Hi everyone, Graham here – one of Bullocks Coaches' drivers. Yesterday was very cold and icy, but it was time for a trip to Gordon Riggs Garden Centre and Skipton so the show must go on, as the saying goes.
After signing on I prepared the coach for a scenic drive over the Pennines in the snow. Oil and water checked, fuel tank replenished and heater on. I then headed over to Reddish to collect the first of many passengers, eager for a day out with Bullocks Coaches of Cheadle. I collect more passengers from various pick up points, check everyone into their reserved seats and off we go.
I leave the Motorway at Milnrow and follow the scenic route, passing Hollingworth Lake to Littleborough. There is snow all around us and the sun starts to shine. The reflection of the snowy hills and trees in the calm lake makes for a beautiful view here. I drive slowly alongside the lake to ensure the passengers get the best possible experience.
We then make our first stop at Gordon Riggs Garden Centre. This is one of the largest in the area and is fully decorated for Christmas 🎄. It is a perfect place to visit on a cold day with lots to see under cover and a lovely cafe for a coffee and brunch.
I join a some of my group in the cafe for a chat about the day and refreshments ☕️. We stay here until 12.30pm and then continue along the snow lined road to Todmorden and Hebden Bridge before turning up and over Wadsworth Moor to Pecket Well, Oxenhope and Howarth.
The Bronte Sisters wrote books like Wuthering Heights in these parts and the locals call this area the Cathy and Heathcliffe Moors after the famous characters in the books.
As we pass Haworth I point out the steam railway line in the valley, which is part of the Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Railway and where the famous film the Railway Children was made many years ago.
It is now on to Keighley and then Skipton, where we make our second stop of the day.
It is market day in Skipton so the main High Street is lined with local stalls selling goods and products. There is also a famous pork pie shop in Skipton, as well as a castle, canal boats, lovely church and lots of independent shops.
After a quick stroll around the market I head into Wetherspoons for a hot chocolate and pie & chips.
We meet back at the coach at 4.30pm and head back to Stockport and Cheadle to take everyone back to their local pick up points.
A lovely scenic day trip was has by all, in a luxury warm coach, with panoramic windows to watch the world go by – whatever the weather.
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