Cruising the Clyde Corridor: A Driver's Perspective from Port Glasgow to Uddingston

The stretch of road connecting the industrial heritage of Port Glasgow to the more suburban landscape of Uddingston might seem like a straightforward hop across the central belt of Scotland. Clocking in at roughly 27 miles (or 43 kms), the journey is predominantly a ribbon of modern infrastructure, stitched together by the A8, M8, and M74 – a trio of motorways and dual carriageways designed for efficient transit.

For those behind the wheel of a wagon, as I was on that somewhat un-summery August 14th, 2018, this translates to a travel time of around 34 to 40 minutes when the traffic gods are smiling. And thankfully, on that particular day, the roads were indeed serene, even if the skies above weren't exactly radiating summer cheer.

But beyond the straightforward efficiency, this route holds fleeting glimpses of Scotland's character, particularly in its early stages. Just 43 seconds into the drive, as you merge onto the A8, the landscape opens up, revealing tantalizing breaks in the treeline. Through these natural frames, the majestic River Clyde comes into view, a vital artery that has shaped the fortunes of this region for centuries. For a good two minutes and nine seconds thereafter, the silvery ribbon of water accompanies the road, a constant reminder of the maritime history etched into the very fabric of Port Glasgow.

It's a view that truly deserves more than a fleeting glance. Imagine the bustling shipyards that once lined these banks, the echoes of industry and the stories of countless vessels launched onto the world's oceans. The Clyde, in this section, isn't just a river; it's a living testament to Scotland's shipbuilding prowess and its connection to global trade. Sadly, the limitations of my camera angle meant capturing the full, breathtaking beauty of this coastal and riverside panorama proved elusive. Trust me, though – the reality is a vista that stirs the soul.

Later in the journey, there's a notable stretch of freshly laid tarmac as you transition onto the new section of motorway connecting Junction 21 of the M8 to Junction 3 of the M74. It's a smooth, modern testament to infrastructure development, designed to streamline travel across the region.

However, beyond these specific points – the captivating glimpses of the Clyde and the smooth glide of the new motorway section – the remainder of the drive is, admittedly, less visually striking. The landscape becomes more functional, focused on the efficient movement of people and goods.

Yet, even in the seemingly mundane stretches of motorway, there's a story to be told. These roads are the lifelines of the central belt, connecting communities, facilitating commerce, and enabling the everyday movements that underpin modern life. While the scenery might not always be picture-postcard perfect, it's a vital part of the Scottish landscape, a testament to its industrious spirit and its ongoing development.

So, while my journey from Port Glasgow to Uddingston on that August day might not have been filled with dramatic twists and turns, it offered moments of genuine beauty and a reminder of the historical and economic significance of this well-traveled route. Sometimes, even the most functional of journeys can offer glimpses into the heart and soul of a place, if you know where – and when – to look.

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Soaring Above the Clouds: A Glimpse of My Journey from Manchester to Venice

The hum of the engines, the gentle sway as we taxied down the runway... there's always a thrill in the moments before take off. On October 29th, 2018, that thrill was amplified by the anticipation of reaching the enchanting canals and historic streets of Venice. I was lucky enough to capture parts of this journey from Manchester Airport all the way to Marco Polo Airport through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300, and I'm excited to share those moments with you.

Forget those blurry, through-the-window phone snaps! These videos offer a clearer, more immersive perspective of the world unfolding beneath the wings. From the initial ascent, leaving behind the familiar patchwork of the English countryside, to the breath taking arrival over the Venetian lagoon, each clip holds a little piece of the magic of flight.

What can you expect to see?

• The Departure: Witness the bustling activity of Manchester Airport receding into the distance as we climb into the vast expanse of the sky.
• A Sea of Clouds: Marvel at the ethereal beauty of a seemingly endless white blanket stretching as far as the eye can see – a truly awe-inspiring sight.
• Changing Landscapes: Keep an eye out for the subtle (and sometimes dramatic!) shifts in the terrain below as we journey across Europe.
• The Grand Finale: Approaching Venice: Experience the unique perspective of gliding over the intricate network of islands and waterways that make Venice so utterly captivating. Seeing it unfold from above is an unforgettable experience.
• Landing at Marco Polo: Feel the gentle bump as we touch down, bringing our aerial adventure to a close and marking the beginning of my Venetian exploration.

These aren't professionally edited masterpieces, just raw, unadulterated glimpses of a personal journey. Think of them as a virtual window seat, offering a unique vantage point on a trip I'll always cherish.

The first clip shows the take off from Manchester Airport.

The following 2 pictures were taken during the flight the first somewhere over the Peak District shortly after take off and the 2nd somewhere over the Alps shortly before landing. Clicking either image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The next 2 clips were taken over the Alps and Italy, the weather changed between them even though they were only a few minutes apart.

The Alps.

Northern Italy and very cloudy below, a complete difference to the weather over the Alps.

The final clip shows the plane landing a Venice Marco Polo Airport. The surrounding area was flooded on the day I arrived Venice was suffering some of it's worst flooding in half a century.

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All the pictures video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Exploring Scammonden from the Bridge

During a recent trip near Scammonden, I took the opportunity to film the area from the bridge that crosses the M62. This bridge, a fascinating landmark in its own right, goes by several names: Scammonden Bridge, a name that recalls the village submerged during the construction of the motorway and dam; Rainbow Bridge, perhaps inspired by the views it affords; and Brown Cow Bridge, a local moniker referencing a now-closed inn.

The bridge carries the B6114 road over the M62, which at this point sits at over 310 metres above sea level. The exposed location makes it susceptible to strong winds, a factor that once led the now-closed local school to provide a taxi service for children crossing the bridge during particularly blustery weather. Beneath the bridge, the M62, a vital artery connecting Liverpool and Hull, stretches across the north of England. Just west of the bridge lies the highest point on any motorway in England.

My videos offer eight distinct views of the surrounding area, including Stott Hall Farm, the impressive overflow of Booth Wood Reservoir, the substantial Scammonden Dam, and the panoramic natural beauty of the landscape. One of the videos is presented as a timelapse to offer a condensed viewing experience. Both videos are complemented by the evocative sounds of Kevin MacLeod's "Digya."

The second film is over 20 minutes long. It is the same film, but at normal speed, with 8 clips lasting no more than 3 minutes each. I have not replaced the soundtrack to give some idea of how windy it was with the wind noise and shaky camera, which was at the time on a tripod.

Trains at Walsden and the Summit Tunnel.

A glorious Sunday afternoon beckoned, and with a few free hours, the Calder Valley called. A quick hop on the train whisked me to Walsden, my starting point for a leisurely stroll back along the historic Rochdale Canal to Todmorden. Camera in hand, I was eager to capture the picturesque scenery. My first stop: the eastern portal of the legendary Summit Tunnel, a feat of Victorian engineering. Intrigued by the prospect, I decided to try and film a train's passage through this iconic structure. Fortune smiled upon me; it wasn't long before an eastbound train thundered past, offering a fleeting glimpse into the tunnel's depths.

Sadly I was not aware of the distraction of the weeds in front of the camera at the time but I don't think they remove much of the feel of the video.

A testament to Victorian ingenuity, the Summit Tunnel stands as one of England's oldest railway tunnels. Completed between 1837 and 1841, this engineering marvel once claimed the title of the world's longest tunnel, stretching an impressive 1.6 miles. However, its history is not without incident. In 1984, a devastating fire ripped through the tunnel when a petrol train derailed and burst into flames, forcing an eight-month closure and highlighting the inherent dangers of such subterranean passages.

 

I also, before walking up, took a short time to film trains in operation at Walsden station, including a westbound train running straight through. An eastbound train was filmed from the iron bridge (the only remaining part of the original station closed in 1961 with the current station reopening in 1990), and another westbound train slowing on approach to platform 1 was filmed from platform 2 as it arrived.

The following video was filmed on November 14, 2014, using my handheld tablet. I was just beginning to take an interest in photography and filmed a short clip of a pacer train passing on its way into the mouth of the Summit Tunnel.