Clearly demonstrating why it is known as the 'Golden Valley', this view of the Gloucester to Swindon line at Sapperton shows the autumn colours at probably near their best on 28 October 2008, as Network Rail MPVs DR98959 & DR98909 climb the 1 in 60 gradient towards Sapperton Tunnel with the 3S32 08:29 Ledbury to Didcot Railhead Treatment Train. Note the spray coming up from the rail in the centre of the formation as the train lays sandite on the rails. Sapperton Bank was a formidable incline in steam days with banking required for most freight trains. Nowadays there is no freight, but the uncontrolled lineside vegetation since the demise of steam has made sandite trains such as this essential during the leaf fall season.