The coal staiths of the North-East coast—for example at Blyth (Northumberland) and at Dunston-on-Tyne—are impressive installations. The staiths are in fact jetties or piers built up to a high level above the rivers. Loaded wagons are propelled on to them and the contents are then quickly discharged through chutes down to the waiting colliers below.

[…]And, at that time I made her weep a-good, / For I did play a lamentable part:

I was thinking about the moment when that enclosedness, which can be protective, tips over into something menacing and unpleasant.

If you are not using a touring-specific bike and you have large feet, you could have problems with your heels striking your rear panniers. This is one of the very reasons why a touring bike has long chainstays (435mm minimum).