Walk in Wales Chepstow in three Bridges
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- A visit to Chepstow on the England Wales boarder, in fact you can stand with one foot in both, if you know where to go. Watch this space. I don’t do many town walks but this one merited a visit, and not just because of the dramatic sighting of the castle but also because of its industrial past. There is of course a railway connection and a chance to sample Mr. Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s fine work. A nice ramble on a nice day.
My passion has been walking, a while ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking does not come naturally any more, however the more I walk the easier it gets, for now anyway. I hope these videos will inspire others to keep going and hanging on in there. I try to cover variety of subjects, such as old abandoned railways, and canals. I love the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with its rich history and I usually take my camera whenever we holiday in the southwest and Cornwall. The rugged coastal paths are a magnet for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. I live close to the Cotswolds Hills and have done quite a lot of walking around there, recently, following some of the lovely rivers. Hill walking on the Malvern’s is a challenge but worth the effort. I try not to let Parkinson’s get me down and take every opportunity to get out with my camera and film, I hope you enjoy watching. P.W.
Great video. This splendid old town always lifts my spirits when I visit - all too infrequently.
Glad you enjoyed it Malcolm, I need to have another look around some time. Ron
Thank you Ron. I really enjoyed this. I also visited Chepstow recently too, but you covered different areas to me. Shame the over zealous security guard on the building site did not let you get closer to the railway bridge. No idea what damage he thought you'd do on the site. Probably their Health & Safety rules, or some such. I still love John Rennie's Chepstow Bridge - such a beautiful, elegant design. Hard to believe it used to carry all the road traffic (apart from the Aust ferry) between England and South Wales prior to both Severn Bridges and the newer A48 bridge were built. Single track too! Thanks again, take care, Paul.
Thanks Paul, like you I'm amazed at how well the bridge has coped after all those years, a lot of 'modern' motorway bridges are having to be repaired in a much shorter time span. Keep smiling. Ron
Another good one, Ron! Thanks for including shots of the information boards, which all adds to the interest. Sorry to hear about your unfriendly reception at one point, but you got the views anyway - well done!
Thanks Jim, the guy was right, I shouldn't have been there, I was glad to get some footage first though. Ron.
What beautiful scenery, and another captivating vlog. Thanks for sharing, Ron.
Thanks Ron, hope you are doing ok. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks chemo 2 this afternoon. The first one went very well. Stay safe. Ron
@@abandonedrailwaya2470 Ron that is such good news, hope the second went well. Keep smiling. Ron
I love it at 3.58 where the gull had to add his comment. Your remark was brilliant. Wonderful.
I think he had visions of being in the movies. Ron
My family worked at Fairfield
Maybe Chepstow
My father was a lorry driver taking the bridge girders to where ever .
My uncle was a crane operator lifting the girders, my grandfather was an electrician, my mother and auntie worked in the office which was that big building you walked by .
The Brunel rail bridge was replaced because a barge smashed in to it one night as my dad and other staff had to rush to help with the disaster .
The seven bridge was built at Fairfield Maybe, I love this bridge as my family was involved..
Before they built bridges they build ships
What an enterprising family John, I imagine they have lots of tales to tell when they all get together. Take care. Ron
I skirted Chepstow every day on my commute to Bristol, but I never stopped to explore - clearly a bad mistake. Excellent, as always.
Thanks Philip, it really is worth a visit. Ron
Thank u for this vid...I showed my dad ...we take him every Yr...such a lovely place.
Sally you are most welcome. Hope dad liked it and it brought back nice memories. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks yes Ron it did...my dad has parkinsons dementia and when we watched ur video he remembered...he remembered everything so thank you for making our day x
@@sallybush6454 Wonderful Sally, you have just made my day. Ron
Another winner, thank you so much.
My pleasure Christina, thanks for watching. Ron
Chepstow station used to have a matching building on the other platform. It was demolished at some point to make rail travel extra miserable. To buy a ticket, you have to see a contractor in a wooden kiosk on the platform. The actual station building is a cafe. Nice to see they have retiled the roof in new slate. Shows someone cares.
The area with dumped rails and sleepers was the connecting line down to Mabey Bridge where you were booted off.
Great post Thomas, thanks for sharing. Ron
That was a very lovely walk, Ron. Thanks for doing the uphill climbs so we didn’t have to - ha! Sorry about the rudeness you encountered, hope it didn’t spoil your happy day. And thank you for sharing the joy. The River Wye is stunning. Kind regards.
Glad you enjoyed it, I didn't worry about being asked to leave, I shouldn't have been there anyway, and you are right it did make me puff a bit climbing the slopes. Take care. Ron
What a contrast of aesthetics Ron between the old and new bridges. I know which I prefer. I haven’t visited Chepstow for over 40 years since I took my late Mum on a nostalgic visit so thanks for the chance to re visit. Sorry about the rudeness that you encountered. I took it personally. Stay well
Glad to have brought back some memories Peter, I didn't worry about being asked to leave, I was pushing my luck anyway. Take care. Ron
Very intetesting walk. Another for my bucket list
Time to get working on that bucket list Richard, don't put it off or you'll never get started. Rom
@@ParkinsonsWalks Will have to wait until I can get back to the UK!
Another good 'un Ron, thanks. I appreciate your longer videos like this one! We need to get you an official badge to let you gain entry everywhere...we just need an appropriate title for you. I'm working on it! Have a good week.
Someone has already suggested 'Pirate Parky' what do you think? Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks hmmm...I'm not sure that the title "pirate" would gain you access to many restricted areas...leave it with me.
In my world, everybody in England would know you and would welcome you as a kind of celebrity. In the absence of that well-deserved recognition, I guess a badge with "Groundwater Contamination Inspector" might hold some sway...
@@jamesweekes6726 That would certainly frighten a few James. Ron
Nice day over in the principality
Yep, a nice place to wander about. Ron
Morning’ Ron. Thanks for this video - until my recent visit to Tintern in July this year, I have only visited Chepstow en route to somewhere else however in July I did drive through Chepstow on a number of occasions and I was tempted to stop and have a closer look. Luckily, and to a certain extent, you have now done that for me!
The station, certainly, was redolent of the great railway era and it was great to see that the siding area has not become a car park, housing estate or supermarket. Having said that, a big thumbs up from me to Tesco for conveying their freight by rail. I do strongly think that railways should be the first choice for long haul freight and that they have struggled on that front with the demise of coal and steel traffic. Also the fact that many goods sidings have been ripped up and sold off doesn’t help.
Hi Richard, I think you would enjoy Chepstow, you can feel there is a lot of history there waiting to be discovered, hopefully you will make it some time, I barely scratched the surface. Take care. Ron
One of your most enjoyable and interesting videos Ron. Never stopped of there must go there loved the views you showed of the Castle. Thank you for sharing take care and my best wishes.
Thanks John, hope things are going ok. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Ok at moment thank you for your kindness Ron.
@@johnsparkes8963 No problem John, good to hear things have settled down a bit. Look after yourself. Ron
Hello again Ron, that was a very enjoyable walk. A few years ago, I stayed overnight in Chepstow, walked all over the town and castle before hiking to Tintern Abbey along large chunks of the Offa's Dyke Path. What a great hike that was, and really enjoyed Chepstow. Met my brother in Tintern the following morning and we then headed up to Barmouth and Harlech. Great memories. Take care of yourself Ron, and you look more like a Greybeard than a Blackbeard to me..... Cheers, Ian
Hi Ian, really nice to hear that the film brought back some good memories, my work is done. Not sure about the Greybeard, you could end up walking the plank! Ron
Ian I hope when you visited Harlech you went up the worlds steepest road which runs from near the railway station to above the castle, I live close to it and walk it a couple of times a week, easier going up than coming down, however for some reason many tourists think it is easier coming down. Andrew.
@@andrewmerriman7133 Hi Andrew, no we didn't. We drove up to the castle from the south. Certainly experienced some very steep roads, but nothing like you described. Garages in your area must have a lucrative trade in clutch repairs!!! Really love the whole area and will be back once Covid abates and I can travel.....and yes, I would certainly try to climb up that road....Take care, Ian
@@notyhbynorthwest Hi Ian, I know the road you went up, that is the easy one to get up, if you have trouble finding the route to the hill on a future visit it is marked at the end of the Up platform (The Dovey Junction Direction) from the platform you turn left at the station exit and then first right. Do you know I had never thought about garages having extra clutches to deal with but your probably correct you certainly made me smile! If you do come again I hope you enjoy yourself and you receive a warm welcome. Do not come at the moment Harlech is full of covid so I hear, I am staying in except to go for a walk. Regards, Andrew.
@@andrewmerriman7133 Unfortunately I will not be visiting in the foreseeable future. I live in the USA, although originally from Liverpool. I have been able to get back to Blighty frequently over the years, but covid has put the brakes on this. Just retired this past year, and instead of visiting English pubs right about now, I am stuck in virtual lockdown. It is certainly worse over here than in Harlech. I live in Georgia, which is close to the epicenter of the anti-vaccination mob. Anyway, I hope to get to try to hike up that bloody hill in Harlech while I still can. Take care and stay safe, Ian.
Interesting!
Glad you think so Michael, thank you. Ron
Nice coffee shop in the station, even if you are not using the trains, with parking which is complicated around Chepstow. The old engine shed is unique in that it would have been for broad gauge, can't be many such structures left.
Very interesting Peter, worth another look. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks How about doing some things on the Severn before the railways. The river ports, the centres for piracy (Brockweir/Bewdley) and lawlessness, how to cross the county line could help robbers and murderers avoid the law and a hanging? A lot remains but much changed in use. At the Iron Bridge museum they have an old Severn river boat that could navigate almost to Brecon.
@@peterhopkins7505 Hi Peter, always glad to receive suggestions. Thank you. Ron
Thank you Ron - that was lovely. Lots of contrasts between old and new. Spectacular bridges - I liked the monument left behind from Brunels structure. The shots of all the notice boards were very useful. A very nostalgic revisit after some 47 years. One of my mums favourite places. Liked the mask! A superb video. Your hard work in making it is very much appreciated. Stay safe, See you at your home next week
Thanks Michael, I can understand why your mum liked it, an interesting place and not too big so you feel you know it. Keep smiling. Ron
Its a shame you didnt get on the Severn Princess, you could have become Pirate Parky and sailed to Portishead to check out the progress of the Portishead Line.
keep up the good work . I am looking forward to fri week already.
Pirate Parky - I like it, where do I sign. Black Beard Ron
What a well researched fantastic video Ron, The buildings at 11:46 almost certainly belonged to the Fairfield Engineering Company they were rail connected from the goods yard via a turnout just to the west of the goods shed shown at 17:01. In the trees on the curve to the west of the goods shed at 17:01 there was between 28th July 1926 and 25th February 1955 an operational third platform on a loop known as Chepstow No3 (Racecourse) Platform with Chepstow West Signal Box being to the west of that. The buildings at 07:39 were also part of Fairfield Engineering Company in front of them under the bridge there were railway lines connected to Chepstow goods yard giving rise to the situation of a railway line diverging and both going over and under the same bridge which is not as common as one might think, it is in fact quite unusual. The platform at 17:10 was built after 1960 and was most likely to be in connection with the girder replacement in 1962. Goods at Chepstow were handled in the substantial Goods Shed shown at 17:01 and 18:07 until the 28th November 1969 when the connections were recovered. The reason for the girders needing to be replaced on the 600 yard bridge was due to those on the Monmouthshire side becoming bent in 1944 under the stress of heavy war time trains. The structure at 18:40 was in fact a waiting area not a parcels area the reason for it's size is due to the number of passengers that would use the station on race days. The crossover at 14:56 was put in in March 1944 when single line working was put into operation over the bridge between 9th April and the 24th April 1944 for repairs to the Monmouthshire side of the bridge.
Andrew - brilliant, don't know how you do it. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks No problem Ron, if I find out anything else I will leave a new comment or a second amendment to my first one. Nice to be able to come on one of your walks without crossing the border to England no passport required for me! If you send me a message via the arranged method of where your going before filming I will try and leave the information in advance of filming so you can use it on the video. Make sure both management and yourself take care as covid is on the rise.
@@andrewmerriman7133 Brilliant as always Andrew, thanks for the background. I hope all is well with you...it's a bit of a shock being back at work here!
@@andrewmerriman7133 Hi Andrew, I thought the other day, if I had your comments before I filmed it would help to narrow the search for remains. I have been stock piling for the winter so quite a bit is already done, but I have a forest trip you might be able to help with, it's a bit obscure and I need to work out the map reference so it might test you a bit, but I'm sure you will rise to the challenge. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, If it is a railway in the Forest Of Dean I might be able to help you but if you let me know where about it is I will do my best to help. If you can send me a link showing the area from the National library of Scotland side by side maps that will be a great help. Andrew.
Ron, thankyou for the views of Chepstow Castle. When we were kids the school trip was either Burford Wildlife Park or Chepstow Castle. I'm now getting old enough to forget some of those trips (thank goodness), curled up egg sandwiches in tuppaware, scraped knees and no doubt someone throwing up on the bus.
I share a birthday with IKB and the same creative engineering mind. You should of seen some of my tunnels and bridges created on Tenby beach. Sadly none of them could withstand the returning of the tide. It was good to see that some of his bridge was still incorporated in the new.
Just out of interest was the advice you received from the workman somewhere along the lines of "Oi! You! **** ***!" ????
Ha morning Simon, lovely memories. Those were the workman's exact words. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Do I win a prize?
@@thehairygolfer In the words of the workman ******
Just catching up after a railway holiday in Wales, fascinating. On my way back I changed trains at Worcester Parkway. A bit new for you, but maybe worth a visit could fit in Worcester Cathedral as well?
Hi Nicholas, Worcester is on my to-do list, I think it has potential. Ron
At 20:28 is a view of one of the old River Severn Ferry boats
Well spotted Willum, a little bit of extra history for the sharp eyed. Ron
Hi Ron, James kept this week's video to himself until now...a bit cranky now that he gets up at five-thirty. If your virtual mascot had been there in person, things might have turned out a bit differently. In any case, please consider those fellows virtually growled at!
Hi Sumac, there is a chance I might be a bit cranky if I had to get up at 5.30. Thanks for the virtual growl, that'll show them. Ron
These vids I enjoy! Learn section 33 of the criminal justice act… will help you with certain public photography…
Thanks for that. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Ron my wife grew up in charfield and many of her grandparents took in the injured from the railway disaster. I am looking to do a documentary on the subject would you be interested in participating? I’m so interested in local subjects such as this and would love to make contact to work with you. Dan
@@OpticalTurnkey Hi Dan, thanks for thinking of me, unfortunately my Parkinsons restricts what I can do, which at the moment is not very much. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks we could have a chat online if that is easier?
@@OpticalTurnkey Hi Dan, thing is it takes me forever to type because of tremors. So sorry. Ron