Great British Railway Journeys Ep 8/20
Michael Portillo embarks on a two-day tour of the Lake District, as the third leg of his journey from Preston to Kirkcaldy continues, in the series that sets out to discover what remains of George Bradshaw’s – the man who transformed travel in the UK – Britain.
Following Bradshaw’s guide, Michael starts in Windermere, where steamboat enthusiast Roger Mallinson takes him out on his boat to the north end of the lake. There, they take tea and enjoy the views just as the Victorians did.
Michael then stops off at Claife viewing station, a popular lakeside attraction in Bradshaw’s day, before heading to the south end of the lake to meet environmentalist John Pinder. John explains how increasing levels of tourism have resulted in high levels of pollution in the water, and he and his colleagues sail out onto the water with Michael to show him how they’re monitoring pollution levels in the lake, and how they’re reducing them.
Back on dry land, Michael spends the night in Grasmere at the Swan Inn. Recommended by Bradshaw, it was also one of Wordsworth’s favourite places for breakfast. The next day he travels on to Kendal where, after a brief stop in the market to buy some Kendal mint cake, he meets local farmer Peter Gott. Peter’s family have been in the area for hundreds of years and he talks to Michael about the impact the railways had on farming practices. Peter also takes Michael up onto the fells to see his herd of local Herdwick sheep, and teaches him how to make sausages in his farm shop.
3 Responses to “Great British Railway Journeys Ep 8/20”
Comment from john bovey
Time January 26, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Very good programme but the “background” music destroyed it.
How do we stop the music which appears on every programme including News Night!!!!
Comment from Chris Roebuck
Time January 26, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Really enjoying this series. Michael Portillo is excellent as the presenter. He is relaxed and clearly enjoys meeting the people along the way without overpowering them with his presence. He obviously has an enthusiasm and affinity for railways which shines through. I agree with the comment that he should have been a tv presenter rather than a politician, he is very good in this type of programme. Please make more of this type of series and try and persuade Michael Portillo to do another one.
Comment from john bovey
Time January 26, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Very good programme but the “background” music destroyed it.
How do we stop the bloody music which now appears on every programme including News Night!!!!