I have found another tonic for the winter blues: a good long train journey. Yesterday I travelled from South Yorkshire to Devon in the blessed peace of the Quiet Coach (which was surprisingly quiet). Without internet access, I managed to read two chapters of my current set book- and almost understand them too – and also type up about 10 pages of interviews from Todmorden. It was like being suspended in a place where I had no responsibilities, no deadlines and no distractions. Absolute bliss. If only train fares weren’t so extortionate, I could make a habit of this.

Countryside somewhere near Bristol