LittleRedTrain
Member
Back earlier this year, Shauna and I decided we would follow up last Augusts ALR with another summer bash. Scotland was the chosen destination, as neither of us had much coverage there (in my case, none at all).
The plan was to travel out and back by sleeper (on Bargain Berths) and to stay at the cheapest places we could find that werent shared-dormitory hostels.
I got a Freedom of Scotland Rover, which covered me for most of our travels, and some Advance tickets for the journeys we had to make before 0915 (when the rover becomes valid).
Photos
Gizmogle: http://gizmogle.fotopic.net
LittleRedTrain: http://www.littleredtrain.co.uk/gallery
Day 1 17th August
We headed from Ash Vale to London in order to catch the sleeper up to Fort William (via the ECML).
We arrived at Euston about an hour early, so decided to have a wander around the station to see what we could see. We ended walking up platform 16 and were most surprised to see a guy with a wheelie bag behind us, who followed us all the way to the end.
We thought he was just a confused traveller, but turns out he was an enthusiast too and was travelling on the sleeper to Inverness.
We managed to get a few photos of 67003 at the header of the sleeper, and then went to get on.
Once we got all of our stuff stowed and the train started, we headed for the windows. Unfortunately, the attendant asked us to keep the windows shut because we have a diesel engine and the exhaust could set the fire alarm off! (Has anyone ever heard of this happening)?
After arriving at the sidings in Willesden (passing a load of 56s, 92s and a 58 on the way), the train sat for about 15 minutes, before heading back south, up the Primrose Hill line, through Camden Road on the NLL and on to the ECML.
Once the train got up to speed on the ECML, we headed for the lounge car where I dined on haggis, neeps and tatties, and Shauna had that well known Scottish delicacy; tomato pasta! We finally headed off to bed for a relatively comfortable nights sleep (despite a bit of rough shunting at Edinburgh).
Day 2 Monday 18th August
I woke up fairly early so I could sample the delights of the West Highland Line scenery. The plan was that wed get into Fort William for 0954, giving us a comfortable 25min connection onto the Jacobite to Mallaig.
However, I passed the attendant on the way up the coach, and she told me the news Id been dreading. Wed been delayed on the West Highland Line and had missed our path, so we would be held at Bridge of Orchy for a southbound sprinter. This meant we would be anything up to an hour late in Fort William and would miss the Jacobite! The staff on the train reckoned we wouldnt even be able to catch the following sprinter to Mallaig and pick up the southbound leg.
Fortunately, Scotrail (unlike another certain First Group company!) know a bit about customer service. About 30mins later, the attendant knocked on the door of our cabin and told us that they were trying to sort something out for us (as there were other passengers on the train aiming to catch the Jacobite).
Sure enough, when we arrived at Fort William (at 1040), we were directed to taxis outside the station, which were to take us to Glenfinnan to pick up the Northbound Jacobite.
After a rather fast (and somewhat hair-raising) taxi ride, we arrived in Glenfinnan, to the very welcome sight of K1 62005 and a rake of maroon coaches!
We then had a very pleasant ride up to Arisaig, where the train terminated. (Apparently, there had been a run-through on the loop points at Mallaig the previous day, which meant that the loco wouldnt be able to run round the train there).
After spending a couple of hours wandering round Arisaig, we caught the Jacobite back to Fort William.
Full marks to Scotrail for getting us ¾ of our journey despite the lateness of the sleeper.
After quickly popping into Lidl at Fort William to pick up supplies (including a lot of cheese) we caught a 156 to Glasgow, and after a 4 hour slog down the West Highland, arrived at Queen St for around 2130.
Overnight accommodation was at the Euro-Hostel near Central Station.
It was cheap, and this really showed. The shower randomly would switch to scalding hot, and I managed to flood the bathroom after jumping out to avoid getting burnt. The bed was very uncomfortable and you could feel every spring!
Day 3 Tuesday 19th August
The day was spent mostly bashing around the south of Scotland.
The first trip was on a Class 334 Juniper from Glasgow Central to Largs (apparently I cant even get away from the things by travelling several hundred miles). We then headed down to Ayr, for a 156 to Stranraer.
The scenery on this line is rather fantastic, and I cant help thinking that a steam-hauled operation on this line could be rather profitable (being a little less remote than Fort William).
At Stranraer we had to negotiate our way around the ferry terminal to the town centre and pick up some food. We then caught the same train back to Glasgow via Kilmarnock. (We had to explain to the Guard that we did actually want to go this way, rather than changing to a faster service at Ayr).
The next move was the result of a helpful tip, a 322 that works from Glasgow Central to North Berwick via Carstairs and Edinburgh, giving us a good bit of coverage. We then travelled from Edinburgh up to Stirling, and on the recently re-opened branch to Alloa.
After another supplies stop, we headed back to Stirling and, rather than doing the sane thing and taking a train straight back to Glasgow, we headed to Falkirk Grahamston to pick up a train to Glasgow via Cumbernauld (a 158 on which the poor guard had to run up and down the train at every stop to find a door control panel that would actually work!)
Accommodation was again at the Euro-Hostel. Given that it was raining, we decided to fork out for the Subway from Buchanan St to St Enoch. We made sure we got value for money though, by going the long way round the circle!
Day 4 Wednesday 20th August
The plan for Wednesday was to head up to the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore.
Rather than take the direct route, we decided to go via Edinburgh so we could travel over the Forth Bridge. This meant a very early start to be at Queen Street for 0730.
Unfortunately, the weather wasnt brilliant, and we could barely see anything from the bridge. It was still impressive nonetheless.
By the time we reached Aviemore, the weather had brightened up and we wandered into town to get food from Subway (it was surprising that Shauna had lasted this long without one!).
When we went back to the station to buy our tickets, we were told the disappointing news that the railways steam loco had failed and that all trains would be diesel operated. Given that coming back another day wasnt an option, we just hoped that it would be something decent (and not a smelly DMU).
We were not disappointed, round the corner rolled a Class 31 much to Shaunas delight!
The trip to Broomhill was spent with Shauna doing heads-out while I relaxed in the coach (not being a big fan of diesel clag). After watching the loco run round at Broomhill loop (and the antics of the local sheep), we had a quick look round Broomhill station and headed back on the same train to Aviemore.
Our next move was to head up to Inverness and change there onto a train to Aberdeen.
The journey ran smoothly until we reached Inverurie when we waited for ages in the station before the guard came over the PA and informed us that there was a track defect between there and Dyce, and we couldnt move until it had been inspected.
While we waited, we got talking to the family across the coach from us, who turned out to be from Guildford of all places!
Eventually, we got on our way, but were further held at Dyce so we could take the path of a local service (which was presumably late or cancelled), and ended up arriving into Aberdeen about 20mins late.
This proved advantageous as, although wed missed our planned connection to Dundee, the next service was a NXEC HST!
When we got to Dundee, we hit a small problem. Automatic ticket barriers (which neither Shaunas Priv or my rover could operate) and no staff visible. Fortunately after waiting there for a minute or so figuring out what to do, a man popped out from the cabin where hed been hiding and opened them for us).
Overnight accommodation was at the Dundee Central Travelodge. This was the same price as the Glasgow Euro-Hostel, but the bed was much more comfortable, and the shower didnt try to cook me! A definite improvement.
Day 5 - Thursday 21st October
The plan for our final day was to get the Far North Line from Inverness to Thurso and Wick. The plan required a ridiculously early start so we could get to Dundee station in time for the 0648 to Perth. We also had a few risky connections, including a 30mins between the train from Wick to Inverness, and our Sleeper home.
We managed to make it to Perth on time, and spent some time picking up food before getting the train to Inverness.
This train got slower and slower until finally we came to a halt between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie. The guard explained that this was due to a slow moving freight train in front of us.
Although we passed the freight in the loop at Dalwhinnie, it became obvious that we would be unable to make the connection to the Wick train at Inverness. The guard came through the train asking if there were any passengers for Wick, and we had to try and explain to him that we were intending to go there, but didnt want to take a taxi or bus, so would go to Kyle of Lochalsh instead if that was the case.
Eventually we arrived into Inverness about 20 late (missing the 13min connection to the Wick train) and were just able to make the next train to Kyle of Lochalsh.
The scenery on the Kyle line is particularly stunning and a trip is well recommended, so failing to get to Wick wasnt as big a deal as it couldve been.
When we got to Kyle station, it was pouring with rain, so we donned waterproofs and legged it for the nearby café, where we got some food and spent the time talking to a couple from Coventry. They had arrived on the train and been intending to catch the bus to Skye and ferry to Mallaig, but the bus had left 5mins early rather than waiting for the train passengers. (Its nice to see that Scotland has rubbish bus services too!).
The weather refused to let up, so after a brief look around the shop at the station we headed back on the next train to Inverness, where we spent some time wandering around the (mostly shut) town before getting on to the sleeper back to Euston). This time we headed pretty much straight to bed.
Day 6 Friday 22nd August
We were woken up early by the attendant to tell us we were running early and likely to o be in Euston very shortly. We opened the blinds to see Wembley Central flashing past.
We arrived around 0730 and decided to avoid the rush hour by heading straight to Waterloo and back to Ash Vale.
Conclusion
The trip to Scotland was great fun. We were very lucky with the Jacobite, and although the lack of steam loco on the Strathspey railway and missing the connection to Wick were disappointments, they didnt detract too much from our holiday.
I definitely would recommend the trip to others, but I would suggest that it is worth forking out a bit extra for comfortable accommodation and making sure you leave plenty of time for connections (even if it means staying somewhere a bit more expensive with more convenient train services).
Moves & Sightings
The plan was to travel out and back by sleeper (on Bargain Berths) and to stay at the cheapest places we could find that werent shared-dormitory hostels.
I got a Freedom of Scotland Rover, which covered me for most of our travels, and some Advance tickets for the journeys we had to make before 0915 (when the rover becomes valid).
Photos
Gizmogle: http://gizmogle.fotopic.net
LittleRedTrain: http://www.littleredtrain.co.uk/gallery
Day 1 17th August
We headed from Ash Vale to London in order to catch the sleeper up to Fort William (via the ECML).
We arrived at Euston about an hour early, so decided to have a wander around the station to see what we could see. We ended walking up platform 16 and were most surprised to see a guy with a wheelie bag behind us, who followed us all the way to the end.
We thought he was just a confused traveller, but turns out he was an enthusiast too and was travelling on the sleeper to Inverness.
We managed to get a few photos of 67003 at the header of the sleeper, and then went to get on.
Once we got all of our stuff stowed and the train started, we headed for the windows. Unfortunately, the attendant asked us to keep the windows shut because we have a diesel engine and the exhaust could set the fire alarm off! (Has anyone ever heard of this happening)?
After arriving at the sidings in Willesden (passing a load of 56s, 92s and a 58 on the way), the train sat for about 15 minutes, before heading back south, up the Primrose Hill line, through Camden Road on the NLL and on to the ECML.
Once the train got up to speed on the ECML, we headed for the lounge car where I dined on haggis, neeps and tatties, and Shauna had that well known Scottish delicacy; tomato pasta! We finally headed off to bed for a relatively comfortable nights sleep (despite a bit of rough shunting at Edinburgh).
Day 2 Monday 18th August
I woke up fairly early so I could sample the delights of the West Highland Line scenery. The plan was that wed get into Fort William for 0954, giving us a comfortable 25min connection onto the Jacobite to Mallaig.
However, I passed the attendant on the way up the coach, and she told me the news Id been dreading. Wed been delayed on the West Highland Line and had missed our path, so we would be held at Bridge of Orchy for a southbound sprinter. This meant we would be anything up to an hour late in Fort William and would miss the Jacobite! The staff on the train reckoned we wouldnt even be able to catch the following sprinter to Mallaig and pick up the southbound leg.
Fortunately, Scotrail (unlike another certain First Group company!) know a bit about customer service. About 30mins later, the attendant knocked on the door of our cabin and told us that they were trying to sort something out for us (as there were other passengers on the train aiming to catch the Jacobite).
Sure enough, when we arrived at Fort William (at 1040), we were directed to taxis outside the station, which were to take us to Glenfinnan to pick up the Northbound Jacobite.
After a rather fast (and somewhat hair-raising) taxi ride, we arrived in Glenfinnan, to the very welcome sight of K1 62005 and a rake of maroon coaches!
We then had a very pleasant ride up to Arisaig, where the train terminated. (Apparently, there had been a run-through on the loop points at Mallaig the previous day, which meant that the loco wouldnt be able to run round the train there).
After spending a couple of hours wandering round Arisaig, we caught the Jacobite back to Fort William.
Full marks to Scotrail for getting us ¾ of our journey despite the lateness of the sleeper.
After quickly popping into Lidl at Fort William to pick up supplies (including a lot of cheese) we caught a 156 to Glasgow, and after a 4 hour slog down the West Highland, arrived at Queen St for around 2130.
Overnight accommodation was at the Euro-Hostel near Central Station.
It was cheap, and this really showed. The shower randomly would switch to scalding hot, and I managed to flood the bathroom after jumping out to avoid getting burnt. The bed was very uncomfortable and you could feel every spring!
Day 3 Tuesday 19th August
The day was spent mostly bashing around the south of Scotland.
The first trip was on a Class 334 Juniper from Glasgow Central to Largs (apparently I cant even get away from the things by travelling several hundred miles). We then headed down to Ayr, for a 156 to Stranraer.
The scenery on this line is rather fantastic, and I cant help thinking that a steam-hauled operation on this line could be rather profitable (being a little less remote than Fort William).
At Stranraer we had to negotiate our way around the ferry terminal to the town centre and pick up some food. We then caught the same train back to Glasgow via Kilmarnock. (We had to explain to the Guard that we did actually want to go this way, rather than changing to a faster service at Ayr).
The next move was the result of a helpful tip, a 322 that works from Glasgow Central to North Berwick via Carstairs and Edinburgh, giving us a good bit of coverage. We then travelled from Edinburgh up to Stirling, and on the recently re-opened branch to Alloa.
After another supplies stop, we headed back to Stirling and, rather than doing the sane thing and taking a train straight back to Glasgow, we headed to Falkirk Grahamston to pick up a train to Glasgow via Cumbernauld (a 158 on which the poor guard had to run up and down the train at every stop to find a door control panel that would actually work!)
Accommodation was again at the Euro-Hostel. Given that it was raining, we decided to fork out for the Subway from Buchanan St to St Enoch. We made sure we got value for money though, by going the long way round the circle!
Day 4 Wednesday 20th August
The plan for Wednesday was to head up to the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore.
Rather than take the direct route, we decided to go via Edinburgh so we could travel over the Forth Bridge. This meant a very early start to be at Queen Street for 0730.
Unfortunately, the weather wasnt brilliant, and we could barely see anything from the bridge. It was still impressive nonetheless.
By the time we reached Aviemore, the weather had brightened up and we wandered into town to get food from Subway (it was surprising that Shauna had lasted this long without one!).
When we went back to the station to buy our tickets, we were told the disappointing news that the railways steam loco had failed and that all trains would be diesel operated. Given that coming back another day wasnt an option, we just hoped that it would be something decent (and not a smelly DMU).
We were not disappointed, round the corner rolled a Class 31 much to Shaunas delight!
The trip to Broomhill was spent with Shauna doing heads-out while I relaxed in the coach (not being a big fan of diesel clag). After watching the loco run round at Broomhill loop (and the antics of the local sheep), we had a quick look round Broomhill station and headed back on the same train to Aviemore.
Our next move was to head up to Inverness and change there onto a train to Aberdeen.
The journey ran smoothly until we reached Inverurie when we waited for ages in the station before the guard came over the PA and informed us that there was a track defect between there and Dyce, and we couldnt move until it had been inspected.
While we waited, we got talking to the family across the coach from us, who turned out to be from Guildford of all places!
Eventually, we got on our way, but were further held at Dyce so we could take the path of a local service (which was presumably late or cancelled), and ended up arriving into Aberdeen about 20mins late.
This proved advantageous as, although wed missed our planned connection to Dundee, the next service was a NXEC HST!
When we got to Dundee, we hit a small problem. Automatic ticket barriers (which neither Shaunas Priv or my rover could operate) and no staff visible. Fortunately after waiting there for a minute or so figuring out what to do, a man popped out from the cabin where hed been hiding and opened them for us).
Overnight accommodation was at the Dundee Central Travelodge. This was the same price as the Glasgow Euro-Hostel, but the bed was much more comfortable, and the shower didnt try to cook me! A definite improvement.
Day 5 - Thursday 21st October
The plan for our final day was to get the Far North Line from Inverness to Thurso and Wick. The plan required a ridiculously early start so we could get to Dundee station in time for the 0648 to Perth. We also had a few risky connections, including a 30mins between the train from Wick to Inverness, and our Sleeper home.
We managed to make it to Perth on time, and spent some time picking up food before getting the train to Inverness.
This train got slower and slower until finally we came to a halt between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie. The guard explained that this was due to a slow moving freight train in front of us.
Although we passed the freight in the loop at Dalwhinnie, it became obvious that we would be unable to make the connection to the Wick train at Inverness. The guard came through the train asking if there were any passengers for Wick, and we had to try and explain to him that we were intending to go there, but didnt want to take a taxi or bus, so would go to Kyle of Lochalsh instead if that was the case.
Eventually we arrived into Inverness about 20 late (missing the 13min connection to the Wick train) and were just able to make the next train to Kyle of Lochalsh.
The scenery on the Kyle line is particularly stunning and a trip is well recommended, so failing to get to Wick wasnt as big a deal as it couldve been.
When we got to Kyle station, it was pouring with rain, so we donned waterproofs and legged it for the nearby café, where we got some food and spent the time talking to a couple from Coventry. They had arrived on the train and been intending to catch the bus to Skye and ferry to Mallaig, but the bus had left 5mins early rather than waiting for the train passengers. (Its nice to see that Scotland has rubbish bus services too!).
The weather refused to let up, so after a brief look around the shop at the station we headed back on the next train to Inverness, where we spent some time wandering around the (mostly shut) town before getting on to the sleeper back to Euston). This time we headed pretty much straight to bed.
Day 6 Friday 22nd August
We were woken up early by the attendant to tell us we were running early and likely to o be in Euston very shortly. We opened the blinds to see Wembley Central flashing past.
We arrived around 0730 and decided to avoid the rush hour by heading straight to Waterloo and back to Ash Vale.
Conclusion
The trip to Scotland was great fun. We were very lucky with the Jacobite, and although the lack of steam loco on the Strathspey railway and missing the connection to Wick were disappointments, they didnt detract too much from our holiday.
I definitely would recommend the trip to others, but I would suggest that it is worth forking out a bit extra for comfortable accommodation and making sure you leave plenty of time for connections (even if it means staying somewhere a bit more expensive with more convenient train services).
Moves & Sightings
hock:
