For the bank holiday Easter weekend this year we decided to start with a high and take on The Real Ale Trail from Rawtenstall to Bury.

The ale was lovely, as expected, but the real highlights were trains we rode; a vintage diesel and a steam train! The smell of the steam as the driver ‘choo choos’; the soft sound of diesel engine pulling away from the station; and the beautiful countryside and stone villages of North Manchester.

We indulged in a delicious cheese board lunch and took several walks in the delightful Ramsbottem and Summerseat, where the sun was actually shining. What wonderfully eccentric British names!

Our day was topped off with a tram back to Chorlton and a refreshing G&T. A wonderful way to spend bank holiday Friday.