Wednesday 30 June 2021

Leeds - Whitby via Middlesbrough and Esk Valley Railway. 

It was a cold morning as we assembled on Platform 16 for the Manchester Airport - Redcar Central combination. 

We would be alighting at Middlesbrough to navigate the Esk Valley Railway. The weather hadn’t improved by the time we arrived at Middlesbrough so the trip down this fantastic railway journey was marred by poor visibility and clouds. 

Colin enjoyed the trip but John and Brian sadly did not. This inspiring journey seemed to pass them by. However, maybe the return journey might be a little better if the sun eventually gets out. 

We arrived in Whitby a little before 12:00 and with almost four hours free time we set off for the beach at a brisk pace which we would use to get to Sandsend and the Sandside Cafe which we would use as the turnaround point with a cup of hot coffee before returning to Whitby this time taking the high road along the path with panoramic views out to sea which was quite rough to say the least eventually getting back onto the beach to finish the last part of the journey. We arrived back in Whitby at around 15:00 and made for  Trenchers Fish Restaurant but the queue was quite large so we decided to do the takeaway option and eat them on a bench opposite the restaurant. 

We then made our way back to the station and boarded the 15:58 train back to Middlesbrough. The train was already on the platform and packed and much noisier than the trip down but the lads made the best of it and the occasional complement from John about the heritage railway and the scenery that was available was much appreciated by Colin who had done his best to make this a day to remember.  

On arrival at 17:30 and with a fifty one minute wait for our journey south Colin headed for Scotties Cafe in the station complex for a latte and a shortbread biscuit whilst Brian and John explored the area adjacent to Middlesbrough station. Both returned in time for the 18:21 which left on time passing the transporter bridge and the Riverside Stadium. 

Eventually the train arrived at Thirsk where a group of lads got on somewhat boisterously and decidedly inebriated and on closer inspection John recognised these recalcitrants as an ex Thackray employee (Steve Gilbert) and some other Beeston lads that were known to both Colin and Brian. 

The journey passed extremely quickly catching up with all the news and we all alighted at Leeds saying goodbye to one and all. 

John then went to catch the Carlisle train for Bingley and Brian and Colin returning to Morley and Beeston respectively. 

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