The Great Northern Railway Trail (1)

Although we’ve experienced it once before we decided to check my walking skills on the Cullingworth section of the disused railway.

The tracks have all been lifted now but that doesn’t stop Tine from doing some promotion work for the Starfish!

You can imagine the steam trains hurtling under the bridge.

An artist’s impression of how the viaduct must have looked in the old days…

…and my impression of how it looks now.

Now some views looking back over the Hewenden Viaduct

If it’s Yorkshire there must be sheep…

…and dry-stone walls.

Back to the UK

We were very excited about our return to the UK after such a long time.

Perhaps a little less so at facing the traffic again. We’ve got used to our (comparatively) quiet roads.

But look what’s there to greet me: a HUUUGE box of Shreddies…

…even if Philippe’s cat Cuddles seems to want some too!

We stopped over at Phil’s, he & Tine in a selfie moment.

Once in Bingley look who we caught up with, Becca with happy chappy Owen

Tine showing her usual expertise!

We were also lucky to catch up with niece Vicky on her birthday…

…and of course, Steve, first at the Peacock, our favourite curry restaurant in Bingley…

…and later in the Cap & Collar in Saltaire.

Last days in La Tranche

No, don’t worry we haven’t left for good, just an extended trip to the UK, the first time since January. But first…

Last dips in our little pool…

…making the most of beautiful September weather. Tine went swimming in the sea most days too.

We had an offer we couldn’t refuse: two single beds, so the children’s bedroom looks a little different now. The bunk beds are up for grabs!

On my walk I was amused by this row of seagulls perched on a water-ski jump.

Blink and you’ll miss it: a red squirrel in our neighbour’s garden.

It’s now October 3rd and we’re safely on our ferry in St Malo. Back to Blighty tomorrow!

More châteaux

We had decided to return to La Tranche via the château at Pouzauges but a last minute change of plans meant we headed for Tiffauges. Wrong decision!

It was closed. It looked good from the outside though.

We drove on to Montaigu where we had a fish’n’chips lunch (how British!) before walking round the ramparts.

A reflective moment looking over la Maine river

We wandered around the old château walls

Looking over l’Asson, a tributary of the river Maine, an excellent view of the ramparts…

…and an artist’s impression of how the castle might have looked in its heyday.

Back above the walkway you realise there is no longer a château behind the ramparts, just the town hall, a school and a car park.

Chinon (3)

 The town of Chinon is equally lovely.

But first, can you make out who’s at the top of the tower?

And who she’s spying on?

Down in the town we were impressed by the beautiful architecture

Some really old homes using brick and wood

Many narrow streets…

…and don’t forget to look up.

All this visiting makes you thirsty though!

Chinon (2)

The interior of the château was equally impressive.

The beds might be fancy but didn’t look very comfortable

You would need steps to climb into this one!

Looks like a lonely dinner for someone

It can’t really be a château if there isn’t a knight in armour somewhere!

I managed to visit the towers without too many steps…

…but Tine ventured down into the dungeons…

…and up to see the mechanics for the bells…

…and alcoves for pigeons!