Another trip in West Somerset

We thought we'd do the whole thing as most other folks do it.

We went to the Booking Office at Minehead to buy our tickets. Argggh. A step! Not overly high but still a step. Why? Anyway, we got our tickets. Excellent lady booking clerk understood our requirement first time. Another little step at the exit door. Immediately greeted by a lady member of staff "Are you travelling?". "Yes". "Follow me and I'll get the ramp sorted so you can get on the train".

We did and she did. And before too long we were on board. "Put the chair there next to the window". And the lady made room on two ordinary chairs further away but we didn't want to sit one end of the brake van with Matt the other end so one of us stayed with Matt.

We got off at Washford. Excellent, prompt and helpful service by the train staff. And we made our way off the station.

The plan was to take the Mineral Line Walk from Washford to Watchet. Then to catch the train back to Minehead. Something we have been doing since 1978.

The awkward kissing gate at the entrance to the Playing Field proved, well, awkward as usual but, for us, it is possible to negotiate with the wheelchair.

The Mineral Line Walk has been much improved recently and it now features a hard, smooth surface throughout its length. So off we trotted , around the field and past the court to the far end, where the Walk really begins.

Calamity. Concern. There, right across the paved path was a spanking new metal kissing gate. Not the large concern we had encountered earlier. But a small gate that swung inside a small semi-circular enclosure. Enough room for your average-sized walking bod to get through. But not a wheelchair, not a bike, not a pushchair. On each side of the metal gate structure was a gap. The gap on one side was a wooden fence; on the other side was nothing. Yet. But it was clear that a fence was due to be installed soon. B****r. That will completely block the Walk for us. Might as well build an eight-foot brick wall across the path.

We left the nice smooth path to traverse a bit of uneven rough ground, luckily it was dry and not muddy. So we were away. But heck, we thought. Just supposing there is a similar gate at the Watchet end - two miles away - and suppose that gate was finished, complete with side fences. We'd have to walk/wheel all the way back. But happily there was no gate at that end. Yet.

The rest of the walk went reasonable well. I won't relate the excursion to Kentsford Farm which involved another ruddy kissing gate...

We had to use the "troublesome" Govier's Lane Crossing but we found using the two swinging gates quite easy and we were not troubled.

The return trip began with equal care and attention by the train staff. And continued all the way to Minehead.

In summary, the trip on the train went well. The wander along the Mineral Line Walk gave us concerns. We have written to the authorities. Our message has been bounced from one department to another and then to another. Maybe one day we will find out what they think about their kissing gate and accessibility.