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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
This series will appeal to many people, not just walkers and not just those with an interest in Britain's industrial heritage. The subject matter cleverly encompasses both subject matters and more, including some natural history and sociology from the last hundred years. By following the previously abandonded railway tracks, Julia Bradbury traces a path through the industrial and post-industrial landscape of the UK, and she meets many knowledgable local folk along the way who illuminate her path.
The photography is top-notch, and JB is an excellent, intelligent presenter. She strides through the landscape, talking to the viewer as if we are on the path alongside her. You feel included in the day's outing, almost a part of the excursion, and your travelling companion frequently spots something interesting -- an odd bird, an old tower, a deserted tunnel -- and points it out to you.
Each programme is set in a different area and following a walking trail which most viewers will be able to tackle themselves, should they feel inspired after watching. You might not want to do all of each walk, however, because some un to a dozen miles which might stretch the 'occasional' rambler. However, JB shows us where to start and finish, and points along the route where refreshments might be found; useful practical stuff!
But the core of each episode is the history of each railway line. Most were constructed during the industrial boom; some were for tourism but the majority were built to carry freight from the rural wilderness to the centre of the country. In themselves, many of these railways were magnificent constructions and we see several landmark tunnels and viaducts (including one of Isambard's which failed after only 70 years or so!).
We also see how the communities were originally built alongside these railways, and how they've faded away since the Beeching Act closed down the trunk and branch lines.
Some times this series cannot help but be wistful and a little sad; the greatness that was the British railway system is all but gone. However, JB puts a positive spin upon the joy of being able to walk along the old tracks, many of them now well-maintained public footpaths, and overall each episode is a treasure.
My only grumble is that I would have enjoyed much more detail on each location and its history. For me, each episode could easily have been an hour long and kept my attention. Hence it's not quite perfect. But close!
9/10
The photography is top-notch, and JB is an excellent, intelligent presenter. She strides through the landscape, talking to the viewer as if we are on the path alongside her. You feel included in the day's outing, almost a part of the excursion, and your travelling companion frequently spots something interesting -- an odd bird, an old tower, a deserted tunnel -- and points it out to you.
Each programme is set in a different area and following a walking trail which most viewers will be able to tackle themselves, should they feel inspired after watching. You might not want to do all of each walk, however, because some un to a dozen miles which might stretch the 'occasional' rambler. However, JB shows us where to start and finish, and points along the route where refreshments might be found; useful practical stuff!
But the core of each episode is the history of each railway line. Most were constructed during the industrial boom; some were for tourism but the majority were built to carry freight from the rural wilderness to the centre of the country. In themselves, many of these railways were magnificent constructions and we see several landmark tunnels and viaducts (including one of Isambard's which failed after only 70 years or so!).
We also see how the communities were originally built alongside these railways, and how they've faded away since the Beeching Act closed down the trunk and branch lines.
Some times this series cannot help but be wistful and a little sad; the greatness that was the British railway system is all but gone. However, JB puts a positive spin upon the joy of being able to walk along the old tracks, many of them now well-maintained public footpaths, and overall each episode is a treasure.
My only grumble is that I would have enjoyed much more detail on each location and its history. For me, each episode could easily have been an hour long and kept my attention. Hence it's not quite perfect. But close!
9/10
63 of 66 people found the following review helpful
The idea I suppose is to get up and active. Sitting at home in comfort I found the series a pleasing experience from a number of points of view. It combines the romance of the steam age with wonderful scenery.(Why, oh, why have these lines been dug up!! The televised series has been put in the context of the Beeching axe) The very delightful presenter, Julia Bradbury, introduces people, including her Dad, who knew the place when these walks were railways. They talk about issues affecting them. An imaginative follow up the the Wainwright walks. Now I want to get my boots on and walk the trail (or rather the bits I can still manage!)
76 of 80 people found the following review helpful
I have just finished watching this superb series on BBC Four and I can't wait for the DVD to come out so that I can relive the wonderful walks. A couple of the programmes covered areas of the country that I know very well and yet I was still pleasantly surprised to learn a whole raft of fascinating information and discover new places to explore. Amazing photography, stunning scenery and, as with the excellent Wainwright Walks: Complete BBC Series 1 & 2 Box Set, the programmes are presented by the utterly charming Julia Bradbury.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Railway Walks with Julia Bradbury (DVD)
If you're a fan of interesting walks in outstanding countryside then this inspiring DVD is for you. Julia Bradbury's made a few DVD's of a similar nature that may also be of... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mr J Bibbings
Pleased
Pleased with our order we are now going to order the canal walks! Packaged well, arrived promptly and good value for money.
Published 8 months ago by Jen Jono
Julie Bradbury
I love all Julie Bradbury's Walks wherever she takes one.
I thoroughly reccommended Julie's DVD's to all who like the countryside
I thoroughly reccommended Julie's DVD's to all who like the countryside
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. J. E. Smith
Railway Walks with Julia Bradbury [DVD]
A fascinating series of walks highlighting many sights not normally seen. Julia covers the subjects with a most interesting commentary and has a way of presenting that is strangely... Read more
Published 10 months ago by D. J. Tutton
Escape from reality
For those of you who like walking or not this dvd is a must. It will take you to parts of the UK that are usually missed due to the lack of accesability and the fact that a lot of... Read more
Published 13 months ago by A. Roberts
Something very relaxing
Julia (who seems likeable enough to call her by her first name) gets her boots on and goes walking along disused railway lines. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Darrendarren
The best DVD of railway walks!!
This was truly a marvellous find - what an amazing way to present a railway walk!! Lots of history, geography and information about the former railway with archival photos, etc. Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2010 by Merri55
On the right tracks
The DVD is very well presented by Julia Bradbury and it brings to life some of the old lines which are still accessible as walks. Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2010 by Mr. A. Lister
A joy to watch
Having watched the various walks repeatedly - in itself a good sign - I would simply ask for more, e.g. a set of canal walks. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2010 by Volker Knopp
railway walks
again these dvd`s are very informative and up to date if you cant walk these give you the sense of the outdoors great purchase
Published on 23 Sep 2009 by John C. Mcglone
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