Hi paul, really enjoying your very interesting videos. I'm sorry to be pedantic, but the Prince of Wales bridge is a cable stayed bridge. The Forth rail bridge is a cantilever bridge! Keep on walking for our pleasure, I have learned so much.
Thank you! You are correct. I got part of my written script for this video from a book printed in 2001, which says it is a cantiliever, but as you say, cantiliever bridges don't have cables (usually). They are usually a diagonal box frame. I suspect the book is out of print by now, so pointless contacting the publishers. It is possible that the information came from original plans for the PoW B, and maybe it was going to be cantiliever but the swapped to cables? I not sure why - maybe cost or to do with structrual spin due to wind speed factors? Hopefully, the final one will follow soon, all being well, and then onto the new long term walking project...... Cheers, Paul
I find myself quite moved that we are waving goodbye to Sabrina. It has been a beautiful journey, with such variety. I can't wait until you go back to Thornbury, that was a great start to your day.
Thank you Faith! Yes, I was moved at the end there too. I didn't think I would be but there is something very special about this river to me. It is hard to explain. Thornbury is a really interesting small town - I do hope to do a video on it at some point, but paying for a room at the hotel/castle to tour it may be beyond my reach! Thanks so much, Take care, Paul
Awesome video, Paul! The effort, care and love you put into your videos really shines through. What a wonderful, relaxing diversion from our daily lives to watch. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. I have really enjoyed walking along The Severn Way from source to sea. Just the Bristol Link to go now. Cheers, Paul
Beautifully shot. Welcome to my part of the country. The Severn beach line which you showed at the end is a nice line and has a half hourly service into Bristol. It used to connect to the main south wales line at Pilning.
Thank you! Heading into on the final leg in a couple of weeks, all being well. It was good to have some public transport again at last on this section, so I didn't have to walk back to my car. Yes, that was to serve the pier at New Passage pre - Severn Tunnel days - I will do a seperate video about the Severn Tunnel in the future, as I don't live very far from this area. Cheers, and thank you for watching and commenting. Paul
@@westcountrywanderings actually the new passage line was the precursor to the main south wales and this was closed when the Severn tunnel was built. The line from severn beach station used to continue with a couple of small halts along the way until it met up with the main line at pilning. The halts were really small and looked like they used a railway wagon as a shelter on the platform. Could that wagon you came across on your walk be one of them ? Unlikely I suppose. The line was closed as part of the beaching cuts I believe and trains terminated at Severn beach.
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland It might have been a relatively short walk this time, but I think your longest video yet, at 46.5 minutes. A delightful start at 5.30am. Wonderful early morning light, with a spectacular views across and down the River Severn. So much to see especially the magnificant two bridges. What incredible feats of engineering. Severn Beach - now a distant memory of summer holidays gone by.
Thank you Michael. I think my longest one will be the next one - so much to cover in that, including the history of Severn Beach and the Somerset Tsunami, which devastated all of the coast around here, as well as the sights of Bristol. There may well be a seperate video in this Severn Way Series on Bristol itself (like I did with Shrewsbury, Worcester & Gloucester earlier). It has been an amazing experience to walk the Way, and a real pleasure to make. Thanks so much. Take care, Paul
Another high quality one Paul, beautiful day beautifully filmed and educational commentary. I always enjoy these Severn Way videos, I fully intend to catch up on the ones I have missed. Thanks for all your efforts. Ron
Thank you Ron - it has been such a pleasure filming the entire walk along the Way - more dramatic and interesting, I feel , than the Cotswold Way, which is 1,000s times more popular. Maybe I just like things that aren't so popular?! Shame it doesn't get the funding and recognition like the Cotswold Way and the new King Charles England Coast Path though. I have learnt too from some these comments, like the plane crash at Littleton on Severn - I think we are both very fortunate to have some very learned subscribers. Have a good week and I look forward to your video on Friday. Take care, Paul
Thank you so much for watching and commenting Daryl. I have always admired the River Severn, in all its many locations and its many moods. I have loved doing this walk along The Severn Way. Cheers, Paul
The intro part was so peaceful and beautiful. It looks like an amazing landscape to hike through and it was neat seeing and hearing the sheep. It must have been so different when the ferry was running, and I wonder how the ferry operators felt when the bridge opened. It's always a bit sad when things change like that. I also really enjoyed seeing the Severn Beach. Very enjoyable vlog of your journey, Paul.
Hi Donna, Thank you and glad you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed this walk, in fact I have enjoyed walking the entire Severn Way. I would imagine that the ferry operators would have been saddened by the opening of the bridge - but the motorists would be elated! The queues and long waits apparently were horrendous in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, I have always enjoyed a ferry ride, especially on the small ones. There is a certain nostalgia and romance to it, which is lost on the bridge carriage. The last leg is coming soon - but I have a new long distance trail already planned to do! Take care, Paul
I’m so glad that I have been able to accompany you on this your ‘tour de force’! ( I have yet to ‘do’ the first part of this epic journey) It has been a combination of enjoyment & education and I can’t believe it is soon to come to a stop! Thanks Paul!
Thank you Diana! I have really enjoyed this walk from Mt. Plymlimon in mid Wales but our journey is nearly at an end. Not to worry, as I have a new project starting soon. Take care, Paul
Ah, wonderful video Paul, thanks for the memories of the past Severn way walks, I remember watching you get soaked in the 1st episode and now here we are in the penultimate one… I remember as a teenager riding my moped down to aust services, it was quite impressive back in the day but while not quite like aust ferry it did almost die overnight with the completion of the second Severn crossing.. I agree with you too that the original is a nicer bridge and it’s great that you can actually walk over it and the Wye bridge, under neath it on the Welsh side and back to Aust on the other side… it’s a shame you can’t do that on the second bridge… thanks for sharing this though and I look forward to the last in the series 👍🏻
Thank you! Yes, Aust Services, which I think opened just a few months after the bridge opened was very impressive right through the 1970s. It started to decline in the 1980s and as you know when Prince of Wales Bridge opened (although it didn't have a name when it opened - just the second one!) Cheers, Paul
Another wonderful riverside walk past the iconic Severn Bridge which I think, is a superb piece of engineering, both structurally and aesthetically. The views were from a distance and from above were stunning. It must be quite an adventure walking across - particularly in windy weather. Thank you.
Thank you Malcolm! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it really is visually pleasing as well as being a superb piece (pieces) of engineering. I forgot to mention that as well as the Severn & Wye Bridges that make up this first Severn Crossing Bridge from 1966, it is also made up of two seperate substantial viaducts as well, the Aust Viaduct and the Beachley Viaduct, both amazing pieces of engineering in their own right. It really is a marvel. I do remember that walk over it from when I was at school - it was probably around 1970 or 1971 - doubt if they allow schools to do that now. Incidentally, it also has average speed limit for bikes in the bike lane - 15mph! It is controlled by speed cameras and they have a dedicated enforcement officer from Highways England who will stop you and fine you on the spot! Don't think there is a walking speed limit though! Thanks Malcolm! Cheers, Paul
Wow! What a journey you have been on with this walk! A phenomenal achievement! All the videos have been so interesting and so wet put together. I look forward to the final one soon.
Thank you so much Louise! Glad you enjoyed it. I have really enjoyed walking it and putting this long project together. Hopefully, I will film the next and last one soon. Take care, Paul
Hi Paul, really enjoyed watching this video. An excellent walk and such an early start, making me feel guilty laying in bed watching instead of getting up haha. Always looking forward to the next one. Regards David 📷👍😀
Thank you David! Glad you enjoyed the walk. It was a super walk - and I am glad I had an early start. Yes, the final one into Bristol will hopefully follow in a couple of weeks or so. My new long (ish) term project will be walking GeoPark Way which runs down the spine of the West from Bridgnorth in Shropshire to Gloucester. I hope to do one of my photography videos again soon too - never enough time to do all the projects that I want to do, or catch up, watch and comment on other UA-camrs videos. Happy snapping! Take care, Paul
Well done Paul. You were boiling by the end of that long walk. 🥵. It must have been a relief getting the train to Bristol and then the bus to Thornbury. I was thinking about the Canterbury Tales and the pilgrims walking for days. Does it sometimes feel like you are walking a pilgrimage when you do your church stops? 🙂
Hi Paul, Just like your last walk along the Severn way this one also bought back many memories for me some parts of which I haven't seen since I left Thornbury over 40 years ago. Littleton on Severn is famous for two things one being the whale that was stranded at what is now called Whale Wharf in 1885 and the other is the Bristol Brittania that did an emergency landing on the mud flats because of an engine fire in 1954. The railway goods van was I believe used by the salmon fishermen probably up until the 80s possibly even later. The wide road that runs alongside Aust Warth was where cars would queue for the ferry I can remember as a child the queues along the whole length of that road before the first bridge was opened. Im looking forward to the next one there is a lot of interest between Severn Beach and Bristol, Grant.
Thank you Grant! I wasn't aware of the plane crash here until I read another comment on here - incredible! And now I am aware of the whale incident too! I am indeed blessed with some very knowlegable viewers - thank you! Littleton Pill is an odd place - there was once a very large brickworks here - but the site is now a very large and very highly secure office block, complete with guards and laser 'trip wires' no idea for whom it is for. I was not allowed to film or show it (according to the signs), but it is immediately behind the sluice gates at Littleton. One of the blocks of offices is called Beluga Block! I have just found an amazing photo of the beached whale there though from 1885. Just put it up on my Westcountry Wanderings Facebook Group. Yes, thank you for confirming my suspicions about the railway van being used by the salmon fishermen. I too am very much looking forward to the next and final section into the City of Bristol. Cheers, Paul
That was great Paul. I’ve never walked that route but cycled it a number of times. Such a pretty route and so much history around there. Looks like you had a perfect day for it 👍 Phil
Thank you Phil. This section was completely new to me, and I had to go on road and off path for a little of it due to the new sea wall construction, but it really wasn't an issue. I have loved doing all of the Severn Way - it's been an amazing long term project. Yes, the weather was good, but it got a little too warm towards the end - so glad I had decided on the early start. Great to hear from you. Happy Walking! Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul. whilst you near the Severn Bridge you passed the site of the crash where the Bristol test aircraft full of 'Air Lingus staff landed in the mud after an engine failure. Caroline
Thank you Caroline. I wasn't aware of this. Despite working in the Royal Air Force for over 10 years, my knowledge of aviation and aircraft is zero! I didn't fly inside a plane until a few years ago (to Australia) - it isn't something I want to repeat nowadays, and I prefer my boots on the ground. Such a tragedy - but thankfully no lives lost. Shame there is no plaque or sculpture here to commemorate lives lost. Thank you for pointing this out. I found more information and a photo here: www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-bristol-175-britannia-101-littleton-upon-severn Cheers, Paul
I got the informatiion from one of my book contributors, united counties buses, he used to work at Rolls Royce filton. Information is kept at the concord museum at Filton. Caroline
Hi Paul, glad that you have finally managed to complete your journey down to Severn Beach - I went the other way & finished up on Plynlimon last year & totally get that sense of achievement- maybe even more as the post marking the source came into sight. I then heard that they had tagged another 15 miles onto the centre of Bristol so last week I revisited Severn Beach to finish the walk & was bitterly disappointed with the trail especially as it was mainly along a busy main road through the industrial Avonmouth Estate & any cut through were a paradise for fly tippers. Got as far as Cabot Park & decided to call it a day - hopefully it gets better after that but I will watch your next video with interest. Couldn’t really see the significance of the extra bit either as you say to most people the river Severn ends at Severn Beach. All the best Steve Adams
Thank you Steve - I must admit I am really looking forward to the next section as it would appear to pass many areas of interest - but probably not on the first mile or two out of Severn Beach! Thanks so much for watching. I am planning to do the Geopark Way from Bridgnorth to Gloucester next, not as long, but much hillier than the Severn Way! Cheers, Paul
@@westcountrywanderings Hopefully I may have aborted the walk a tad early then but the next section was through a housing estate at Laurence Weston (?) & I was conscious of having to walk back to Severn Beach if it was more of the same - maybe one for the bicycle? I’ll have to look up the Geopark Way as not one I’m familiar with but anything with hills doesn’t cut it with me 🥵
I remember in the 1960's people went down to the old Aust Services for a evening out and have a meal or cup of coffee then had a look at the view and walk part of the Severn Bridge. So your video brought back happy memories of that time.
Thank you Ted! I remember when the M5 opened from Strensham Interchange (M50) in Worcestershire to Falfield (Jct 14 on the A38) (Still in Gloucestershire then, later Avon, and now South Gloucestershire) in the early 1970s, my Dad drove us to Strensham Services for a meal! It was a day out! Having a look around the service station shop was a novelty back then. I remember buying the Summer Edition of 'Whizzer & Chips!' Thanks for sparking that memory Ted - I still remember that whenever I have stopped or driven past Strensham Services since. Take care, Paul
Fantastic watch Paul, i have only just started my journey but for similar reasons as yourself. your content is amazing, not only informative but so well edited and put together! i have a long way to go but i find your work very inspiring. thank you for Sharing👍👍👍you have very much a new Sub.
Thank you! It has been an amazing experience walking from the source of the River Severn on the mountain top, to the sea. All the best with your UA-cam Channel. Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul, this is an absolutely cracking video. I've always been interested in the Severn Bridges, particularly the old one, so it was great to see how you captured great shots of them both. I can remember the old Aust services, so although you've got the newer Severn View services a bit further down the way, it means everyone misses out on the wonderful viewpoint over the Severn and the old bridge. Unless, as you say in this, people walk along the Severn Way. Enjoyed this very much Paul and I hope you do manage to do a video on the Severn Tunnel at some point. All the best 👍
Thank you Patrick! Always really good to hear from you. That's a lovely comment. Yes, such a shame that the original site of the motorway services on the M48, and that building with the big windows and views now seems abandoned. Yes, I have nearly finished reading all about the construction on the Severn Tunnel - an incredible true story. I hope to start putting a script and film location plan together shortly. Hope all is well with you. Happy wanderings! Cheers, Paul
Thank you for your very interesting videos, Paul. I'm only just catching up on some on them. Many of those areas I know well, particularly where you are in this video. My grandfather and members of my extended family fished salmon on this stretch of the river for several generations. Those stakes you can see going out into the river all the remains of the rack that supported the salmon baskets called Putchers. As a young person I helped my uncle take the putchers out into the river ready for the salmon season. All gone now of course. The old building/carriage that you show was used to contain the bits of equipment needed during fishing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! Thanks for a most interesting comment. I hadn't heard of the term 'Putchers' before - that's fascinating! I suspected that old carriage was used for fishing equipment - I wonder how on earth it got there though? Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Take care, Paul
Hi Paul, Wow! You framed some wonderful pieces there Paul, especially in the fish van but also below the new bridge looking in land towards the Wye and first Severn bridge. Also enjoyed the early morning start, it's the best time of day and you had so much light at 5:15, it's not daytime here till about 6:00ish and we don't get the sun till about 7:30, that though because of the nearby hills. The sound is so fresh at that time of the day too, you did some good work on this, well done!! I must have crossed the first bridge many times but somehow it seems small now!! My favourite memory of crossing it was stopping at Chepstow Racecourse where we camped the night before heading off to explore Wales, that may have been the first time too. I could see the emotion building as you realised that Sabrina had turned into the sea. It's been such a long journey and some grueling stretches too. Like Ron I will be going back to seek out the missing stretches. A big well done ...... and now for the final few miles. All the best!! PS: That last section reminded me of a book following the rivers and lakes of Canada to the sea, Paddle to the Sea, although for Children I still enjoy reading it 50 years later!!
Thank you David - yes, I did a fair bit of work editing the audio. I think that is my favourite time of day - I used to work night shifts - loved it, and when I got home before I went to bed in the daytime, I would sit on the porch and overlooking the woods where I lived in Plymouth just as people were starting to go to work. Yes, Chepstow Racecourse is close to the River Wye - I will explore the upper reaches of the Wye that lie in Herefordshire in future videos. I have thoroughly enjoyed the walk so far, although, as you say, there were some tough sections, particularly throughout Wales, where we were often quite some distance away from the river due to land rights issues. Although I didn't think I would feel emotional here, I actually did, especially towards the end - it was like Bewdley and Worcester all over again. Hope to film the final one soon. Take care, Paul
I used to live in BS8 opposite the suspension bridge. My wife and I used to walk this part of the estuary often. I love Severn Beach. My wife hated it. No accounting for taste.
Thank you Yes, my last memory of Severn Beach, prior to this most recent one, at the end of this section of the Severn Way, was in the early 1970s, when it was very run down, but you could make out some of its seaside resort artifacts, now all sadly long gone, and replaced with just new housing, and grassed landscaping. There is a poignant beauty as Sabrina hits the Sea. Cheers, Paul
The blocking of footpaths by farmers is becoming a regular annoyance and the local councils should make them open them up again and fine them for blocking them.
السلام عليكم فيديو ممتاز يستحق المتابعة والتشجيع شكرا على المشاركة نتمنى لك التوفيق والنجاح الدائم يارب ضيفة جديدة في القناة لدعمك ولايك للفيديو في انتظار المزيد من الفيديوهات الرايعة لدعمك دايما نبق على تواصل ان شاء الله مشاهدة كاملة للفيديو لدعمك لايك 63🎉🎉
Good vid, it's a shame the path wasn't clearly defined at the beginning, seems to be a theme off the beaten track. @40 min AOD = Above Ordinance Datum, which is where all heights on the OS maps are measured from = mean sea level at Newlyn in Cornwall. Was there anything left of the New Passage train infrastructure?
Thank you and thanks too for clarifying the abbreviation of AOD - I should have known that as I remember seeing the OS marker in Newlyn! I did have a quick look around New Passage regarding the railway, but because of all the new sea wall infrastructure and new housing there, there was sadly little to see. I don't know if anything survives of the railway's route there from Piling though. Cheers, Paul
Hello Paul. How many months have you been working on this long distance walk. Seems to have been several months now, and you still have one more to do! Do you know the total milage that you have walked on this project alone? I think I've followed you on the majority of them. Lots of interesting facts and places along the way too. It must cost you a fair bit of money on train and bus fares, but to your credit, like me, I can't recall you ever asking for any type of donation, such as "Buy me a coffee " for example. I feel that people who make videos for UA-cam should not expect every viewer to finance them. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Lionel! 18 months since I started on the summit of Mt. Plymlimon - I needed good weather and no flooding to do each one and I have been fitting it around other video projects and other life things! It has been a thoroughly enjoyable and, I feel, worthwhile long term project. I have walked the last section and that video will be published on Sunday. Take care, Paul
Hi paul, really enjoying your very interesting videos. I'm sorry to be pedantic, but the Prince of Wales bridge is a cable stayed bridge. The Forth rail bridge is a cantilever bridge! Keep on walking for our pleasure, I have learned so much.
Thank you! You are correct.
I got part of my written script for this video from a book printed in 2001, which says it is a cantiliever, but as you say, cantiliever bridges don't have cables (usually). They are usually a diagonal box frame. I suspect the book is out of print by now, so pointless contacting the publishers. It is possible that the information came from original plans for the PoW B, and maybe it was going to be cantiliever but the swapped to cables? I not sure why - maybe cost or to do with structrual spin due to wind speed factors?
Hopefully, the final one will follow soon, all being well, and then onto the new long term walking project......
Cheers,
Paul
I find myself quite moved that we are waving goodbye to Sabrina. It has been a beautiful journey, with such variety. I can't wait until you go back to Thornbury, that was a great start to your day.
Thank you Faith!
Yes, I was moved at the end there too. I didn't think I would be but there is something very special about this river to me. It is hard to explain.
Thornbury is a really interesting small town - I do hope to do a video on it at some point, but paying for a room at the hotel/castle to tour it may be beyond my reach!
Thanks so much,
Take care,
Paul
Great presentation, must do that walk myself to see the transition of river to sea 😊
Thank you!
It has been an amazing experience following the river all the way.
I have really enjoyed the walk.
Cheers,
Paul
Awesome video, Paul! The effort, care and love you put into your videos really shines through. What a wonderful, relaxing diversion from our daily lives to watch. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it.
I have really enjoyed walking along The Severn Way from source to sea.
Just the Bristol Link to go now.
Cheers,
Paul
Beautifully shot. Welcome to my part of the country. The Severn beach line which you showed at the end is a nice line and has a half hourly service into Bristol. It used to connect to the main south wales line at Pilning.
Thank you!
Heading into on the final leg in a couple of weeks, all being well.
It was good to have some public transport again at last on this section, so I didn't have to walk back to my car.
Yes, that was to serve the pier at New Passage pre - Severn Tunnel days - I will do a seperate video about the Severn Tunnel in the future, as I don't live very far from this area.
Cheers, and thank you for watching and commenting.
Paul
@@westcountrywanderings actually the new passage line was the precursor to the main south wales and this was closed when the Severn tunnel was built. The line from severn beach station used to continue with a couple of small halts along the way until it met up with the main line at pilning. The halts were really small and looked like they used a railway wagon as a shelter on the platform. Could that wagon you came across on your walk be one of them ? Unlikely I suppose. The line was closed as part of the beaching cuts I believe and trains terminated at Severn beach.
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland
It might have been a relatively short walk this time, but I think your longest video yet, at 46.5 minutes. A delightful start at 5.30am. Wonderful early morning light, with a spectacular views across and down the River Severn. So much to see especially the magnificant two bridges. What incredible feats of engineering.
Severn Beach - now a distant memory of summer holidays gone by.
Thank you Michael.
I think my longest one will be the next one - so much to cover in that, including the history of Severn Beach and the Somerset Tsunami, which devastated all of the coast around here, as well as the sights of Bristol. There may well be a seperate video in this Severn Way Series on Bristol itself (like I did with Shrewsbury, Worcester & Gloucester earlier).
It has been an amazing experience to walk the Way, and a real pleasure to make.
Thanks so much.
Take care,
Paul
Another high quality one Paul, beautiful day beautifully filmed and educational commentary. I always enjoy these Severn Way videos, I fully intend to catch up on the ones I have missed. Thanks for all your efforts. Ron
Thank you Ron - it has been such a pleasure filming the entire walk along the Way - more dramatic and interesting, I feel , than the Cotswold Way, which is 1,000s times more popular. Maybe I just like things that aren't so popular?! Shame it doesn't get the funding and recognition like the Cotswold Way and the new King Charles England Coast Path though.
I have learnt too from some these comments, like the plane crash at Littleton on Severn - I think we are both very fortunate to have some very learned subscribers.
Have a good week and I look forward to your video on Friday.
Take care,
Paul
I am always awe struck at the beauty of the Severn. The bridge's are just icing on the cake. What a beautiful walk Paul. Thank you.👍
Thank you so much for watching and commenting Daryl.
I have always admired the River Severn, in all its many locations and its many moods.
I have loved doing this walk along The Severn Way.
Cheers,
Paul
The intro part was so peaceful and beautiful. It looks like an amazing landscape to hike through and it was neat seeing and hearing the sheep. It must have been so different when the ferry was running, and I wonder how the ferry operators felt when the bridge opened. It's always a bit sad when things change like that. I also really enjoyed seeing the Severn Beach. Very enjoyable vlog of your journey, Paul.
Hi Donna,
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this walk, in fact I have enjoyed walking the entire Severn Way.
I would imagine that the ferry operators would have been saddened by the opening of the bridge - but the motorists would be elated! The queues and long waits apparently were horrendous in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, I have always enjoyed a ferry ride, especially on the small ones. There is a certain nostalgia and romance to it, which is lost on the bridge carriage.
The last leg is coming soon - but I have a new long distance trail already planned to do!
Take care,
Paul
I’m so glad that I have been able to accompany you on this your ‘tour de force’! ( I have yet to ‘do’ the first part of this epic journey)
It has been a combination of enjoyment & education and I can’t believe it is soon to come to a stop! Thanks Paul!
Thank you Diana!
I have really enjoyed this walk from Mt. Plymlimon in mid Wales but our journey is nearly at an end.
Not to worry, as I have a new project starting soon.
Take care,
Paul
Ah, wonderful video Paul, thanks for the memories of the past Severn way walks, I remember watching you get soaked in the 1st episode and now here we are in the penultimate one…
I remember as a teenager riding my moped down to aust services, it was quite impressive back in the day but while not quite like aust ferry it did almost die overnight with the completion of the second Severn crossing.. I agree with you too that the original is a nicer bridge and it’s great that you can actually walk over it and the Wye bridge, under neath it on the Welsh side and back to Aust on the other side… it’s a shame you can’t do that on the second bridge… thanks for sharing this though and I look forward to the last in the series 👍🏻
Thank you!
Yes, Aust Services, which I think opened just a few months after the bridge opened was very impressive right through the 1970s. It started to decline in the 1980s and as you know when Prince of Wales Bridge opened (although it didn't have a name when it opened - just the second one!)
Cheers,
Paul
Another wonderful riverside walk past the iconic Severn Bridge which I think, is a superb piece of engineering, both structurally and aesthetically. The views were from a distance and from above were stunning. It must be quite an adventure walking across - particularly in windy weather. Thank you.
Thank you Malcolm!
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it really is visually pleasing as well as being a superb piece (pieces) of engineering. I forgot to mention that as well as the Severn & Wye Bridges that make up this first Severn Crossing Bridge from 1966, it is also made up of two seperate substantial viaducts as well, the Aust Viaduct and the Beachley Viaduct, both amazing pieces of engineering in their own right. It really is a marvel.
I do remember that walk over it from when I was at school - it was probably around 1970 or 1971 - doubt if they allow schools to do that now. Incidentally, it also has average speed limit for bikes in the bike lane - 15mph! It is controlled by speed cameras and they have a dedicated enforcement officer from Highways England who will stop you and fine you on the spot! Don't think there is a walking speed limit though!
Thanks Malcolm!
Cheers,
Paul
Wow! What a journey you have been on with this walk! A phenomenal achievement! All the videos have been so interesting and so wet put together. I look forward to the final one soon.
Thank you so much Louise!
Glad you enjoyed it.
I have really enjoyed walking it and putting this long project together.
Hopefully, I will film the next and last one soon.
Take care,
Paul
Excellent video, Paul. Thanks for that!
Thank you Michael!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers,
Paul
Hi Paul, really enjoyed watching this video. An excellent walk and such an early start, making me feel guilty laying in bed watching instead of getting up haha. Always looking forward to the next one. Regards David 📷👍😀
Thank you David!
Glad you enjoyed the walk.
It was a super walk - and I am glad I had an early start.
Yes, the final one into Bristol will hopefully follow in a couple of weeks or so.
My new long (ish) term project will be walking GeoPark Way which runs down the spine of the West from Bridgnorth in Shropshire to Gloucester.
I hope to do one of my photography videos again soon too - never enough time to do all the projects that I want to do, or catch up, watch and comment on other UA-camrs videos.
Happy snapping!
Take care,
Paul
Well done Paul. You were boiling by the end of that long walk. 🥵. It must have been a relief getting the train to Bristol and then the bus to Thornbury. I was thinking about the Canterbury Tales and the pilgrims walking for days. Does it sometimes feel like you are walking a pilgrimage when you do your church stops? 🙂
Hi Paul, Just like your last walk along the Severn way this one also bought back many memories for me some parts of which I haven't seen since I left Thornbury over 40 years ago.
Littleton on Severn is famous for two things one being the whale that was stranded at what is now called Whale Wharf in 1885 and the other is the Bristol Brittania that did an emergency landing on the mud flats because of an engine fire in 1954.
The railway goods van was I believe used by the salmon fishermen probably up until the 80s possibly even later.
The wide road that runs alongside Aust Warth was where cars would queue for the ferry I can remember as a child the queues along the whole length of that road before the first bridge was opened.
Im looking forward to the next one there is a lot of interest between Severn Beach and Bristol,
Grant.
Thank you Grant!
I wasn't aware of the plane crash here until I read another comment on here - incredible!
And now I am aware of the whale incident too! I am indeed blessed with some very knowlegable viewers - thank you! Littleton Pill is an odd place - there was once a very large brickworks here - but the site is now a very large and very highly secure office block, complete with guards and laser 'trip wires' no idea for whom it is for. I was not allowed to film or show it (according to the signs), but it is immediately behind the sluice gates at Littleton. One of the blocks of offices is called Beluga Block! I have just found an amazing photo of the beached whale there though from 1885. Just put it up on my Westcountry Wanderings Facebook Group.
Yes, thank you for confirming my suspicions about the railway van being used by the salmon fishermen.
I too am very much looking forward to the next and final section into the City of Bristol.
Cheers,
Paul
That was great Paul.
I’ve never walked that route but cycled it a number of times. Such a pretty route and so much history around there.
Looks like you had a perfect day for it 👍
Phil
Thank you Phil.
This section was completely new to me, and I had to go on road and off path for a little of it due to the new sea wall construction, but it really wasn't an issue.
I have loved doing all of the Severn Way - it's been an amazing long term project.
Yes, the weather was good, but it got a little too warm towards the end - so glad I had decided on the early start.
Great to hear from you.
Happy Walking!
Cheers,
Paul
Hi Paul. whilst you near the Severn Bridge you passed the site of the crash where the Bristol test aircraft full of 'Air Lingus staff landed in the mud after an engine failure. Caroline
Thank you Caroline.
I wasn't aware of this. Despite working in the Royal Air Force for over 10 years, my knowledge of aviation and aircraft is zero! I didn't fly inside a plane until a few years ago (to Australia) - it isn't something I want to repeat nowadays, and I prefer my boots on the ground.
Such a tragedy - but thankfully no lives lost. Shame there is no plaque or sculpture here to commemorate lives lost.
Thank you for pointing this out.
I found more information and a photo here:
www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-bristol-175-britannia-101-littleton-upon-severn
Cheers,
Paul
I got the informatiion from one of my book contributors, united counties buses, he used to work at Rolls Royce filton. Information is kept at the concord museum at Filton. Caroline
Hi Paul, glad that you have finally managed to complete your journey down to Severn Beach - I went the other way & finished up on Plynlimon last year & totally get that sense of achievement- maybe even more as the post marking the source came into sight.
I then heard that they had tagged another 15 miles onto the centre of Bristol so last week I revisited Severn Beach to finish the walk & was bitterly disappointed with the trail especially as it was mainly along a busy main road through the industrial Avonmouth Estate & any cut through were a paradise for fly tippers.
Got as far as Cabot Park & decided to call it a day - hopefully it gets better after that but I will watch your next video with interest.
Couldn’t really see the significance of the extra bit either as you say to most people the river Severn ends at Severn Beach.
All the best
Steve Adams
Thank you Steve - I must admit I am really looking forward to the next section as it would appear to pass many areas of interest - but probably not on the first mile or two out of Severn Beach!
Thanks so much for watching. I am planning to do the Geopark Way from Bridgnorth to Gloucester next, not as long, but much hillier than the Severn Way!
Cheers,
Paul
@@westcountrywanderings Hopefully I may have aborted the walk a tad early then but the next section was through a housing estate at Laurence Weston (?) & I was conscious of having to walk back to Severn Beach if it was more of the same - maybe one for the bicycle? I’ll have to look up the Geopark Way as not one I’m familiar with but anything with hills doesn’t cut it with me 🥵
Thanks Paul, so interesting 😊
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed this section of the Severn Way.
Take care,
Paul
I remember in the 1960's people went down to the old Aust Services for a evening out and have a meal or cup of coffee then had a look at the view and walk part of the Severn Bridge. So your video brought back happy memories of that time.
Thank you Ted!
I remember when the M5 opened from Strensham Interchange (M50) in Worcestershire to Falfield (Jct 14 on the A38) (Still in Gloucestershire then, later Avon, and now South Gloucestershire) in the early 1970s, my Dad drove us to Strensham Services for a meal! It was a day out! Having a look around the service station shop was a novelty back then. I remember buying the Summer Edition of 'Whizzer & Chips!'
Thanks for sparking that memory Ted - I still remember that whenever I have stopped or driven past Strensham Services since.
Take care,
Paul
Fantastic watch Paul, i have only just started my journey but for similar reasons as yourself. your content is amazing, not only informative but so well edited and put together! i have a long way to go but i find your work very inspiring. thank you for Sharing👍👍👍you have very much a new Sub.
Thank you!
It has been an amazing experience walking from the source of the River Severn on the mountain top, to the sea.
All the best with your UA-cam Channel.
Cheers,
Paul
Hi Paul, this is an absolutely cracking video. I've always been interested in the Severn Bridges, particularly the old one, so it was great to see how you captured great shots of them both. I can remember the old Aust services, so although you've got the newer Severn View services a bit further down the way, it means everyone misses out on the wonderful viewpoint over the Severn and the old bridge. Unless, as you say in this, people walk along the Severn Way. Enjoyed this very much Paul and I hope you do manage to do a video on the Severn Tunnel at some point. All the best 👍
Thank you Patrick!
Always really good to hear from you.
That's a lovely comment. Yes, such a shame that the original site of the motorway services on the M48, and that building with the big windows and views now seems abandoned.
Yes, I have nearly finished reading all about the construction on the Severn Tunnel - an incredible true story. I hope to start putting a script and film location plan together shortly.
Hope all is well with you.
Happy wanderings!
Cheers,
Paul
Thank you for your very interesting videos, Paul. I'm only just catching up on some on them. Many of those areas I know well, particularly where you are in this video. My grandfather and members of my extended family fished salmon on this stretch of the river for several generations. Those stakes you can see going out into the river all the remains of the rack that supported the salmon baskets called Putchers. As a young person I helped my uncle take the putchers out into the river ready for the salmon season. All gone now of course. The old building/carriage that you show was used to contain the bits of equipment needed during fishing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Thanks for a most interesting comment. I hadn't heard of the term 'Putchers' before - that's fascinating!
I suspected that old carriage was used for fishing equipment - I wonder how on earth it got there though?
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Take care,
Paul
Hi Paul great video 👌👌
Thank you Roy.
Hope you are having a good week.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care,
Paul
Hi Paul, Wow! You framed some wonderful pieces there Paul, especially in the fish van but also below the new bridge looking in land towards the Wye and first Severn bridge.
Also enjoyed the early morning start, it's the best time of day and you had so much light at 5:15, it's not daytime here till about 6:00ish and we don't get the sun till about 7:30, that though because of the nearby hills. The sound is so fresh at that time of the day too, you did some good work on this, well done!!
I must have crossed the first bridge many times but somehow it seems small now!! My favourite memory of crossing it was stopping at Chepstow Racecourse where we camped the night before heading off to explore Wales, that may have been the first time too.
I could see the emotion building as you realised that Sabrina had turned into the sea. It's been such a long journey and some grueling stretches too. Like Ron I will be going back to seek out the missing stretches.
A big well done ...... and now for the final few miles.
All the best!!
PS: That last section reminded me of a book following the rivers and lakes of Canada to the sea, Paddle to the Sea, although for Children I still enjoy reading it 50 years later!!
Thank you David - yes, I did a fair bit of work editing the audio.
I think that is my favourite time of day - I used to work night shifts - loved it, and when I got home before I went to bed in the daytime, I would sit on the porch and overlooking the woods where I lived in Plymouth just as people were starting to go to work.
Yes, Chepstow Racecourse is close to the River Wye - I will explore the upper reaches of the Wye that lie in Herefordshire in future videos.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the walk so far, although, as you say, there were some tough sections, particularly throughout Wales, where we were often quite some distance away from the river due to land rights issues.
Although I didn't think I would feel emotional here, I actually did, especially towards the end - it was like Bewdley and Worcester all over again.
Hope to film the final one soon.
Take care,
Paul
I used to live in BS8 opposite the suspension bridge. My wife and I used to walk this part of the estuary often. I love Severn Beach. My wife hated it. No accounting for taste.
Thank you
Yes, my last memory of Severn Beach, prior to this most recent one, at the end of this section of the Severn Way, was in the early 1970s, when it was very run down, but you could make out some of its seaside resort artifacts, now all sadly long gone, and replaced with just new housing, and grassed landscaping.
There is a poignant beauty as Sabrina hits the Sea.
Cheers,
Paul
The blocking of footpaths by farmers is becoming a regular annoyance and the local councils should make them open them up again and fine them for blocking them.
That's so true Jim, unfortunately.
I have reported the one at the beginning to South Gloucestershire County Council.
Cheers,
Paul
السلام عليكم فيديو ممتاز يستحق المتابعة والتشجيع شكرا على المشاركة نتمنى لك التوفيق والنجاح الدائم يارب ضيفة جديدة في القناة لدعمك ولايك للفيديو في انتظار المزيد من الفيديوهات الرايعة لدعمك دايما نبق على تواصل ان شاء الله مشاهدة كاملة للفيديو لدعمك لايك 63🎉🎉
شكرا لك على المشاهدة والتعليق ودعم قناتي. بول
Good vid, it's a shame the path wasn't clearly defined at the beginning, seems to be a theme off the beaten track.
@40 min AOD = Above Ordinance Datum, which is where all heights on the OS maps are measured from = mean sea level at Newlyn in Cornwall.
Was there anything left of the New Passage train infrastructure?
Thank you and thanks too for clarifying the abbreviation of AOD - I should have known that as I remember seeing the OS marker in Newlyn!
I did have a quick look around New Passage regarding the railway, but because of all the new sea wall infrastructure and new housing there, there was sadly little to see. I don't know if anything survives of the railway's route there from Piling though.
Cheers,
Paul
Hello Paul. How many months have you been working on this long distance walk. Seems to have been several months now, and you still have one more to do!
Do you know the total milage that you have walked on this project alone? I think I've followed you on the majority of them. Lots of interesting facts and places along the way too.
It must cost you a fair bit of money on train and bus fares, but to your credit, like me, I can't recall you ever asking for any type of donation, such as "Buy me a coffee " for example. I feel that people who make videos for UA-cam should not expect every viewer to finance them. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Lionel!
18 months since I started on the summit of Mt. Plymlimon - I needed good weather and no flooding to do each one and I have been fitting it around other video projects and other life things!
It has been a thoroughly enjoyable and, I feel, worthwhile long term project. I have walked the last section and that video will be published on Sunday.
Take care,
Paul
nother great video and very poignant.
Thank you Frank.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers,
Paul