158763 Sapperton 28 October 2008

The morning of 28 October 2008 was clear and frosty, so despite the forecast of rapidly building cloud followed by showers, I decided a trip to the Gloucester to Swindon line was required in order to photograph the autumn colours in the so called 'Golden Valley'. Unfortunately due to the depth of the valley and the abundance of trees on both sides of the line, most locations are in deep shade at this time of year. However, near the approach to Sapperton Tunnel there is a gap, which despite one annoying shadow provides a clear view with a magnificently coloured background. 158763 climbs the bank with the 09:38 Cheltenham to Swindon First Great Western service. Just prior to this a fox had been sunning himself up against the fence by the sign in the background!