advice requested: board the train at Fort William or Spean Bridge.

[Oldercouple]

As a retired couple from the Netherlands, we are considering traveling on Saturday 18 March from Inverness to Glasgow, by bus to Spean Bridge (A 10.44) or continue to Fort William (A 11.05) and then by train from either place to Glasgow. we like to sit on the right to enjoy the West Highlandline as much as possible. When we leave Spean Bridge at 11.52 we have over an hour to have a drink, in Fort William at 11.40 probably only 10 to 15 minutes. If we board at Spean Bridge on such a Saturday, are we likely to find two seats facing each other generally on the right-hand side? We hope to find some advice here as newbies to this forum.

 

[Drogba11CFC]

As a retired couple from the Netherlands, we are considering traveling on Saturday 18 March from Inverness to Glasgow, by bus to Spean Bridge (A 10.44) or continue to Fort William (A 11.05) and then by train from either place to Glasgow. we like to sit on the right to enjoy the West Highlandline as much as possible. When we leave Spean Bridge at 11.52 we have over an hour to have a drink, in Fort William at 11.40 probably only 10 to 15 minutes. If we board at Spean Bridge on such a Saturday, are we likely to find two seats facing each other generally on the right-hand side? We hope to find some advice here as newbies to this forum.

I'd suggest getting on at Fort William to have a better chance, but the train originates at Mallaig. See if you can reserve seats.

 

[AlterEgo]

The trains in use on that line have only a handful of table seats, and I would expect the train to be reasonably busy. You'll probably get an airline pair of seats though next to each other.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

See if you can reserve seats.

Bear in mind that if the train (from Mallaig) is indeed seat reservable, it changes direction/reverses at Fort William. Presume the reservation system can cope with that.

 

[InOban]

And I think that the hotel in Spean Bridge is closed, so I'm not sure where you would get a drink!
18th March, train shouldn't be too busy.

 

[Oldercouple]

Many thanks in advance for the tips!! As Dutch people you don't realize that these trains can be reserved and last but not least free. I have now been able to reserve coach A seat 41A and 42A from Spean Bridge via GWR. No idea if these seats are on the left or right (50% chance ) According to google maps, a "SPAR" has opened there where you can drink coffee with something sweet and also "the Bridge Café".

 

[Deepgreen]

I would continue to Fort William - there is more chance of a quick drink being available and you will get two opportunities to see Ben Nevis (the UK's highest mountain) between Spean Bridge and FW. It may well be shrouded in cloud but you might be lucky! Edit - just seen your reservations note - I think these seats will be the window seats on two adjacent rows, but right or left is a guess. You'll be able to stand up and walk to the door areas/vacant seats to see views on the other side if need be.

 

[Railsigns]

Edit - just seen your reservations note - I think these seats will be the window seats on two adjacent rows, but right or left is a guess.

41 is a window seat, and 42 is the adjacent aisle seat. The "A" means 'airline seat'.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Edit - just seen your reservations note - I think these seats will be the window seats on two adjacent rows, but right or left is a guess. You'll be able to stand up and walk to the door areas/vacant seats to see views on the other side if need be.

If it's a Class 156, wouldn't seats A41 and A42 be airline seats immediately next to each other, forward facing on the right hand side of the train in the direction of travel, this assuming, of course, that the B carriage is the leading coach for the leg from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street?

 

[Ediswan]

And I think that the hotel in Spean Bridge is closed, so I'm not sure where you would get a drink!

According to google maps, a "SPAR" has opened there where you can drink coffee with something sweet and also "the Bridge Café".

Spean Bridge Mill (also know as the Wollen Mill) seems to be open for business. Google Maps shows them as a 'clothing shop', but they also have a cafe/restaurant. Some years since I visited. Recent reviews are variable.

 

[Grumpy]

Spean Bridge Woollen Mill is only about five minutes from the station. Has a cafe/restaurant inside which has always been ok for us. Might be brave aiming for a 10minute or so connection at Fort William given road conditions.

 

[30907]

Might be brave aiming for a 10minute or so connection at Fort William given road conditions.

Tue connection is 35min as the bus arrives 1105. The OP is concerned about having only 10-15min for a drink.
BTW, isn't there a trolley service on the WHL?

 

[Oldercouple]

According to Scotrail there are (after covid19) few trains with hospitality services. Not on this train. They have list from week to week, very few trains.

 

[Oldercouple]

Update: after all we didn’t travel on the West Highlandline. The weather on our travelday was very bad. In contrast along the Eastcoast of Scotland dry and sometimes sunny with clear view, so we traveled along Aberdeen. It was a nice trip, with not so spectacular views as the West but better this than no view at al because of the rain and clouds!