Preamble

Dad did not rush to get up, after the long day yesterday.

Fred said sleepily. "I'm glad. Still a bit tired after all the excitement of the train and then visiting the Duddo Stone Circle."

"What a fascinating time it must have been", replied Archie.

"It was and for Dad good to go to somewhere here that he had never been to before on his numerous visits to Northumberland over the years", said Bramble.

Meanwhile Scooter had thrown back the curtains. "Great" he cheered. "Looks like another good day weather wise."

"Just the ticket", called out Higson, "for the Railway Clubs visit to the Aln Valley Railway."

Being the member our pal Dunstan was in charge today. He said, "Benji you must come along too. After all you came from Alnwick."

"Oh thanks. That will be lovely."

Dad went off for breakfast and soon after he returned, he said, "right time to go."

"Ok", replied Dale, as we dashed out to get settled in the car.

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Our Day

The drive to the Aln Valley Railway, did not take very long. To the A1 then south toward Alnwick to leave the dual carriageway and follow the signs.

Dunstan said, "I've looked up the timetable. Unfortunately it is a diesel day."

"Not to worry pal", said Chuffer. "The important thing is to have the ride and support the railway."

The consequences of what Dunstan had said, was that there was not very many passengers, people being more likely to come if the train was steam hauled.

We were welcomed at the gate by a gentleman and Dad had quite a chat.

Walking towards the platform, Summer called out, "let's sit on that seat, for a picture at the start of our day.

l-r Higson, Benji, Chuffer, Dunstan, Summer, Scooter, George with Leander & Dale

Dunstan is a founder member of this railway and proudly displays his membership card. He says, "as can be seen some of my other pals are members of Heritage Railways, and have their members card too. From the left

Higson - North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Chuffer - Embsay Railway
Summer - East Lancashire Railway
Scooter - Bluebell Railway
Dale - Wensleydale Railway"

Looking along the platform, we could see these coaches and the building on platform 2.

Hopping down, and looking round the corner, Scooter said, "there's the train."

Dale made towards the train but Chuffer said, "we will have to wait while Dad gets his ticket from the shop."

"Will be have to pay too", replied Dale.

"No", replied Dunstan. "We travel free."

This done we boarded for the first service of the day departing at 11:00.  Some of us settled on the seat...

...while Benji, George and Dunstan decided to sit on the table.

So very gently, hauled by Drax, we made the journey to Greenrigg Halt. The lady guard came to check Dad's ticket. "Wow, I like the teddies."

Dad explained, "Dunstan is the member here and has brought his pals for a day out."

"Can I take a picture. Our publicity officer will be interested."

Here we alighted Dad taking this picture of the engine Drax.

Dad asked, "is it alright for Dunstan to sit on the engine."

"Yes of course", replied the guard.

The engine was then run round for the return trip.

Dunstan asked, "can we walk down to Cawledge Viaduct, it's not very far. You gave money to both appeals for the repair of the structure, Dad."

"Sure. Let's go."

Soon there, Higson said, "we must have our picture here."

Dunstan told us, "the viaduct was designed by Robert Stephenson, work started in 1848 and it took two years to complete. It is the oldest masonry viaduct on a heritage railway. The structure carries the line for 135 yards over the Cawledge Burn. There are seven arches in total, with the central arch carrying the track over the burn at a height of 53 feet. The arched measure 45 feet in span, but their rise is shallow, only around 14 feet."

Soon the train came along on its journey to Lionheart.

Strolling back, all was now quiet at Greenrigg Halt.

Looking along under the bridge Summer said, "that's the route onwards to Alnmouth.

"There's quite a pile of concrete sleepers ready for the track extension", observed Leander.

"It will be quite a while until the train returns. Are we going to walk down to the River Aln and the stepping stones?", asked George.

"That's a good idea", agreed Dunstan.

Dad remarked, "there is obviously a footpath here. I would find it easy to cross river here than some stepping stones I have encountered on other walks. I recall some that were almost submerged and uneven. My feet slipped off, so wet boots inside for most of that walk. The ironic thing was that a short distance away there was a bridge!"

"You'll remember for the next time", laughed Dale.

"Let's have our picture sitting on them", said George.

A short distance through a stile there was this lovely view of the River Aln.

Returning to the station, Scooter pointed, "what is that plaque about?"

Since our last visit this seat has been installed with its memorial plaque.

We sat there...

...to wait patiently for the train to arrive.

Gently we made the return trip. "Time of a bit of lunch" said Dad, adjourning to the cafe, to enjoy a ham and cheese pannini with salad and crisps, pot of tea and piece of chocolate cake.

After the return journey for some reason Drax had failed, so one of the Pacer units, was brought into service.

We sat waiting for it to depart.

As it left, Dunstan gave a wave.

"Look", called out Higson laughing, "one of the passengers is waving back with a large puffin."

"Thank you Dad", said Scooter. "It has been a lovely time."

Dad then headed back to the shop. "I want to get a railway t-shirt."

There was not Dad's size on the rack, but a bit of searching by the staff one of the right size in green was found. It was only £9. 

"I will wear it with pride", Dad said as we drove back to Doxford Hall.

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