Starlings, Statues and Sea!

Guest Blog: Janet Walker

It started with an email from Siobhan – “Well Gel’s – I want to go to Aberystwyth to see the starling murmuration – what about our next get together being a train ride to Aberystwyth?”.  After much banter over dates and times our little group of ladies from Habberley (a village in the Shropshire Hills AONB around 12 miles outside of Shrewsbury), Siobhan, Kate, Kate , Julie, Lesley-Ann and Janet set out for the 9.30am Cambrian Line Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth one grey, cold November morning. Despite a flat tyre on the way, and having to walk the last mile or so to the station we arrived in good time (and spirits).

We were able to seat ourselves round two adjacent tables and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views from the train windows. Initially we were like a group of school friends excitedly spotting local landmarks, then once the train pulled into more unfamiliar territory we settled down and enjoyed the scenery passing by. Pulling into Caersws, those on the left got excited by the statues and those on the right by the Little Egrets on the Severn wetlands. A quick look at Google revealed we were looking at a Celt, a Roman and a poet.

This has to be one of the most beautiful journeys in the world! As rolling hills morphed to tree-lined ravines and into mountains meeting the coast, we alternated between taking photographs and partaking of refreshments from the amply laden trolley.

We arrived in Aberystwyth and took a short walk into the town to seek out elevenses before exploring the seafront, historic buildings and the castle. We had a fabulous lunch in Medina and went on to do a bit of Christmas shopping in the many independent shops. There was something for all of us, from browsing the millions of subjects in Ystwyth Books, to buying cards and gifts in Driftwood Designs and choosing a new lampshade in Cardigan Bay Designs.

Finally, as dusk began to fall the eagerly anticipated evening entertainment began. Despite the drizzle, the starling mumuration on the pier did not disappoint. We watched spellbound as what seemed like millions of birds flew and danced in formation, creating the most incredible shapes above the waves.

When it all came to an end and silence fell, we made our way back through the festive lights to the station, where the waiting room turned out to be the pub garden, convenient for one before the train!

On the way back we were lucky a second time to find two adjacent tables where we could relax, chat and share a bottle of prosecco on the way home – obviously making arrangements to return.