A Journey Through Britain: Featuring Drives in Jedburgh, Elland, Dartford Tunnels, Woolwich Ferry and the M6 Past Lancaster Services and the Pennine Tower

My photography, YouTube channel, and blog are passion projects, a creative outlet alongside my full-time career as an HGV driver traversing the UK's roads. I often find myself passing places I'd love to photograph, but time constraints frequently prevent me from stopping. So, I occasionally capture these fleeting glimpses of the landscape and share them in video form.

These short films, set to music (a definite improvement over the rumble of my truck's engine!), offer a driver's-eye view of Britain. The first video, filmed on October 29th, 2013, takes us across the Dartford Crossing, northbound, back in the days of toll booths. We journey through the eastern tunnel, emerging on the Essex side of the Thames. The footage has been sped up twofold for a more dynamic viewing experience.

Our second journey takes us to the stark beauty of the Anglo-Scottish border, specifically the Carter Bar crossing on the A68. This historic route, often shrouded in mist and steeped in tales of reivers and border skirmishes, marks the boundary between Northumbria and the Scottish Borders. This sped-up footage captures the transition as we cross this invisible line, showcasing the dramatic landscape as it unfolds. Consider the historical significance of this route – for centuries, it was a volatile frontier, a place of conflict and cultural exchange. Even today, the Carter Bar retains a certain mystique, a reminder of the often-turbulent relationship between these two nations. As we "drive" across the border, observe the changing terrain, the rolling hills and sweeping vistas that characterize this unique region. The A68 itself is a road that winds its way through history, connecting communities and offering stunning views for those who travel its length. This short video provides a glimpse of that journey, a fleeting moment captured on film, inviting you to imagine the stories whispered by the wind as it sweeps across the Carter Bar.

Our third journey delves into the heart of the Scottish Borders, taking us on a rapid tour through the historic town of Jedburgh. This time-lapse footage, sped up to compress the experience, offers a fleeting glimpse into the town's rich past and architectural heritage. Keep an eye out for the magnificent ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, a powerful symbol of the town's medieval importance. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey stands as a testament to the power and influence of the church in this region. Imagine the sounds of monastic life echoing through its now-silent walls, the chanting of monks, and the bustling activity of a thriving medieval community. Even in its ruined state, the abbey evokes a sense of awe and wonder, a window into a bygone era. As we "drive" through Jedburgh, observe the town's charming architecture, a mix of traditional stone buildings and more modern structures, reflecting its long and varied history. Jedburgh has witnessed countless historical events, from border raids and sieges to periods of peace and prosperity. This short film offers a tantalizing taste of Jedburgh's character, encouraging you to explore its streets and uncover its stories at a more leisurely pace.

Our fourth journey takes us to the banks of the River Thames, where we experience a crossing aboard the Woolwich Ferry. This historic ferry service, a vital link between the south and north banks of the river, has been connecting communities for centuries. This sped-up footage captures the unique perspective offered by this river crossing. Observe the bustling activity as vehicles and pedestrians embark and disembark, the constant flow of traffic that relies on this vital artery. Consider the history of the Woolwich Ferry, its role in facilitating trade and travel across the Thames, and its enduring importance to the local communities. As the ferry glides across the water, take in the sights and sounds of the river – the lapping of the water against the hull, the cries of gulls overhead, and the distant hum of the city. The Thames itself is a living entity, a river that has shaped London's destiny and continues to play a central role in its life. This short, sped-up film offers a unique vantage point, a fleeting glimpse of the Woolwich Ferry in action, a reminder of the many ways in which we connect and cross the waterways that shape our world. It's a journey across time and water, a small but significant part of the larger tapestry of London's transportation network.

The next clip takes us to a familiar landmark for anyone who has driven the M6 – the iconic Pennine Tower at Lancaster Services. This futuristic, hexagonal structure, towering 90 feet above the motorway, was once a high-end restaurant, offering diners stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 1960s, it was a symbol of the optimism and ambition of the motorway age.

While the restaurant is now closed, the Pennine Tower remains a striking and recognizable feature of the Lancaster Services. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era of motorway travel, when service stations were more than just places to refuel and grab a bite to eat. They were destinations in their own right, offering a touch of luxury and excitement to the long-distance journey.

As we drive past the Lancaster Services, we can't help but wonder about the stories that the Pennine Tower could tell. It has witnessed countless journeys, from family road trips to cross-country hauls. It has seen the best and worst of British weather, from sunny days to torrential rain. And it has stood as a silent sentinel, watching over the flow of traffic on the M6 for over 50 years.

This short clip is a tribute to the Pennine Tower, a reminder of the importance of roadside landmarks and the stories they tell. It is also a reminder of the changing face of motorway travel, as we move from an era of grand service stations to a more streamlined and efficient model.

In the final clip, we journey through the stillness of Elland town centre in the early morning, the camera capturing the town's awakening as the first rays of sunlight touch its historic buildings.

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All the videos remain the copyright of Colin Green.