Caledonian Sleeper- Corrour

[Segedunum]

I've recently dropped Cally Sleeper a tweet as I'm staying with the missus in Fort William next week and have spotted a nice morning opportunity to pop down to Corrour, admire it, then half an hour later catch the sleeper back up.

I had originally just tweeted them to double check that joining the train without a reservation was fine (I remember this being the source of much debate in previous years) but I was then told that because Corrour was a request stop, I would have to phone them in advance if I wanted to travel.

Is this actually true? Considering that this will probably be a spontaneous trip (based on whether or not the service is horribly late having come up from London and also weather conditions), would the train genuinely fail to call at Corrour if I stuck my hand out, like with every other request stop? I can't imagine that stranding a passenger there for hours is a particularly good look. Its advertised to pick up, and is the first northbound train.

Thanks in advance

 

[jfisher21]

Ardlui is also a request stop and they have stopped for me there when I stuck my hand out so it should be fine.

 

[Bald Rick]

Given the weather typical of the area for early Feb, and that the sun will only just be up, im not sure what you’re going to do with the other 26 minutes after you have admired Corrour for the first minute! Maybe chat to the chap from the Lodge picking up the post, if he’s there that is, and then pray the sleeper isn’t late.

 

[najaB]

I had originally just tweeted them to double check that joining the train without a reservation was fine (I remember this being the source of much debate in previous years) but I was then told that because Corrour was a request stop, I would have to phone them in advance if I wanted to travel.

It is a request stop on a 'day train' so they have to stop if there are passengers wanting to travel. That said, there wouldn't be any harm in making them aware in addition.

 

[ainsworth74]

I had originally just tweeted them to double check that joining the train without a reservation was fine (I remember this being the source of much debate in previous years) but I was then told that because Corrour was a request stop, I would have to phone them in advance if I wanted to travel.

Their timetable doesn't list it as a request stop and it does make prevision for marking request stops!

https://www.sleeper.scot/timetable/london-fort-william/

 

[najaB]

Their timetable doesn't list it as a request stop and it does make prevision for marking request stops!

Indeed. I take back my previous post as neither RTT nor BRTimes.com list it as a request stop either.

 

[Segedunum]

Indeed, I've just been told by their Twitter that in fact it isn't a request stop at all so to disregard their advice. Drama over!

I'm aware of the bleakness of the place but the waits there are often a lot longer- and of course it's an excuse to sample a 73/9.

 

[Far north 37]

Indeed, I've just been told by their Twitter that in fact it isn't a request stop at all so to disregard their advice. Drama over!

I'm aware of the bleakness of the place but the waits there are often a lot longer- and of course it's an excuse to sample a 73/9.

Might even get lucky and get a 66 on the front as well.

 

[185143]

You just board it as you would any other service. Be aware though if you want a brew you'll need cash as the card machines don't function without signal.

Found the latter out the hard way! And be warned, it's freezing up there at the times the sleeper runs! I did the same move you intend to, nice little morning spin out on the trains before heading back home after a 'Spoons breakfast!

I did this last week. Don't worry about seats or reservations...

 

[ruaival]

Their timetable doesn't list it as a request stop and it does make prevision for marking request stops!

https://www.sleeper.scot/timetable/london-fort-william/

However, the Scotrail timetable for the West Highland line shows Corrour as a stop (and other stations with "x" as request stops) on the morning CS service.
I would be chancing it ... as a boy my local station (Builth Road) was only request stops and it was easier than you might think.

 

[jfisher21]

You could take a stroll down towards loch ossian and back. A 10 mile walk round the loch and the shooting lodge and the afternoon train back is also doable.

 

[Bald Rick]

You could take a stroll down towards loch ossian and back. A 10 mile walk round the loch and the shooting lodge and the afternoon train back is also doable.

A 16 mile walk around the loch and bagging three Munros, and back on the evening train is also possible, but not advised at this time of year! Best done in summer, with dinner and several pints in the excellent Station House.

 

[Segedunum]

A 16 mile walk around the loch and bagging three Munros, and back on the evening train is also possible, but not advised at this time of year! Best done in summer, with dinner and several pints in the excellent Station House.

Indeed that sounds more like a summer event. I think its destined to be a wet week so a brief foray to Corrour, well wrapped up, before we hop in the car later on is probably the more sensible option.

For once I'm not really leading the way with this trip- the missus is the taxi driver and the one well acquainted with the Highlands so most of our exploring will be on the road- but she's open to a few forays by train.