That walk yesterday, although a great cardio vascular workout, would have been a complete waste of time because we wanted bread, and it was told to us later that no shops were to be found in Pennal. So making do with cereal instead of toast this morning, a discussion with the family as to where to go today. Sheila mentioned the Centre of Alternative technology (or CAT for short) a world-renowned eco centre that demonstrates practical solutions for a sustainable future. Sounded like a plan, and it was only about 5 miles from this site, so after changing from shorts back to jeans (turned a bit cool as the morning went on) we set off mid-morning.
Not sure what I expected, thought it might be a museum of gadgets, but how wrong I was. What met us on arrival was a water-balanced cliff railway. Sounds bizarre, but what an innovative idea. It is also the steepest railways in the world, with a gradient of 35°. How it works is two carriages are linked together with a steel cable. a tank on the uppermost carriages fills with
water stored in our reservoir, while the tank on the lower cabin tank
is emptied. Once the uppermost carriage is heavy enough to pull the bottom carriage up, the brakes are released and gravity does the rest. Amazing!
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This is typical Ian. Everyone in the first photo is wearing coats, yet Ian is in shorts and T-shirt!
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What greeted us at the top was gardens, lots of small individual ones full of herbs and plants for health benefits, organic gardening at its best. We strolled through environmentally friendly buildings, woodland management, and wind power sustainability as well as solar heating. Marvellous. And the best part as far as I was concerned was the bird fledglings seen around the site.
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The mole hole
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Taken with a flash, but almost pitch black inside. Note those cloth pieces hanging down. Made me jump when I brushed against those!
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Things found in the mole hole....mites and worms
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As well as microscopic eggs.
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Solar heating
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Wind power
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| Lunch | |
Enjoyed the experience immensely, and on our return, the wine beer and nibbles came out. Dinner was late because of the alcohol consumed, glad it wasn't me doing the cooking that night! Later in the evening, a few games of Mexican Train played, a lovely way to finish an evening.
And wildlife
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The fire alarm bell was turned off.....wouldn't this swallow had got a shock if they hadn't!
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4 comments:
Balanced water cliff railways are not that new! See The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway for the oldest from 1890. (https://www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk/)
That water railway is hardly a new idea. The Leas Lift in Folkestone worked on exactly that method, and opened in 1885! Sadly, it’s been out of action for several years now. If I ever win the lottery, I’m restoring it!
We've been on the water balanced cliff railway connecting Lynton and Lynmouth which has been there for donkeys years.
Enjoyed all your lovely photos especially the young Robin.
Ann Makemson xx
Thank you all. This was the first balanced water-filled railcart for us, never even heard of them before, so a very unique experience.
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