Ayr - Stranraer

[bangor-toad]

Hi there,
I'm off on a SailRail trip from Sussex to Belfast on Saturday. It's a trip I've done numerous times.
(When I've got time to spare the SailRail ticket at £54 is *so* much better then paying over £170 to Easyjet or Ryanair)

This time I'm contemplating getting the earlier train so that I can travel down to Stranraer (and then the 350 bus) rather than taking the SailRail coach from Ayr.

I've never done the Ayr - Stranraer line and the timings work out to try it.
My questions are:
Is it worth a) spending the £11.10 for the fare and b)getting up an hour earlier?
I know it's all subjective but is it an interesting ride in terms of scenery and things to look at?
Cheers,
Mr Toad

 

[alexf380]

If you get a nice day then it can be quite an okay view. It's all on a Class 156 Sprinter, so if you do opt for the train then be prepared for a not massively comfortable ride as all the seats are the original low-set seats they were built with. If that, however, doesn't bother you then by all means, do go.
Personally, I'd take the train over the bus, but that's just me.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Tip, there are advances available on the train from Glasgow and whilst this adds abit more to the journeytime as the glasgow to ayr bit is slower than changing part way it takes the sting out of the extra on top of your main ticket at last time I looked the APs were around 8 quid

 

[crehld]

I travelled the Ayr to Stranraer route last month as far as Barrhill. I have to say the scenery was quite pleasant, but as alexf380 says, it's not the most comfortable of trains.

 

[gazthomas]

Hi there,
I'm off on a SailRail trip from Sussex to Belfast on Saturday. It's a trip I've done numerous times.
(When I've got time to spare the SailRail ticket at £54 is *so* much better then paying over £170 to Easyjet or Ryanair)

This time I'm contemplating getting the earlier train so that I can travel down to Stranraer (and then the 350 bus) rather than taking the SailRail coach from Ayr.

I've never done the Ayr - Stranraer line and the timings work out to try it.
My questions are:
Is it worth a) spending the £11.10 for the fare and b)getting up an hour earlier?
I know it's all subjective but is it an interesting ride in terms of scenery and things to look at?
Cheers,
Mr Toad

I think it is worth the time and money. Yes, it's not the West Highland or Kyle lines but still very nice

 

[30907]

I agree with gazthomas. The Stranraer line is well worth it for the ride (and 156s dont bother me), pretty remote beyond Girvan and not busy.
Look out on the left at Barrhill where the token instruments are in the station building not the signalbox - think thats unique now? Stranraer station is an experience in itself...