Tracking Thomas the Tank Engine

I READ recently that the Rev WV Awdry based his Thomas the Tank Engine railway stories on an island between Barrow-in-Furness and the Isle of Man.

I was born in Barrow and the stories of Thomas here began in the 1940s when I was "nobbut a nipper".

I began my walk at the Clarkes Hotel on Rampside and strolled along the beach towards Roe Island. This is linked by a causeway on which a railway once ran.

Could this be the route on to the island of Sodor? Obviously no fiction follows fact exactly but Roe certainly fits the description.

I started to the real Thomas stories to see if I could find Northern locations and I was not disappointed.

In one tale and engine falls down a mineshaft and this actually happened at nearby Lindal-in-Furness in the 1890s.

In another story, a strong wind blew so hard that an engine rotated on the turntable. This happened at about the same time at Garsdale on the Settle to Carlisle line.

This is even closer to East Lancashire.

I was now on the lookout for Thomas locations and, sure enough, I found them. I found a lighthouse, a castle, an old quarry and, not far away, a splendid old Watermill which is thankfully still working.

On the tip of Roe Island is a lifeboat station and a regular small ferry runs to Piel Island, which has a really romantic feel about it.

Piel Castle actually functioned as a fortified warehouse which in the 14th century was always being threatened by invading Scots.

After my visit to Piel I retraced my steps on the opposite side of the causeway.

I imagined a really useful engine running across to the island and away to the left were the docks at Barrow. The sun was shining and a helicopter was hovering in the distance like a large dragonfly. This set me thinking about Harold, another one of Thomas's friends.

By the time I returned to the Clarkes I was convinced that I was in Thomas territory and I was ready to do a little more investigation.

I drove on to Gleaston, where I discovered the ruins of a castle and a working water mill.

Gleaston Castle dates from around 1350 but 200 or so years later it was owned by Henry, Duke of Suffolk.

His daughter was Lady Jane Grey, who was executed by the fiercely Catholic Mary Tudor.

Lady Jane was a Protestant who was involved in a plot against the Queen.

The Water Mill proved to be a real gem. There was a mill on the Gleaston site as early as 1708 but the present mill dates from 1770 and the magnificent water wheel is Victorian.

The owners have restored all working parts to perfection and their guided tour is very informative. There is a cafe serving home-made fare, including locally-brewed wine made with elderflower, strawberry, damson and lots of others.

After enjoying a cup of tea I listened to rhythm of watermill, closed my eyes and imagined Thomas the Tank Engine.

This was a really useful drive and stroll. It has started me off on a pilgrimage.

I want to find out more and more about Thomas and his friends. Can anyone help?

Rampside is situated between Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston on the Coast Road (A5087). From East Lancashire, follow the M6 and the A590. It will be around two hours but it is worth stopping off at the Haverthwaite and Lakeside steam railway, especially if you have children who enjoy Thomas the Tank Engine.