAM
AN OLD FAVE IN GARGRAVE
YOU try and find something to rhyme with Gargrave ! A mere two weeks after finishing North Yorkshire in Skipton I was back there on the train again, due to some business in Gargrave, next stop on the line. Fellow ticker Eddie was complaining on our WhatsApp group (aka “TickTillItHurts“) this week about the difficulty… Continue reading AN OLD FAVE IN GARGRAVE
KILLING 39 MINUTES IN WARRINGTON BANK QUAY
And just like that, I’m a week behind with the blog again. A week ago, I was leaving Warrington Bank Quay wondering how to kill thirty-nine (39) minutes before the train whizzed me home tired and emotional to Sheffield. I almost felt deprived of my usual Preston-Wigan-Stockport route. Time for a stroll, a glance at… Continue reading KILLING 39 MINUTES IN WARRINGTON BANK QUAY
PRIDE OF PRESTON
Six ticks on a Saturday, and a sensational set of steps; My professional work was done; But having paid a high marginal cost for the rail ticket I felt compelled to squeeze maximum value out of it, just like BRAPA would. A pre-emptive in Preston ? There’s always something new in Preston. Hopwoods Tap House… Continue reading PRIDE OF PRESTON
A BRIEF ENCOUNTER AT CARNFORTH
I’d have liked to have explored Grange-over-Sands, to see whether it really is a retirement village or the new hub of counter culture, but a delayed train arriving before my scheduled train (does that make sense ?) meant I could save half an hour and get to Preston 2 hours earlier than planned. And who… Continue reading A BRIEF ENCOUNTER AT CARNFORTH
Grange-over-Sands proves not ALL pubs called “Keg & Kitchen” are rubbish
A fifth and final pub in Cumbria on my Saturday Lakes raid, and a first ever trip to Grange-over-Sands. Half an hour walk from Cartmel in glorious sunshine, lacking only a place to take a wee without the attention of runners, golfers and curious horses. The descent down to the Keg & Kitchen is exhilarating,… Continue reading Grange-over-Sands proves not ALL pubs called “Keg & Kitchen” are rubbish
NO STICKY (TOFFEE PUDDING) END IN CARTMEL
At Ulverston station a pashmina’s lady holding 2 champagne glasses but no bottle of champagne hoped to get lucky, like in the Daft Punk song. I think she’s hoping for a Spoons in Ulv, anyway. She didn’t seem that interested in the views across Cartmel Sands; Next stop, Cartmel. Or rather Cark with Cartmel. It’s… Continue reading NO STICKY (TOFFEE PUDDING) END IN CARTMEL
LAUREL AND HARDY
A second tick in Ulverston, a town you ought to visit for the wonderful Laurel & Hardy museum (watch the Piano) and the stroll up to Hoad’s Hill monument, but most folk seem to be coming here for the shopping and scones and to tut at misspelling of Havana. I come for the street art… Continue reading LAUREL AND HARDY
“C” IS FOR COOKIE
Well I’d failed to be “more BRAPA” at the very first hurdle after the barmaid misheard “pint” as “half” in Dalton but I wasn’t too disheartened joining the hordes heading to Ulverston for the farmers market (they were actually heading over the border to Lancaster to get their nails done but I use poetic licence).… Continue reading “C” IS FOR COOKIE
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