For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

The main reason for my visit to Arnside was to see if I could get some pictures of the Steam locomotive "Tornado" as it passed over the viaduct. It was due to be there at 9:38 so I arrived about 9:20 but in the best tradition of the British rail network it was almost 10:10 when it finally made an appearance. After this it was such a nice morning that I decided to walk down the beach to New Barns and from there walk up Arnside Knott.

On my way to Arnside I had passed a few vantage spots for viewing the train. I arrived at Arnside and had no problems parking on the promenade at 9:20. I made my way down to the beach near the pier which was filling up with guys with camera lenses about 12" long. No fun carrying them on the hills.

Well there's the viaduct, all we need now is the train. Whilst we are waiting a few facts, The railway Line opened in 1857, and the viaduct was rebuilt in 1915. There are a total of 50 piers, and the viaduct is 522 yards long.

9:38 came, and went, then a rumbling noise as a train started to cross the viaduct....was it the Tornado?.....well if it was it was running on smokeless fuel and going the wrong way!!

So I waited some more, and it was quite cool in a NE'ly breeze.....I'll never be a trainspotter.

10:10hrs and to the sound of excited voices the Tornado made an appearance. Moving slowly as I believe there is a speed limit crossing the viaduct. The LNER Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado is the first steam locomotive to have been built in the United Kingdom since 1960. She was built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

There wasn't much in the way of steam crossing the viaduct at low speed.

The carriages seemed to be a bit of mix and match.

In a matter of moments it was gone.....one train and thirteen assorted carriages.....more info on the Tornado .....HERE

Raising steam as it makes its way to Grange with Hampsfell behind.

It was a glorious morning so I decided to walk down to New Barns Bay.

The tide is out but due shortly. However they are only mid range so no problems.

Looking towards Whitbarrow

Approaching New Barns Bay

A look back before I make my way to the path through Copridding Wood.

Looking over the estuary to Grange over Sands and Hampsfell as I get above Copridding Woods

Looking over Heathwaite to Humphrey Head from the climb to the view point.

It's a glorious day now but the views are getting hazy with the warmer weather.

Distant Eastern & Far Eastern Fells behind Whitbarrow.

The Coniston Fells over Newton Fell

Alook towards home and the bay is filling as the tide comes in.

Approaching the summit with the Lovers Tree on the left.

The estuary is filling fast now. These sands are not the place to be when the tide is flowing.

Looking towards Storth and Sandside.

As I descended towards Arnside I noticed there were a number of these little chappies about.

As usual they were completely unfazed by my presence.

No close ups used, just quietly approacing to a few feet away.

"Ain't I cute and fluffy"

I decided to walk back down to the shore taking the path near the Yew tree which appears to be voting Lib-Dem. I don't know about anywhere else but N.Lancs/S.Cumbria is littered with placards and posters. Personally I think that all the parties should have ASBO's given for littering.

Yew Tree Cottage

Back down to the shore and the tides well in.

The Beach Walk Cafe as only recently reopened so I popped in for a chat with Barry. The best value for money in the area.

All that remained was to walk back to the car. The tide is now ebbing and photographers have been replaced by anglers on the pier.

Next Walk:    16th April 2010 - Lake District - Beacon Fell and Tarn

Last Walk:     13th April 2010 - Local - The Crook O'Lune and a riverside walk

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