I knew there was a railway crossing point just up the line from Saltaire station but I'd never used it until the other day. The need to keep to local paths for our exercise, as the lockdown rules dictate, means I am seeking out the less travelled paths and exploring areas that are new to me. To get to this crossing means walking up through the Hirst Wood estate, past a small industrial estate, so the first part of the walk isn't very scenic. Then, turning right along a little cinder path, you arrive at the railway. It's on a straight bit of track so you can see a long way up and down the line, meaning it's not difficult to see oncoming trains. There are fewer running anyway at the moment. A hop, skip and jump across and you are suddenly deep into Hirst Wood and enjoying the peace of the forest. (Peace, that is, until a train does come along. They blow their whistle as a warning as they near the crossing. The blast can startle you when you're in the woods!)
The trees in the wood look rather behind those around here. We have a couple of crossings like that near me though the railway are keen to close at least one of these for safety reasons.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are a week or so ago, things have greened up since then.
DeleteBetter the sound of a train whistle than a bear's growl.
ReplyDeleteI've not seen a railroad crossing like that.
Yes, thankfully no bears!
DeleteSounds like a lovely walk!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to discover new areas especially close to home.
ReplyDeleteNice old trees in the woods. I've never seen a crossing like that, just for pedestrians apparently. I live near tracks, which also have a crossing where they always blow their whistle...in a pattern that is agreed upon by all the engineers, but they do make their own sounds...some slower, some faster paced.
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