Well, that generated a bit of interest and no
doubt most of you recognised what it was long before I sussed it out (I blame
the heat) but there is an unmanned level crossing on the West Coast Mainline,
just to the south of Elvanfoot and north of Beattock Summit in South Lanarkshire.
It can actually be
seen by northbound traffic on the A74(M) as the line runs right beside the road
for a few hundred yards. The level crossing leads to a farm, but there is a
sign proclaiming 'Crookedstane' at the junction where the single track road leads
off the old A74.
Being of an inquisitive nature (bluidy nosey) I cycled along it see if
there was actually a crooked stane. According to the OS map there is - on the
other side of the railway line - but I didn't fancy my chances on the unmanned
crossing, these Virgin trains don't half whip past at an awfy speed.
Anyway, the apparatus strung above and across the road is to warn truck
and tractor drivers that their load may be too high to get under the overhead electric
train wires. In other words, if you
tinkle, don't cross.
Anyway, enough of this idle chatter, I'll resume normal rally srvice shortly.
