CTC Ride to Corfe Railway Station

Thankfully not a climb for us

We meet once again at Merley Bridge and enjoy a bit of banter with Derek about 0900 start times and that we are not meeting at Wimborne. Now an in joke after the discussion the previous week at coffee. We head off in the general direction of Wareham making for Bob's for coffee and toasted tea cakes and crumpets. We arrive at Bob's having taken our normal route and continue with the time honoured traditions as we set Bob's smoke alarm off while toasting buns!

Top of the climb
 - Derek and Kathy

After refuelling we set off for Corfe Station but by a more scenic and less direct route which takes in an interesting little climb at East Creech which rewards with great views out towards Kimmeridge. After getting our breath and making the most of the photo opportunity on another gloriously sunny day we head downhill to Church Knowle and onto Corfe Castle.

Kevin's bike and the view

Corfe Railway Station our lunch stop is a step back in time as it is on the Swanage Railway which is a heritage steam and diesel train service that really captures the spirit of times gone by. It's a real treat to eat lunch on the platform and watch the steam trains come and go.

Station Master

Lunch

Period luggage

Platform and signal box

not Thomas!

After lunch, trains and much reminiscing we head off back to Wareham via the Arne nature reserve where we stop at one of the hides to observe the wildfowl. I still really do think that was a penguin and I know I definitely saw an Eagle!

walkway up to the hide

View from the hide - the eagle has just flown out of shot
 and the penguin has dived for a fish ..................

At Wareham we head home in the company of Derek as far as Creekmoor before saying our goodbyes having enjoyed another great ride in good company and with steam trains too ................