Last updated 11:44, Thursday, 28 August 2008

IF you happen to be an ancient “steam buff” the sight and sound and smell of a super railway engine from yesteryear is always an exhilarating experience.

The bygone age of the train: Two steam engines pull coaches across the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle line Double delight for steam enthusiasts Wednesday December 21, 2005, when the Christmas Dalesman took to the famous Settle to Carlisle line and crossed the dramatic Ribblehead Viaduct pulled by two steam engines, the Lancashire Fusilier and a British Railways Standard 4 (in front). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo credit should read: John Giles / PA.

The present series of summer excursions along the Carlisle and Settle line means that the geriatric, armed with expensive digital cameras, tripods and all the trappings under the sun congregated at strategic viewpoints, vying to obtain best (pole) position along the way. What splendid sport!

“Yoof” probably find it all rather boring, preferring instead to attempt to crash their souped-up-not-quite-so-ancient “racers”, with the object of impressing (and risking the lives of) their current girlfriends.

Compared to the (admittedly) very impressive F1 sports car, the Princess, Royal Scot, Jubilee King, Merchant Navy, A4 (Mallard) and a host of others never fail, nonetheless, to bring that lump to the throat. It’s majestic, you see.

We do live in a world of contrasts.

Travelling by rail always excites because of opportunities to see places which the car is unable to access.

Boarding an express at the Citadel one can anticipate a journey full of interest – if you are not staring vacantly into nothingness, reading a book or newspaper without pause, doing office work or playing futile games on a computer.

At Penrith, the Lake District is spread out before you in a splendid panorama, crowned by Saddleback.

Shap cement works has its own 365 day-a-year fascination, the Lune gorge is marvellous (does anyone spot the little road opposite from Tebay to Sedburgh?)

The unwalkable (but should be) viaduct leading to the north east is rather magical, Kendal from Oxenholme looks splendid, followed by views of the Langdale Pikes and Morecambe Bay with a break skirting of the shoreline before Lancaster.

Further on your way, prior to arrival at Crewe, spot Jodrell Bank and feel pride that we British were pioneers in building in.

But how many see all this?

How many are oblivious to the best way to travel south in comfort?

Alas, the modern mind is confused by technology and speed and lacks the time to stand (or sit) and stare and appreciate for appreciation’s sake.

John Warmingham

Wetheral