Off The Beaten Track

Prof. Brian Llewellyn

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:42:16 PDT

We take a little time out of other video shooting duties to talk to Professor Brian Llewellyn, a vastly experienced childrens' entertainer.

Halifax Street Angels

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:46:37 PDT

The Street Angels patrol the streets of Halifax in West Yorkshire on a Friday and Saturday night.

They are there to help people in all sorts of different ways. Reuniting lost friends, providing a place of safety at the Fairtrade Cafe and ensuring those in need, get the help they require.

They work in partnership with the Night Marshalls, St John's Ambulance, CEMS, Town Centre Management, Police and the CCTV controllers, as well as working closely with venues and street traders in the town.

Atonement

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:14:34 PST

Atonement won "Best Film" at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards tonight.

Join us once again from a very early Off The Beaten Track where we take a sneaky look behind the scenes at "Dunkirk" which was filmed in Redcar, in the former county of Cleveland.

A quick update

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:56:54 PST

We know we have been quiet this last month. Family duties have taken over a little, there's also been a bereavement in the family to deal with, plus the weather. Well it's just not filming friendly.

We would like your help to set the schedule for 2008.

Tell us what you would like more of. Or indeed less of.

What interests you? Do you want more contemporary subjects covered? Are you really into the historic side? Does our local folklore spark your imagination or would you prefer more castles, stately homes and the like? Do you want to learn our language, Larn Yerlsel how to tark proppa?

Let us know what it is you want by emailing info@otbt.tv or leave a message on the voice lines:-

London England 0208 133 7721
New York City, NY 914 595 5411

Keep smiling!

Music today from the Podsafe Music Network: Old Man Coyote by Ethan Martucci

Alnwick Castle - More Familiar than you may think

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:13:23 PDT

Northumberland has a violent history.

Cross border raids from the Scots, with looting and pillaging, ensured that when it comes to castles, we have the most and finest quality of any county in the country.

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and probably one of the most famous. The original home of Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films, as well as featuring in the first series of Rowan Atkinson's comedy Blackadder, there are many aspects of the castle that will be oddly familiar.

In 1309, the first Lord Percy, Henry, bought the castle and immediately set about renovating the buildings and grounds.

In 1364 Harry Hotspur, was born in the Keep above the gatehouse of the castle. He first saw battle at the age of 8 and was later knighted at the age of 11 having established his reputation as a great warrior. His impulsive nature would lead to eventual capture by opposing forces.

Henry, The Ninth Earl of Northumberland, was born in 1564 and would have became known as the Wizzard Earl due to the scientific experiments he carried out, as well as the vast library he accrued, as well as being a central figure of The School of Knight. So it is appropriate hundreds of years later that Alnwick Castle became home to Harry Potter's Hogwarts school.

The constable of Alnwick Castle in 1605 was Thomas Percy, the Ninth Earl's cousin. He was responsible for collecting rents and managing bailiffs. Thomas had dinner with the Ninth Earl on 4th November 1605, however the next day, the 5th November, Thomas Percy was exposed as one of the central figures of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up parliament and was shot and killed while trying to escape. The ninth earl was believed to be guilty, by association but no more and imprisoned in the infamous Tower of London.

1950 saw the castle first open to the public and while you tour the castle it is important to remember that despite its huge scale and grandeur, it is still a family home. You will see faces in photographs around the castle who can sometimes be spotted mingling with the crowds of visitors.

During my visit I had a close encounter with a Range Rover, driven by none other than Ralph, the Twelfth Duke of Northumberland himself.

There are also plenty of activities available for younger visitors around the castle. The Knights School is particularly popular, on the day I was there a school visit prevented me filming, though the children loved dressing up in costume, practicing their swordsmanship and jousting around the arena.

Add to this the Dragon Quest. A true test of young knights' problem solving skills and bravery, but like the sign says children. Make sure you take a grown up with you, as children who venture inside on their own may be fed to the dragon.

Historic Alnwick Castle, a great day out for history, tv or film buffs and families alike.

Music from the Podsafe Music Network:

Dust Rhinos - Victoria
Great Big Sea - Cod Liver Oil

Beamish Museum - Part 2

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:34:59 PDT

For this 2nd part we pick up from where we left off in the chapel. Beamish really is the jewel in the crown, when it comes to museums in the North East of England. Beamish Open Air Museum.

If you are planning a visit, allow yourself the whole day. There is so much to see and do at the site. Now you will see what looks like countryside, however this is all part of the museum. You are just as likely to see corn dollys being made as you are to see horses working the field.

Beamish Museum - Part 1

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:27:44 PDT

In this first part we take a quick look at the jewel in the crown, when it comes to museums in the North East of England. Beamish Open Air Museum.

Yorkshire Air Museum

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:31:34 PDT

The Yorkshire Air Museum is on the site once occupied by RAF Elvington.

Originally founded in the early 1980's it opened fully to the public in May 1986. Staffed entirely by volunteers who have put on an amazing display that takes you right back in time to a World War 2 bomber command base.

So whether you want to get up close and personal with a Spitfire, peer through the jet engine of a BAC Lightning, marvel at sheer scale of the Halifax bomber, or simply sit down for a cup of tea and bite to eat at the NAAFI, Yorkshire Air Museum has it all.

Music in this episode is provided by Ian Babington, Caren Kennedy and Ron Arnold.

Ullswater

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:57:05 PDT

Today we’re off to the Lake District in North West England. Lake Ullswater to be precise.

Now “the lakes” as they are known, can be very busy in summer, I managed to pick a day where the crowds had stayed away, but the sun was shining.

It’s been a long time since I was at Ullswater, in fact it was an old school trip, so I took the first chance I got just to pull the car over into a layby and take a look along the lake.

The view itself was absolutely spectacular and I’m not sure the camera captures the true scale of the landscape. However, the best way to drink in all the surroundings is to take a boat trip.

Now the one thing about boat trips is they cant be rushed. You have to got at the pace set by the Captain, and this trip took me two hours to complete with the Ullswater Steamers.

I boarded at Glenridding, headquarters to the Ullswater Steamers. We then went over the lake which was quite busy with allsorts of traffic, to Howtown. The place I had visited in my childhood. From the mooring at Howtown we then went on to Pooley Bridge and returned via the same route.

So put your life jacket on, hop aboard, kick back and relax, whilst I take you on a circuit of Ullswater in the Lake District.

Coming Soon...

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:33:20 PDT

We are about to move to an HD format on Off The Beaten Track, however, what I thought would be a simple camera upgrade has become more of a system upgrade as well.

The editing software I previously used, whilst coping with HD is not giving me the results I wanted so I'm gradually learning a new edit system. Whilst this is giving excellent results in test, it is taking a little time to pickup, hence the delay in a fresh episode in the new format.

I am sure the HD upgrade will provide crisper images, better sound quality and larger displays on our downloads, so the future does look to be exciting, however, please stay with me as Off The Beaten Track goes through its transition.

In the meantime, why not take a look back through the archives of places we have visited and let me know your favourite by leaving a comment on the site or emailing me at info@otbt.tv

Bamburgh Castle

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:08:10 PDT

Head straight up the A1 in Northumberland and you will find a magical land of castles. Today we visit Bamburgh Castle, high on an outcrop on the North Sea Coastline.

More than just a castle, a family museum, aviation historic centre and during the summer months there's usually some archaeological dig being carried out as more and more is learnt about the 1400 year old site.

Music provided by Podsafe Music Network:-

Dust Rhinos - Wild Mountain Thyme
Great Big Sea - The Mermaid

Bolton Abbey

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:00:58 PDT

Parking at the Castle Bolton car park, we manage to explore such a small part of the facilities on offer during our two hour stop in Bolton Abbey.

Whilst we managed to visit the priory ruins and the church where congregations have gathered for over 850 years as well as the Cavendish memorial fountain, we didn't get a chance to go on the sculpture trail or the moorland walks.

We did however dice with death, or perhaps just a good soaking by using the stepping stones to cross over the river.

Bolton Abbey is just north of the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton in North Yorkshire. A map of the location can be found here.

James Herriot

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:40:06 PDT

Today we are in Thirsk, a Geogian Market Town in North Yorkshire at Herriot's World, a museum built in to the former vet's practice known as Skeldale House in the books. The only museum in the country in fact to be dedicated to vetinary practice.

James Alfred Wight was the real James Herriot, born in Sunderland in 1919 before moving to Scotland with his parents at an early age. His first job vet's job after university was with the practice of Donald Sinclair (Siegfried Farnham in the books) at Thirsk. As a vet, just like in the books and films, he was out in all weathers and at all times of the day and night. This may account for the fact he only picked up his pen to write his first book at the age of 50.

You will need to allow a good 60-90 minutes for your visit as their is plenty to see, including some very interactive pieces on the top floor as well as a highly unique "test your strength" machine. (email or comment if you want to know more about that one.)

For the cricketing fans amongst us, visit the Thirsk Museum just across the road which is the birthplace of the founder of Lords Cricket Ground, otherwise you can head off into the market square where you will find a range of venues offering cream teas to full three course meals.

Thorpe Farm

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 15:33:44 PDT

We're at the Thorpe Farm Falconry Centre today. Glorious weather sees us basking in sun, 9 miles west along the A66 from Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire.

Kestrels, Hawks, Owls and even some very scary Vultures appear in today's episode.

For those who may have less than honourable intentions please note, security is tight and all the birds are removed from the park overnight to prevent any interference.

Dont forget to use our promo codes at www.godaddy.com AP1 gets 10% off all orders and AP2 gets a massive 20% off all orders of 25UKP or more.

Durham Dales

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 08:16:38 PDT

We start off on the other side of the hill from Tan Hill, where we were a couple of episodes back. Almost within sight of the market town, Barnard Castle. When we look down on the A66 there is absolutely no taffic noise. Continuing up a narrow country road, as is so typical with these tracks we eventually run out of road. Turning back towards Barnard Castle we head west towards the spectacular Blackton and Hury Reservoirs. Now this is the type of place where you can go to really clear your head.

Oh and if you want really localised radio content while you are in the area, checkout Radio Teesdale.

Weardale

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:25:25 PDT

Weardale is one of the highest dales in County Durham. It straddles the Co Durham / Cumbrian border and used to be thriving area, due to the high levels of lead ore in the area.

We start off at Cowshill, heading west along the A689. We pass Killhope Lead Mining Centre and then just over the tops (and the county border) we enter Nenthead, home to the Nenthead Heritage Centre.

Music as ever from the Podsafe Music Network is Purgatory Road (no pun intended) by Jim Taft.

Reeth To Tan Hill

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:40:22 PST

We stay in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales this time as we travel from Reeth to Tan Hill Inn.

Check out the highest pub in Britain at http://www.tanhillinn.co.uk

Music From the Podsafe Music Network by Greate Big Sea:-

Graceful & Charming

Something To It.

Wensleydale

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:39:18 PST

We drive along the A684 from the eastern end near Leyburn in North Yorkshire. This takes us right along the dale until we reach the bustling market town of Hawes. There are plenty of places to stop and eat here, but we got straight to the Creamery making genuine Wensleydale cheese. The only chees approved by Wallace and Grommit.

Music delivered by Podsafe Music Network is Evergreen by Daniel Link.

Roman Vindolanda

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:33:20 PST

Vindolanda is an ancient Roman settlement just south of Hadrian's Wall. Travel west, 35 miles along the A69 from Newcastle Upon Tyne and following the Hadrian's Wall signs from Hexham, you will first pass Chesters Roman Fort, then Housesteads before finally reaching Vindolanda.

Accommodation is quickly booked up in this area, but you can find a list of recommended accommodation on the Vindolanda website.

A hearty meal will be waiting for you in any of the local village pubs in this area. Unlike the weather, Northumbrians are renound for their warm welcome and dining where the locals go will ensure you get something warm and filling.

Music delivered by Podsafe Music Network:
Le Trib by Aidan Doyle

Goathland - The set of Heartbeat

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:57 PST

We take a trip back in time to the 1960s when we visit the North yorksire village of Goathland, the outdoor set for the Police TV Series Heartbeat.

Music from the Podsafe Music Network:-
Amy Rigby - Bright Smile
The Nancy Drews - Cry 4 The 60s

Walk Around Westminster

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 13:09:04 PST

I couldn't really go Off The Beaten Track in London as I only had a couple of hours to spare between meetings. So I've brought you some of the sights of Westminster.

Please be aware:

This video podcast was made under the restrictions of the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act of 2005 who's provisions have been misused since it received Royal Ascent and became UK Law. For example, I could have been arrested for reading the names of brave UK Servicemen and women at the Cenotaph in the last scene. You don't believe me? Google Maya Evans and take a look at the search results.

Music is provided by Null Device (Walk In London) from the Podsafe Music Network.

Washington Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:16:18 PST

We visit an amazing reserve of 100 tranquil acres in the middle of an industrial area and includes a hatchery as well as it's very own log cabin and education centre.

For more information on the Washington Wildfowl & Wetlands trust visit www.wwt.org.uk

Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network was by Alexander Blu - Nature song

Eggleston Abbey

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 04:13:35 PST

We visit the 12th Century Eggleston Abbey, not far from Barnard Castle in the south west of County Durham. This remains a place of peace and tranquility.

Music provided by the Podsafe Music Network:

Brobdingnagian Bards - Maids in the Meadow

Brian Drotar - Melodic Memory

Absent Friends

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:32:21 PST

Yesterday being remembrance Sunday we paid a visit to a parade and service. Of course we had the camera with us and our guest cameraman Chris took the footage whilst I concentrated on the stills.

We have left the footage raw, with no overdub on the sound-track to better convey the atmosphere of the day, from the early practice and setup to the wind in the microphone.

Bowes Castle

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:06:22 PST

Today we visit Bowes Castle, in the village of Bowes that dates back to the 12th Century.

You may recognise the name Bowes from HM The Queen Mother's family name, Bowes-Lyon, who were also great land owners in the same area.

Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network is Raggle Taggle Gypsies by Celtic Stone.

Sutton Bank

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:17:47 PST

Today we visit Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire, right on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

From the car park, I walked round to the Yorkshire Gliding Club airfield where I shot the the video.

Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network :-

Soar - Eliot Popkin

Soar with the wind - Anonymous Prophet .

Barnard Castle

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:26:08 PDT

A trip around the ruins of Barnard Castle which is in the town of.... erm.... Barnard Castle in South West County Durham.

Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network:

Blazej Lindner - Fangorn the Forest

Steve Robinson - England's Green

Mother Shipton

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:56:01 PDT

Today we visit the world of Mother Shipton, a truth seer, prophetess from the 1400's.

Music by Podsafe Music Network, Dub Train, by Template.

For more information on Mother Shipton please visit www.mothershipton.co.uk

Locomotion at Shildon

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:04:52 PDT

Locomotion at Shildon opened in September 2004 as a spin-off from the main National Railway Museum at York.

Built on the former site of the Shildon Wagon Works and clustered around the old Timothy Hackworth museum, Locomotion is a state of the art £11M facility.

Music delivered by Podsafe Music Network :

Talulah Gosh - Steaming Train

Johnny Rawls and the Rays - Train Keep Rolling

Binchester Roman Fort

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:30:58 PDT

Today we visit Binchester Roman Fort near the market town of Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham in the north east of England.

It is one of many forts that used to line a main supply route called Dere Street.

Music provided by the Podsafe Music Network :
Blazej Lindner - Misty Morning

Washington Old Hall

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 06:05:13 PDT

Washington Old Hall was the home to the ancesters of the 1st President of the United States of America, George Washington.

Join us as we take a look inside on the ground floor and around the gardens.

We have barely scratched the surface of the site, so if you find yourself in the area, pay the hall a visit. You'll be surprised what you learn.

Thanks to The National Trust

Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network:

Bree Noble - Star Spangled Banner

77 South - Please Tell Her

Palace Green - Durham City

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:15:06 PDT

We’ve got a lot of history in Durham but the most famous landmark has to be the Cathedral. So we thought we’d take the camer up to Palace Green and have a look around.

Music was delivered by Podsafe Music Network
CLC Band Ft PodcastPaul - Sweet Holy Spirit (Live)

Darlington Railway Centre and Museum

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 07:41:10 PDT

We visit the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum on North Road Station, part of the original Stockton & Darlington railway company line.

The station itself is haunted by the ghost of Thomas Munroe Winter who died in 1845 and on occaision, people stil see him. He was first seen by James Durham, a night watchman on the Stockton to Darlington line. An excellent booklet by Irene Macleod and Olive Howe is available from the museum that will tell you (almost) the full story.

Music delivered by Podsafe Music Network:

Steve Robinson - The Golden Age of Steam

Hartlepool Headland

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 14:34:34 PDT

We visit the headland at Hartlepool, around the site of the old Heugh Battery.

The Heugh Battery replaced the previous construction of the Napoleonic Wars era in 1859. It has the dubious honour of being the site where the first soldier was killed on British soil during the First World War. The battery has also been entered in the BBC Restoration Village programme.

Click the link for more information on how you can vote for Heugh Battery

Jack Crawford

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 06:08:21 PDT

On 11th October 1797, Sunderland born lad, Jack Crawford, became the hero of The Battle Of Camperdown. In this episode we let you know how.

Music
Template - Dub Train
Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network

The Lambton Worm

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:55:42 PDT

The Lambton Worm was made famous by the 1867 pantomime song by C.M. Leumane, performed at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

There is some disagreement locally, whether the worm slept at Penshaw Hill or Worm Hill, however, it is agreed, the worm caused fear and destruction throughout the area during its time.

If you are not a native of North East England you will have to listen carefully to words of the song, to understand the story that unfolds.

Music
Template - Dub Train
Music delivered by the Podsafe Music Network

Solo Cast Launches on PDN.

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 03:01:30 PDT

Download End of Day 1 - Feedback RequestedHi there, as some of you know I've given up the day job and today is the end of Day 1.
It would be really useful to get some feedback from viewers / listeners so I can make sure future content is even more interesting to you.
I've started a [...]

Redcar To Dunkirk

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:31:07 PDT

Download Redcar To DunkirkDownload Redcar To DunkirkRedcar is one of those sleepy seaside towns that picturesque enough in the summer, but not particularly world famous for anything but has been taken back in time, from 2006 to 1940's Dunkirk.
This isn't down to an amazing time travelling discovery but Hollywood has come to townin the form [...]

Lindisfarne - Very Early One Morning

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 08:55:46 PDT

Download Lindisfarne - The Holy IslandI arrived on the island of Lindisfarne at 3:15am, very early for me, but not as early as St Oswald, St Aidan and Bede who had all beaten to it.
I had wanted to get a photograph of the sun rising over the castle, however, I had totally forgotten the required [...]

Hometown Reel 1

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 08:44:04 PDT

Download My HometownThis started off as a test of a couple of in-car camera mounts, but I soon realised it gives a little picture of my hometown, so I thought it would be good to share it.
We didn't manage to reshoot the lost material and are working on trying to recover the tapes.
In the meantime, [...]

Seeding a PS+ stream

The Wanderer (The Wanderer) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 02:33:02 PDT