TPT to Oxspring and back RFM Blue Line Walking with Peter

TPT to Oxspring and back 
RFM Blue Line 
Walking with Peter
21/03/26



Due to Peter's hip injury and his long rehabilitation this is the first strenuous walk he has attempted in 2 months. To put it into context when we attempt Helvelyn on the CtC it will be 9 miles and a total ascent of 3500 feet this one is 91/2 miles and an ascent of 1230 feet. So we have a lot more difficult walks to get to to reach the 3500 feet required. Its all about getting the miles and climbs into the legs before you go to Helvelyn.



This walk is more about testing out Peter's leg than expanding the blue line network but it does still add a couple of miles. The weather was dry, still, cool and foggy. Not good for views but ok for walking. Its a linear route in that we walk for 4 plus miles and then return on the same path.

We headed down Polly Foxes from the high Street in Dodworth and following a path, generations of miners had trod, we descended to the TPT.



Heading towards Silkstone Common the TPT was wonderfully winter stark with just the hint of spring green. There were many dog walkers and we greeted or chatted to them as we progressed.

The old railway tunnel at Silkstone Common.
On the edge of the cutting this wonderful tree caught my eye.


The weather if anything was getting more dense. The other side of the tunnel brought an exsample of the telepathy between brothers. I mentioned I was thinking of Grandad driving his train on this line and Peter said he was also thinking of him driving the Garrett. He felt close to him and although I didn't feel that I certainly got it.

A

Another railway bridge on the old line then it was into the grey miasma towards Far Coates farm.






We crossed the A629 and dropped down to the Don at Oxspring and our terminus on the fantastic old Bridge. We met a lovely lady with a resuce dog called Holly who she said didn't like men but he was more than happy to like Peter and I and demanded our attention. We both commented after our meeting that sometimes in these short chats you can see the real person and in this case that real person appeared intelligent, kind and lovely to talk to.



The way back being the same as the way out the views were just as foggy. We took a slight detour and passed these wonderful horses. I think they were pleased to see us. What goes on the minds of these 'dumb' animals...I pondered. The view of Dodworh was obscured on the trail back.

This was my first walk with Peter since the passing of Barbara and he listened as I ennunciated my grief. I may not have tears streaming down my cheeks but my heart is broken and I needed my big brother to metaphorically hug me better. Thanks Peter...thanks.

This may have only been a training walk but at over 9 miles and 1200 foot its still a good walk though the hill is long it is not steep.


 

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