Finale

It's been an interesting and invigorating few days. Plenty of socialising, plenty of exercise, plenty of interesting things to do and see. The Forest of Dean may not be as hilly as other parts of the British Isles, but it is certainly not without its charms - and reasonably close to the Capital.

A Last Look Around

In the morning sunshine, I took a few last steps around the hotel to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this "neck of the woods". This had been the centre of activities for us over the last few days. It would get busier again soon, but by then I would be getting my cab to Lydney Mainline Station. With less luggage and time constraints it would probably be an interesting walk!

It was a bright and sunny day, and although it was late spring, this tree diagonally opposite the Fountain Inn looks most autumnal. The appearance seems to be due to the type of tree and not to whether it is dead or alive!




Here's the Fountain Inn, basking in the early morning sun.




Parkend Station is almost on the doorstep, separated by the area which used to occupy the Parkend Ironworks (Parkend Furnace) between 1799 and 1908.




This is our lodge (or bunk-house) which used to be the railway's cold meat store
- hence the thick stone walls.

The Journey Home

It's possible to get back to the South East with one less change, but going via Gloucester instead of via Newport was a new route for me, and after all, unless one is on a crowded commuter train, travelling is not just about going from A to B, but also about gaining some new impressions. The return journey was along the shores of the Severn Estuary and then the train entered Gloucester past the historical part of the town dominated by its mediaeval Cathedral. Alas, I'm getting older: I was not quick enough with my camera! There followed a relaxing journey from Gloucester through the Cotswolds to Swindon. And so to London and the busy South East.

The Victorian sweep of Gloucester Station.
My next "Cross Country" train will arrive shortly.