15-MAY-2015
Our journey started at Shepley.
Not much has changed recently at Shepley apart from the electronic display boards that announce the arrival of the next train. Shame the Sheffield bound platform was displaying some form of ancient script that was totally meaningless. Long slow lumbering run to Sheffield that required a refuel for us, coffee and sandwich, while we watched the proper trains come and go before joining the next Northern service.
15-MAY-2015
This was the next set to use, the Sheffield to Manchester train via Edale.
Plenty on board setting off for a day out in the Derbyshire countryside. Our trip would be as far as Romiley where we would change to the Rose Hill service
15-MAY-2015
Romiley was our next "station stop".
Why do guards have to use this phrase? A simple "the next station is...." will suffice. We disembarked here to await the train for Rose Hill. Smart little station and its manned which is always nice to know.
15-MAY-2015
Nice to see the old signal box still in use.
But for how much longer? Local "Hands and Eyes" are far better than CCTV and mega control boxes for both the safety of trains and the security of passengers.
15-MAY-2015
Another nice surprise.....Rose Hill.
Again a nice little station, manned and friendly staff....thanks to the guard who was able to assist us in our on-going plans to save a little time in Manchester.
You cant beat a doubled up Pacer.....
15-MAY-2015
.....especially when you can have a carriage each to spread out in!
15-MAY-2015
Travel (from Rose Hill via Guide Bridge and Hyde) to Manchester for lunch
Then a shuttle up to Salford Crescent to pick up the Bolton train.
Helpful station staff at Bolton gave us information about the stations history, including the unique brickwork style, and more info on the electrification works progress.
Shame they (the company not the platform staff) cant be bothered to weed the ballast as the station has retained some of its character and charm.
15-MAY-2015
Whilst waiting for the Clitheroe train, the Kirkby train arrived.
The green of the Buddleia sets off the blues of the train livery rather nicely.
15-MAY-2015
The Kirkby train is ready to leave as we still await our train to Clitheroe
15-MAY-2015
Didn't get any images at Clitheroe, a quick turn around and busy train meant no time.
So here we are back at Blackburn awaiting our run down the Calder Valley to Halifax
15-MAY-2015
A departing Class 156 for Clitheroe preceded our 158 for the homeward leg.
15-MAY-2015
Halifax station with the chocolate factory in the background.
Don't believe the national rail information that says toilets are available.....there are not any at all, suggestion was to use the Hotel up the road!
Our Huddersfield bound train followed this Manchester service and we trundled down thru Greetland, Brighouse and Deighton to get to Huddersfield. Slight panic set in as we were running late and had a quick connection at Huddersfield for the Sheffield train.....so we get off this train "that terminates here" according to the guard, only to get back on the SAME train that "starts from here for Sheffield". "We wont get fooled again" as the song goes.
