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.

West Somerset Railway

We had parked the car at Washford and walked along the old West Somerset Mineral line, now a footpath, down to Watchet, with the idea of catching the train back to Washford. When the train, a four-car DMU, arrived at Watchet, we looked for the Guard's van. We were right opposite it. But there were two! And the doors of van near us were locked as one helpful passenger (a off-duty WSR volunteer as we later found out) found. But at least he tried. At the same time, another WSR person travelling on the train, dashed out, said "Hold on" and ran to the other end of the train, ran back to us, and guided us to the van at the other end. By that time, the ramp was in place, but we had to wait as other wheelchair-bound passenger detrained. A slight delay as the Guard patiently advised that party on the best way to get into town. Then we were onboard and promptly guided by the Guard and TTI to the wheelchair space where we found we could sit in real comfort with Matt alongside in a normal carriage area, along with other passengers. At Washford, we were detrained with equal efficiency. Well done the train crew and the two other WSR people who were so quick to help. We hear a lot about the legendary WSR friendly staff who go the extra mile to help and advise - well, we have now experienced it for ourselves!