28/09/2025
A DAY ON THE RAILWAY
We had such a good day walking the 26 mile 1825 line for the 200 year celebrations. Lots of people were out and about enjoying the day and Locomotion No 1 made several appearances again, this time at Hopetown.
As for the walk, approx 20 Centurions made the full distance with a few dipping in and out along the way.
My special memories were in abundance.
Obviously starting at the exact same time and place that the train started its journey 200 years ago to the minute.
Walking the newly-opened Etherley Incline.
A fab brekkie at Broom Mill Farm.
Our attempt at a Centurions locomotion dance on the Brusselton Incline.
Standing at the very spot (unplanned but also at the exact same time of 10am) in Shildon where they attached the Locomotion No 1 (called Active back then) steam engine and Experiment passenger coach.
Meeting Amanda, Charlotte, Dad, Catherine, John and Andy at Locomotion museum and having the special group photo in front of the closest version of the original steam engine that there is still standing.
Watching the 1930s train come through Aycliffe station.
Passing the oldest railway station in the world that is Heighington station.
Meeting family again and some Centurions leaving and Phil and Gill joining us at Hopetown museum, where some of us got a glimpse again of Locomotion No 1 replica moving along the tracks.
Our little train ride from Dinsdale to Allens West. Well I think it was right we got on a train at some point.
Jen and Milo surprising us at Allens West and walking to Preston Park with us.
A beautiful trek along the river Tees.
The final stretch into Stockton where we all celebrated with Centurion hugs after we’d finished our epic 26 mile adventure.
Then it was off to the appropriately-named Locomotion pub near Eaglescliffe station for many of us to have a celebratory drink raising a glass to the amazing team led by George Stephenson who put the world on track 200 years ago.
Fab that Lottie, Dad, Kerry, Nigel, Becky's Dad Phil were all able to join us at the pub and I was handed an incredible 1825 railway edition of the Centurions stone by Nige. Thanks Nige. It will go in pride of place in my garden.
The best bit about yesterday was spending the day doing what I love with the people who make the Centurions what it is.
I’ve said it before many time but simply FAB FAB FAB.
The most important thanks goes to Becky for co-leading the walk. She says she didn't do much but believe me she is a total rock and such an incredible support to most of these bigger walks we do in Centurions. Thank you ... thank you ... so much Becks.
The best bit about yesterday was spending the day doing what I love with the people who make the Centurions what it is.
I’ve said it before many time but simply FAB FAB FAB.
Finally, I’d like to thank all those who played a part behind the scenes driving us to the start and picking up at the end which made our lives so much easier.
If you like a good walk, come and join the Centurions and be part of some of these great adventures.
Click below to request to join.
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❤️🥾
