-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
The Various Random Mutterings of Kite
- Thread starter Kite159
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Kite159
Veteran Member
22nd May Fields of Thistles, Day 2
Today would be a bit more relaxing than the Saturday (although with the amount of 170 mileage involved, others might not call it so relaxing), the mission today was to continue up towards Aberdeen, picking off a few semi-limited serviced shacks along the way. I had my alarm set for 07:00 to fire up the Transport for Edinburgh App as a just in case 255 was out check, but as it was hiding on the depot I went back to have a small kip for another half an hour before walking out to the Somerset Place bus stop to await the next bus (having researched timings and if I had just missed a service would have been a short walk to the Foot of Leith Walk).
Thankfully my wait wasnt for that long before handing over my £1.60 in exchange for a ticket to ride 451 to the bus stop outside Edinburgh Waverley station on Princes Street, heading via Sainsburys for a quick breakfast bacon sandwich before carrying on into the depths of the station to await the arrival of the 09:10 Aberdeen service which unlike the 09:15 Aberdeen service was formed of a HST, with 43367 & 43309 leading this early morning service. It was easy enough to get a seat on the right hand side for the relaxing run heading north, across both bridges and along the coast to reach my first new shack of the day with Montrose.
What a beautiful view overlooking the Montrose bay and a pleasant way to spend roughly half an hour before the 09:15 stopping service from Edinburgh caught up, which was formed of 170415 to take me to Adams favourite shack, Portlethen. The first of the semi-awkward shacks visited today as it doesnt really have the best service pattern off-peak, but by a quirk of the timetable the first two Scotrail Aberdeen services both call within 30 minutes of each other (one from Edinburgh, the other from Glasgow). A quick wonder around spotted a Co-Op a couple minutes walk away from the station, but since I visited Tesco in Montrose I had enough supplies.
My train of thinking was interrupted by a freight train heading southwards before a 5-car set formed of 170450 & 158738 rolled in from Glasgow to take me the final few miles into the Granite City itself, Aberdeen. Noting a 158 had attached itself to the Edinburgh service (which also called at Portlethen, then nothing at that station for 4 hours), but I decided to have a short break to have a walk around Aberdeen for no reason other than wanting to have a look, noticing that all 3 south facing bays [which are in public use] had trains in:
45 minutes (or so) later I returned to the station, to take a seat on the next Glasgow service, formed of 158738 & 170450, as I took a nice seat in the Haymarket based 158 which was pretty much empty until Dundee. A nice run, keeping one eye on the time keeping as I had planned a tight connection at the next station, eventually we reached Perth (can anybody think of a more isolated station in terms of rail miles away from the closest station on 4 lines?), carrying on (the 158 putting in a very vocal performance) to reach the classy Gleneagles. For an unstaffed station which has a very odd service pattern, it is well maintained, although that might be down to having lots of money thrown at it a few years ago for the golf championship.
Thankfully my +4 held (otherwise it would have been a 50-odd minute wait), as I boarded the Elgin bound (one of the few services which goes towards Inverness but doesnt terminate, although only the rear 3 coaches were due to detach and head towards Moriarty after reversing at Inverness). Anyhow it was a reasonable busy 170428/170404 for the Perth-style Bus stop leap (a mere 15 miles!) to Perth, walking another 15 miles to cross from platform 7 to platform 2, to catch 170429 to Dundee where I decided to have another short break, as my plan had me not making that connection at Gleneagles and I was ahead of myself, so I headed to the Tesco to pick up some food items.
I was a bit worried with the next service as I believe Aberdeen were playing a Glasgow based team in the kick-ball, however my fears were in vain as 170456 rolled in from Glasgow to take me the 40 and a bit miles back towards Aberdeen to the reopened station at Laurencekirk, the unit wanting to pass a message of greetings to Mr Adrock
. Another one of those got to time it right to avoid a long fester stations on the Aberdeen line. I was impressed with the restored station building on the Aberdeen bound platform; the Dundee bound platform had a basic shelter.
Roughly half an hour later the next Glasgow bound service formed of 170418/170409 rolled in, as I took a seat in the quieter 418 for the run back towards Tayside, having an option to bail at Dundee for a stopping service back to Edinburgh or carrying on to Stirling for a stopper from Dunblane. On spotting the Dundee Edinburgh service was a 170 I remained on board back via Invergowrie, Perth then down to Stirling Archer, where I had only a rough 10 minute wait before a pair of 158s rolled in, both Inverness based units but sadly both not required. I took a seat in an empty 158723 which was leading 158715, deciding to remain on board all the way to Edinburgh on grounds that there wasnt anything of interest due at Haymarket other than an unknown unit 40 minutes later from West Calder.
With nothing better to do I returned to the bus stop outside the station for a short wait before bus 461 took me back to Somerset Place, the end of a successful day on the Aberdeen line.
To be continued, but I leave you with a picture of the James Bond Cat, and of a polite mysterious door:
Today would be a bit more relaxing than the Saturday (although with the amount of 170 mileage involved, others might not call it so relaxing), the mission today was to continue up towards Aberdeen, picking off a few semi-limited serviced shacks along the way. I had my alarm set for 07:00 to fire up the Transport for Edinburgh App as a just in case 255 was out check, but as it was hiding on the depot I went back to have a small kip for another half an hour before walking out to the Somerset Place bus stop to await the next bus (having researched timings and if I had just missed a service would have been a short walk to the Foot of Leith Walk).
Thankfully my wait wasnt for that long before handing over my £1.60 in exchange for a ticket to ride 451 to the bus stop outside Edinburgh Waverley station on Princes Street, heading via Sainsburys for a quick breakfast bacon sandwich before carrying on into the depths of the station to await the arrival of the 09:10 Aberdeen service which unlike the 09:15 Aberdeen service was formed of a HST, with 43367 & 43309 leading this early morning service. It was easy enough to get a seat on the right hand side for the relaxing run heading north, across both bridges and along the coast to reach my first new shack of the day with Montrose.
What a beautiful view overlooking the Montrose bay and a pleasant way to spend roughly half an hour before the 09:15 stopping service from Edinburgh caught up, which was formed of 170415 to take me to Adams favourite shack, Portlethen. The first of the semi-awkward shacks visited today as it doesnt really have the best service pattern off-peak, but by a quirk of the timetable the first two Scotrail Aberdeen services both call within 30 minutes of each other (one from Edinburgh, the other from Glasgow). A quick wonder around spotted a Co-Op a couple minutes walk away from the station, but since I visited Tesco in Montrose I had enough supplies.
My train of thinking was interrupted by a freight train heading southwards before a 5-car set formed of 170450 & 158738 rolled in from Glasgow to take me the final few miles into the Granite City itself, Aberdeen. Noting a 158 had attached itself to the Edinburgh service (which also called at Portlethen, then nothing at that station for 4 hours), but I decided to have a short break to have a walk around Aberdeen for no reason other than wanting to have a look, noticing that all 3 south facing bays [which are in public use] had trains in:
45 minutes (or so) later I returned to the station, to take a seat on the next Glasgow service, formed of 158738 & 170450, as I took a nice seat in the Haymarket based 158 which was pretty much empty until Dundee. A nice run, keeping one eye on the time keeping as I had planned a tight connection at the next station, eventually we reached Perth (can anybody think of a more isolated station in terms of rail miles away from the closest station on 4 lines?), carrying on (the 158 putting in a very vocal performance) to reach the classy Gleneagles. For an unstaffed station which has a very odd service pattern, it is well maintained, although that might be down to having lots of money thrown at it a few years ago for the golf championship.
Thankfully my +4 held (otherwise it would have been a 50-odd minute wait), as I boarded the Elgin bound (one of the few services which goes towards Inverness but doesnt terminate, although only the rear 3 coaches were due to detach and head towards Moriarty after reversing at Inverness). Anyhow it was a reasonable busy 170428/170404 for the Perth-style Bus stop leap (a mere 15 miles!) to Perth, walking another 15 miles to cross from platform 7 to platform 2, to catch 170429 to Dundee where I decided to have another short break, as my plan had me not making that connection at Gleneagles and I was ahead of myself, so I headed to the Tesco to pick up some food items.
I was a bit worried with the next service as I believe Aberdeen were playing a Glasgow based team in the kick-ball, however my fears were in vain as 170456 rolled in from Glasgow to take me the 40 and a bit miles back towards Aberdeen to the reopened station at Laurencekirk, the unit wanting to pass a message of greetings to Mr Adrock
. Another one of those got to time it right to avoid a long fester stations on the Aberdeen line. I was impressed with the restored station building on the Aberdeen bound platform; the Dundee bound platform had a basic shelter.
Roughly half an hour later the next Glasgow bound service formed of 170418/170409 rolled in, as I took a seat in the quieter 418 for the run back towards Tayside, having an option to bail at Dundee for a stopping service back to Edinburgh or carrying on to Stirling for a stopper from Dunblane. On spotting the Dundee Edinburgh service was a 170 I remained on board back via Invergowrie, Perth then down to Stirling Archer, where I had only a rough 10 minute wait before a pair of 158s rolled in, both Inverness based units but sadly both not required. I took a seat in an empty 158723 which was leading 158715, deciding to remain on board all the way to Edinburgh on grounds that there wasnt anything of interest due at Haymarket other than an unknown unit 40 minutes later from West Calder.
With nothing better to do I returned to the bus stop outside the station for a short wait before bus 461 took me back to Somerset Place, the end of a successful day on the Aberdeen line.
To be continued, but I leave you with a picture of the James Bond Cat, and of a polite mysterious door:
Ah. Guess the door?
I'm having that as Dunkeld and Birnam. I could pretend I'm really clever but actually the same door was on Guess The Station in the quiz section a couple of weeks ago and I recognised it.
I'm having that as Dunkeld and Birnam. I could pretend I'm really clever but actually the same door was on Guess The Station in the quiz section a couple of weeks ago and I recognised it.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Ah. Guess the door?
I'm having that as Dunkeld and Birnam. I could pretend I'm really clever but actually the same door was on Guess The Station in the quiz section a couple of weeks ago and I recognised it.
Correct, I just like the wording.
The building itself looked disused from what I could see through the windows.
I wonder if a genius such as yourself can guess the station of this picture:
Correct, I just like the wording.
The building itself looked disused from what I could see through the windows.
I wonder if a genius such as yourself can guess the station of this picture:
No chance Kite, I'm a one trick pony.
Unless... Maybe it's the inside of that door and it's where some kind of BR version of Doctor Who lives and that door appears in various stations around the country? The phone is how you control it.
It could be called the 'The Turdis'.
Was it at Gleneagles?
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Enjoying the report although not the 170s but glad the HSt was utilised. I wasnt aware that the 09:15 dundee stopper X Waverley had been extended, looks like Scotfail are finally after years and years getting to grips with capacity issues on Sunday mornings on this flow. It used to go from XC's voyager to the HST then a 90 minute gap before a wedged single 170. Good news there at least. Likewise all these 158s escaping onto the Aberdeens on Sundays, might be worth a ride for the sake of some thrash!
Oh and loving the guess the Scottish Shack game lol.
Oh and loving the guess the Scottish Shack game lol.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Well Country House could apply to many a Scottish dwelling.
Kite159
Veteran Member
The phone wasn't at Gleneagles, although I wonder if you pressed 3 it would bring some Covfefe
22nd May Fields of Thistles Day 3
From the picture I posted yesterday you could probably guess what I was doing this morning as I had an early start with bus 709 taking me from Somerset Place to the bus stop outside Waverley, as I headed down to the underbelly of Edinburgh to pick up an anytime day return to Rosyth, I spotted the departure of the 68 set which goes round the full circle (being hauled by required 68007) so that was something to fall back on if the 2nd set which starts at Cardenden.
Nothing required spotted, so it was onto 158723 to take me to Rosyth where I had a nice 15 minute wait in the early morning sunshine before the unmissable sound of a 68 was heard on the horizon and in rolled the winner 68006, as expected it was a well loaded set and the 68 made a lovely noise crossing the bridge to reach South Gyle where I bailed:
There was a lot of RPIs floating around checking tickets for the many commuters, but it wasnt a long wait before the sound of the James Bond Cat was heard on the horizon as winner 68007 returned from her little trip around the circle to take me back to Haymarket, on grounds that I needed a PNB and Haymarket has free toilets. However I was quite pleased I scored both of the Scotrail 68s.
I had highlighted a service from Glasgow Central which could provide some 156s, however it was 158739 leading 158786 for the short hop back to Edinburgh, where after a quick scan, grabbed some breakfast before heading towards the Dunblane stopper, formed of 170473 to take me to Falkirk Grahamston where I had a 15 minute wait in the rain before 158714 returned from Grangemouth to take me to Glasgow Queen Street via Stepps, just because I fancied recovering that line. Once at Glasgow Queen Street I had roughly an hour before the next Inverness bound service would depart to make a start with the Highland Main Line.
The Highland Main Line at the moment proved to be my biggest head ache when planning this trip, owing to the odd service frequency and mixture of calling patterns for the stations. Only two trains a day in each direction calls at all stations between Inverness & Perth, so it was a case of trying to work out a plan which didnt involve festering at a random highland station in the middle of nowhere (cough Dalwhinnie) for hours on end. Although my plan did change a few times, I think I made a good effort. Anyhow back to Glasgow and with nothing of interest spotted in the high level platform, I decided to head to Buchanan Street to see if any of my remaining 4 subway cars were out and about (working out with an off-peak 8 minute frequency, there are 3 sets in both directions).
I got lucky straight away with the next Outer service having required 104 leading 203 & 121 which I took to the island platform of Bridge Street, noting that the first Inner service also featured a required car. The 2nd inner service was dud, as was the 2nd outer, followed up by a dud 3rd inner so I hopped to West Street on the 3rd outer formed of 109/123/117 for a short fester before the 1st inner returned and I was correct as winner 112 was leading 128 & 106 for the mile run back to Buchanan Street. 2 more subway cars into the book, leaving 2 more to get, swinging via Sainsburys for a meal-deal before returning to Queen Street to await the announcement of the train for Inverness, which looked busy, however I used the walk to the front door method to avoid the crowding of normals crowding around the rearmost doors, to grab a decent table seat on 170413 for the fast run northbound, first stop Stirling then Perth, before going onto the Highland Main Line itself.
My first shack score of the day came at Blair Atholl, featuring a nearby pub and a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. It was quite relaxing during my short fester here:
The next Perth bound service (couldnt remember if it was an Edinburgh or Glasgow service) rolled in formed of a certain 170 (which I wont mention for the sake of a certain near-Hereford based basher), to take me back a couple stops to Dunkeld & Birnam, which features a very polite door to the old station building (which looked disused from what I could see through the windows). The first of many super-low platforms on my trip, a busy road nearby but nothing I could see around the station area. From what I could work out it has two platforms, however platform 2 is only used a few times a day when trains are timed to pass here, and hence it has nothing on it (other than flower pots):
15 (or so) minutes later another busy 170 rolled in, formed of 170406 to take me one stop back north to Pitlochry, one of the easier shacks on this line (as everything calls here). A nice little touristy town, and a very well maintained station in terms of buildings & flower pots. A charity book store is within part of the main station building, and it wasnt that far to walk to the town centre which featured many little shops which some tourists could partake in some retail therapy.
When I was there the daily Tesco train popped up with 66427 hauling the wagons, with the next Glasgow bound service (or was it Edinburgh?), formed of 170417 to take me back down to Perth, walking over to platform 2 to await the next Arbroath bound service, just as the rain started. It was time to return to Tayside to pick up my remaining 3 shacks. First up was a standard class only 170458, which paused at Invergowrie and Dundee before dropping me off at Broughty Ferry, a town which seems to be crying out for more services to call. Although at this time of night most of the shops were closed (but I popped to Tesco Express). There is a level crossing here, but it appears to be a subway as well. With rain on the horizon I started walking eastwards (there is an option with the route 73 bus to cut down the walking time, but Google Maps seemed to ignore the existence of a footbridge over the line. Besides I got to walk on the sands (all for a few metres before returning to solid ground)
A mile and a half later (and dodging some heavy rain showers by hiding underneath trees) I reached Balmossie which like Barry & Golf is served by one train in each direction (with the Dundee bound train being really early in the morning). This was a right basic shack, a little waiting shelter on the Dundee bound platform, with nothing other than a seat on the Carnoustie bound platform. The Dundee platform looked tiny, and it was no surprise that it was local door only when the all-shacks express rolled in. There is a footbridge at the Dundee end, notable for providing shelter and having quite steep ramps
However I did beat the return of 170458 from Arbroath!:
The all-shack express tonight was formed of 158731 & 158738 and was quite empty for the run to Carnoustie where it terminated, of note a couple passengers alighted at Monifieth, nobody at Barry and a couple at Golf Street. Around 5 passengers (including myself) alighted at Carnoustie, where I was greeted with the sound of a HST roaring past bound for Leeds:
I didnt have that long to wait before the next Aberdeen bound service rolled in, formed of 170404 which took me the short hop to Arbroath which cleared the Aberdeen line (and all shacks [bar Cambridge North] served or passed by XC services. However with rain still on the horizon and nothing I could spot once outside the station I returned to the other platform to await the next Edinburgh bound service for some change of plans
My original plan was to basically waste time before heading to Perth to catch the Perth Edinburgh via Rosyth service to recover that line, however it would be dark so would be a bit pointless, so I decided to attack the Glenrothes North Curve from the southern direction. 170451 was in charge for the fast run back to Edinburgh, calling only at Dundee, Leuchars & Haymarket on the run to Edinburgh where after a quick look around found nothing of interest, headed to the Perth service formed of 158741 & 158869 to take me on the slow trip back northbound calling pretty much every station on the circle, before calling at platform 2 at Glenrothes with Thornton, carrying on to score another PSUL move (one I was going to do back in January time but hit it on the head).
At Markinch I had two options of trains back to Edinburgh, either the service from Perth I would have caught back round the inner circle calling at all stations, or a fast Voyager. The service from Perth was a 170 so I decided to turn it down for a trip on a mostly empty 221120 back to Haymarket (hence completing another small part of my XC coverage), having a chance with a service from Dunblane which sadly was dud 170395 back to a dead quiet Edinburgh Waverley. A quick walk out of the station saw me leaping onto the final route 1 bus down Easter Road to Academy Park where it terminated (bus number 39), night buses were available but they only went as far as the foot of Leith walk so it saved a little bit of walk.
Needless to say I crashed out once I reached the room, with the job of repacking the mobile house coming tomorrow morning as I shift my focus towards Inverness, on another very 170 heavy day (boo).
22nd May Fields of Thistles Day 3
From the picture I posted yesterday you could probably guess what I was doing this morning as I had an early start with bus 709 taking me from Somerset Place to the bus stop outside Waverley, as I headed down to the underbelly of Edinburgh to pick up an anytime day return to Rosyth, I spotted the departure of the 68 set which goes round the full circle (being hauled by required 68007) so that was something to fall back on if the 2nd set which starts at Cardenden.
Nothing required spotted, so it was onto 158723 to take me to Rosyth where I had a nice 15 minute wait in the early morning sunshine before the unmissable sound of a 68 was heard on the horizon and in rolled the winner 68006, as expected it was a well loaded set and the 68 made a lovely noise crossing the bridge to reach South Gyle where I bailed:
There was a lot of RPIs floating around checking tickets for the many commuters, but it wasnt a long wait before the sound of the James Bond Cat was heard on the horizon as winner 68007 returned from her little trip around the circle to take me back to Haymarket, on grounds that I needed a PNB and Haymarket has free toilets. However I was quite pleased I scored both of the Scotrail 68s.
I had highlighted a service from Glasgow Central which could provide some 156s, however it was 158739 leading 158786 for the short hop back to Edinburgh, where after a quick scan, grabbed some breakfast before heading towards the Dunblane stopper, formed of 170473 to take me to Falkirk Grahamston where I had a 15 minute wait in the rain before 158714 returned from Grangemouth to take me to Glasgow Queen Street via Stepps, just because I fancied recovering that line. Once at Glasgow Queen Street I had roughly an hour before the next Inverness bound service would depart to make a start with the Highland Main Line.
The Highland Main Line at the moment proved to be my biggest head ache when planning this trip, owing to the odd service frequency and mixture of calling patterns for the stations. Only two trains a day in each direction calls at all stations between Inverness & Perth, so it was a case of trying to work out a plan which didnt involve festering at a random highland station in the middle of nowhere (cough Dalwhinnie) for hours on end. Although my plan did change a few times, I think I made a good effort. Anyhow back to Glasgow and with nothing of interest spotted in the high level platform, I decided to head to Buchanan Street to see if any of my remaining 4 subway cars were out and about (working out with an off-peak 8 minute frequency, there are 3 sets in both directions).
I got lucky straight away with the next Outer service having required 104 leading 203 & 121 which I took to the island platform of Bridge Street, noting that the first Inner service also featured a required car. The 2nd inner service was dud, as was the 2nd outer, followed up by a dud 3rd inner so I hopped to West Street on the 3rd outer formed of 109/123/117 for a short fester before the 1st inner returned and I was correct as winner 112 was leading 128 & 106 for the mile run back to Buchanan Street. 2 more subway cars into the book, leaving 2 more to get, swinging via Sainsburys for a meal-deal before returning to Queen Street to await the announcement of the train for Inverness, which looked busy, however I used the walk to the front door method to avoid the crowding of normals crowding around the rearmost doors, to grab a decent table seat on 170413 for the fast run northbound, first stop Stirling then Perth, before going onto the Highland Main Line itself.
My first shack score of the day came at Blair Atholl, featuring a nearby pub and a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. It was quite relaxing during my short fester here:
The next Perth bound service (couldnt remember if it was an Edinburgh or Glasgow service) rolled in formed of a certain 170 (which I wont mention for the sake of a certain near-Hereford based basher
), to take me back a couple stops to Dunkeld & Birnam, which features a very polite door to the old station building (which looked disused from what I could see through the windows). The first of many super-low platforms on my trip, a busy road nearby but nothing I could see around the station area. From what I could work out it has two platforms, however platform 2 is only used a few times a day when trains are timed to pass here, and hence it has nothing on it (other than flower pots):
15 (or so) minutes later another busy 170 rolled in, formed of 170406 to take me one stop back north to Pitlochry, one of the easier shacks on this line (as everything calls here). A nice little touristy town, and a very well maintained station in terms of buildings & flower pots. A charity book store is within part of the main station building, and it wasnt that far to walk to the town centre which featured many little shops which some tourists could partake in some retail therapy.
When I was there the daily Tesco train popped up with 66427 hauling the wagons, with the next Glasgow bound service (or was it Edinburgh?), formed of 170417 to take me back down to Perth, walking over to platform 2 to await the next Arbroath bound service, just as the rain started. It was time to return to Tayside to pick up my remaining 3 shacks. First up was a standard class only 170458, which paused at Invergowrie and Dundee before dropping me off at Broughty Ferry, a town which seems to be crying out for more services to call. Although at this time of night most of the shops were closed (but I popped to Tesco Express). There is a level crossing here, but it appears to be a subway as well. With rain on the horizon I started walking eastwards (there is an option with the route 73 bus to cut down the walking time, but Google Maps seemed to ignore the existence of a footbridge over the line. Besides I got to walk on the sands (all for a few metres before returning to solid ground)
A mile and a half later (and dodging some heavy rain showers by hiding underneath trees) I reached Balmossie which like Barry & Golf is served by one train in each direction (with the Dundee bound train being really early in the morning). This was a right basic shack, a little waiting shelter on the Dundee bound platform, with nothing other than a seat on the Carnoustie bound platform. The Dundee platform looked tiny, and it was no surprise that it was local door only when the all-shacks express rolled in. There is a footbridge at the Dundee end, notable for providing shelter and having quite steep ramps
However I did beat the return of 170458 from Arbroath!:
The all-shack express tonight was formed of 158731 & 158738 and was quite empty for the run to Carnoustie where it terminated, of note a couple passengers alighted at Monifieth, nobody at Barry and a couple at Golf Street. Around 5 passengers (including myself) alighted at Carnoustie, where I was greeted with the sound of a HST roaring past bound for Leeds:
I didnt have that long to wait before the next Aberdeen bound service rolled in, formed of 170404 which took me the short hop to Arbroath which cleared the Aberdeen line (and all shacks [bar Cambridge North] served or passed by XC services. However with rain still on the horizon and nothing I could spot once outside the station I returned to the other platform to await the next Edinburgh bound service for some change of plans
My original plan was to basically waste time before heading to Perth to catch the Perth Edinburgh via Rosyth service to recover that line, however it would be dark so would be a bit pointless, so I decided to attack the Glenrothes North Curve from the southern direction. 170451 was in charge for the fast run back to Edinburgh, calling only at Dundee, Leuchars & Haymarket on the run to Edinburgh where after a quick look around found nothing of interest, headed to the Perth service formed of 158741 & 158869 to take me on the slow trip back northbound calling pretty much every station on the circle, before calling at platform 2 at Glenrothes with Thornton, carrying on to score another PSUL move (one I was going to do back in January time but hit it on the head).
At Markinch I had two options of trains back to Edinburgh, either the service from Perth I would have caught back round the inner circle calling at all stations, or a fast Voyager. The service from Perth was a 170 so I decided to turn it down for a trip on a mostly empty 221120 back to Haymarket (hence completing another small part of my XC coverage), having a chance with a service from Dunblane which sadly was dud 170395 back to a dead quiet Edinburgh Waverley. A quick walk out of the station saw me leaping onto the final route 1 bus down Easter Road to Academy Park where it terminated (bus number 39), night buses were available but they only went as far as the foot of Leith walk so it saved a little bit of walk.
Needless to say I crashed out once I reached the room, with the job of repacking the mobile house coming tomorrow morning as I shift my focus towards Inverness, on another very 170 heavy day (boo).
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Glad you finally got that curve in, needless to say both directions have been mega dud for years here. Good day although the 170s are clearly getting to you!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
This near-Hereford basher is still green with envy with those 170s!
My moves envy is quite significant, as I'm sure is clear as day. I must get up north and get some Scottish action going on!
My moves envy is quite significant, as I'm sure is clear as day. I must get up north and get some Scottish action going on!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Although I assume you only envy the 170s for the sake of clearing them not riding them!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Precisely, I avoid 170s when possible down here as it is!
Very much enjoying all this. Those 68s look lovely in Scotrail colours. Are they paired up with mk2 aircons then? If so what are they like inside, are they in Scotrail colours as well? - I'm looking at this on my tiny phone screen so it looks like it but a bit hard to tell.
Kite159
Veteran Member
The Mk2s have AC and are in Scotrail colours on the outside. Inside is a mix bag of either ATW or FGW safety notices,
Ah thanks.
Kite159
Veteran Member
23rd May Fields of Thistles Day 4
It was time to say farewell to my guest house in Edinburgh and relocate to Inverness, after a final scan of the app to find that tram 255 still was hiding away meant a slightly later start than I had planned, no point rushing when my ticket isnt valid until 09:15 and I wanted to get away on the 09:33 Perth service to re-cover that line from Ladybank towards Perth. With the mobile home repacked, it was to the bus stop at Somerset Place for the final time of this trip with bus 462 taking me onwards to Waverley, as expected it wasnt the fastest of trips (mix between stopping every few minutes and the traffic caused by the roadworks).
After purchasing some items for breakfast and a quick scan around the station just in case something required popped up, it was a brief moment to pay my respects to the tragic events in Manchester the night before. I was lucky as I would get some 170 avoidance in the shape of 158868 for the thrashful run north, crossing the Forth Bridge for the final time and carrying straight on after Ladybank for some speed through open countryside to reach Perth, with a good 20 minutes to fester before the next Inverness train would arrive, so I took a seat and relaxed, bracing myself for one of BTs favourite units on a route with a couple long hills.
I was pleased when 170431 rolled in as the leading coach was once more easy enough to secure a good seat, with my bag going onto the luggage rack, as it set off heading north onto the Highland Main Line, passing the three shacks I cleared yesterday and into the wilderness of the Pass of Drumochter (lots of noise from the underpowered engines climbing the highest peak of the GB rail network), eventually reaching my first shack of the day with Aviemore. A nice little station with some expensive looking hotels opposite, a nearby Tesco was located for some lunch, as I ignored the no loitering signs to loiter around the station for the following service from Edinburgh (using the excuse of wanting Carrbridge).
170417 was up next, which I took to conquer Slochd summit before dropping down to Inverness, mainly to check into my guest house (Waverley Guesthouse, it be OK, but it was cheap with a very hard to beat location), managing to check in without any issues (getting the same room as I had back in September last year), which allowed me to drop off the bag and return to the station where I had a potential of a split plan, mainly if I wanted to risk a +6 at Dalwhinnie I could finish the day with the HST and maybe a trip to Tain. It was back onto 170431, sitting in the centre coach this time, but sadly due to a late running freight train meaning the 170 had to stop at one of the passing loops heading south meant Slochd was taken very slowly, dropping 10 minutes by the time it reached Aviemore. Plan B it would be as I bailed at Kingussie, which appeared to be having its second platform extended and raised to a standard height (Im guessing to allow the hourly service to be introduced in a few years time when the HSTs take over).
As a time wasting move, I have a short wait before 170410 took me back to Aviemore, before it was onto 170478 to the only single platform station on this line at Newtonmore (which I believe has cleared the many stations starting with Newton). A lovely (former?) signal box, plus a couple local businesses nearby, a nice place to spend around 30 minutes
Next up was another 170!, this time 170450 getting introduced to my 10-mile club with the run to Carrbridge where due to late running the next southbound service was already in the platform, having been given clearance not to stop in a passing loop a couple miles north, so the picture wasnt the greatest (as although the next train was less and an hour away, I didnt fancy hanging round Carrbridge for long as it looked remote, although it appeared to have a comfy looking waiting area. Anyhow I returned to Aviemore on 170410 to grab something to eat, and to try and stay warm as the mountain winds had started to pick up
45 (or so) minutes later 170450 returned from Inverness to take me to the final shack on this line, the very annoying (in terms of connections) Dalwhinnie. It is in the middle of nowhere, very isolated with a few houses (and the place where the whiskey is made), however even with the cold temperature it was a nice place to spend half an hour, noting that the waiting shelters are well maintained with even a window in order to see the train approaching. However visiting Dalwhinnie also meant that all shacks served & passed through [on a regular basis] by Virgin Trains East Coast had been cleared.
My final train of the day was a nice standard class only 170475 which took me the 59 and a half miles back to Inverness, where I could say farewell to 170 action for at least a couple days, as my focus would now shift to the Far North line. With nothing else to do at Inverness, I headed for a late evening walk along the River to rediscovery a beautiful city.
It was time to say farewell to my guest house in Edinburgh and relocate to Inverness, after a final scan of the app to find that tram 255 still was hiding away meant a slightly later start than I had planned, no point rushing when my ticket isnt valid until 09:15 and I wanted to get away on the 09:33 Perth service to re-cover that line from Ladybank towards Perth. With the mobile home repacked, it was to the bus stop at Somerset Place for the final time of this trip with bus 462 taking me onwards to Waverley, as expected it wasnt the fastest of trips (mix between stopping every few minutes and the traffic caused by the roadworks).
After purchasing some items for breakfast and a quick scan around the station just in case something required popped up, it was a brief moment to pay my respects to the tragic events in Manchester the night before. I was lucky as I would get some 170 avoidance in the shape of 158868 for the thrashful run north, crossing the Forth Bridge for the final time and carrying straight on after Ladybank for some speed through open countryside to reach Perth, with a good 20 minutes to fester before the next Inverness train would arrive, so I took a seat and relaxed, bracing myself for one of BTs favourite units on a route with a couple long hills.
I was pleased when 170431 rolled in as the leading coach was once more easy enough to secure a good seat, with my bag going onto the luggage rack, as it set off heading north onto the Highland Main Line, passing the three shacks I cleared yesterday and into the wilderness of the Pass of Drumochter (lots of noise from the underpowered engines climbing the highest peak of the GB rail network), eventually reaching my first shack of the day with Aviemore. A nice little station with some expensive looking hotels opposite, a nearby Tesco was located for some lunch, as I ignored the no loitering signs to loiter around the station for the following service from Edinburgh (using the excuse of wanting Carrbridge).
170417 was up next, which I took to conquer Slochd summit before dropping down to Inverness, mainly to check into my guest house (Waverley Guesthouse, it be OK, but it was cheap with a very hard to beat location), managing to check in without any issues (getting the same room as I had back in September last year), which allowed me to drop off the bag and return to the station where I had a potential of a split plan, mainly if I wanted to risk a +6 at Dalwhinnie I could finish the day with the HST and maybe a trip to Tain. It was back onto 170431, sitting in the centre coach this time, but sadly due to a late running freight train meaning the 170 had to stop at one of the passing loops heading south meant Slochd was taken very slowly, dropping 10 minutes by the time it reached Aviemore. Plan B it would be as I bailed at Kingussie, which appeared to be having its second platform extended and raised to a standard height (Im guessing to allow the hourly service to be introduced in a few years time when the HSTs take over).
As a time wasting move, I have a short wait before 170410 took me back to Aviemore, before it was onto 170478 to the only single platform station on this line at Newtonmore (which I believe has cleared the many stations starting with Newton). A lovely (former?) signal box, plus a couple local businesses nearby, a nice place to spend around 30 minutes
Next up was another 170!, this time 170450 getting introduced to my 10-mile club with the run to Carrbridge where due to late running the next southbound service was already in the platform, having been given clearance not to stop in a passing loop a couple miles north, so the picture wasnt the greatest (as although the next train was less and an hour away, I didnt fancy hanging round Carrbridge for long as it looked remote, although it appeared to have a comfy looking waiting area. Anyhow I returned to Aviemore on 170410 to grab something to eat, and to try and stay warm as the mountain winds had started to pick up
45 (or so) minutes later 170450 returned from Inverness to take me to the final shack on this line, the very annoying (in terms of connections) Dalwhinnie. It is in the middle of nowhere, very isolated with a few houses (and the place where the whiskey is made), however even with the cold temperature it was a nice place to spend half an hour, noting that the waiting shelters are well maintained with even a window in order to see the train approaching. However visiting Dalwhinnie also meant that all shacks served & passed through [on a regular basis] by Virgin Trains East Coast had been cleared.
My final train of the day was a nice standard class only 170475 which took me the 59 and a half miles back to Inverness, where I could say farewell to 170 action for at least a couple days, as my focus would now shift to the Far North line. With nothing else to do at Inverness, I headed for a late evening walk along the River to rediscovery a beautiful city.
alexf380
Established Member
They are Mk2 Aircons, but the interior has seen little attention since Virgin/Arriva (dependant on coach) days.
You're making it look easy up there, Kite. Another couple of good reads and congrats on clearing the routes of both VTEC and XC.
You're making it look easy up there, Kite. Another couple of good reads and congrats on clearing the routes of both VTEC and XC.
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
3 reports in one day, ain't I treating you well
24th May Fields of Thistles Day 5 (Into the North)
My alarm was set for around 06:00 which gave me time to pack a bag of clothes for the following day as I would be staying overnight in Thurso, also time to swing via the Co-Op before the first Wick train of the day. The Far North Line sees 4 trains a day, with some extras at the southern end of the line to cater for commuters, so this is where my plans could either work successfully, or get hit by the legendary unreliability of the Far North line (where only 30% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their timetabled time).
It was onto a lightly loaded 158703 operating the first northbound service, passing the first southbound service at Lairg (with a crew change so easy for anybody wanting to make a connection between trains), and the 2nd southbound service at Helmsdale, it was the first time in a few years heading north of Dingwall and I forgotten how slow the line is in places but more importantly how beautiful it is, running alongside the north sea before heading into the wilderness. My first shack score of the day would be at Georgemas Junction, watching the 158 as it reversed towards Thurso giving me a chance to have a look around. Nothing much around other than a busy road and a freight train in the nearby yard, although little did I know this wouldnt be the only time I would visit Georgemas Junction today...
Around 25 (or so) minutes later 158703 returned from Thurso to take me to Wick, where sadly I left my model of a 390 at home as I was going to take a picture of a 390 at Wick (see if anybody remembers that joke). The town hadnt changed since I last visited, still got a Co-Op near the station, and a lovely river walk to pass the time before S3 would depart (Ok, the 12:30 Wick Inverness)
It was back onto 158703 for the 3rd time of the day to head back towards Georgemas, remaining on board for the trip to Thurso, reversing back to Georgemas before carrying on heading south. I had a couple options here, but sadly the 2nd northbound service last reported as being on time, so I stayed to my original plan requesting the train to stop in the completely random, isolated and world famous Altnabreac. Apart from a couple houses there was nothing around, no public roads nearby, just an old water tower and disused platform:
Running a couple minutes late, I put my hand out to flag down 158713 for the trip to Thurso where I was going to make use of the hour and a bit wait before it would return to check into the guest house, however I had arrived a bit early so went off to explore a pretty little town, eating my lunch overlooking the beach at Thurso Bay. Eventually I returned to the guest house, checked in, handing over £18 for a shared room and carried on walking around the town (locating the Tesco to purchase an ice cream as it was slightly warm) and walking back to the station along the river, passing the bus depot.
158713 had returned from Wick, as I requested another little used shack, this time at Scotscalder, a nice little station building (now a private house), but not a lot else around, other than a nice grassy bank. I had planned for a roughly 40 minute fester here, however 17:29 came and went...
17:49 came and went... I managed to get some BT Wifi from the house to check what on earth is happening, to find out that the 3rd northbound service had lost time on route and appeared to be getting held at Helmsdale for 713 to pass. RTT had it down as moving giving a rough guess time of arrival of 18:35. 18:35 came and went with 158720 eventually deciding to show at the station with the low platform around 18:50, yep my 40 minutes had almost reached 2 hours.
Back to Georgemas Junction, where in traditional Far North style, a couple Transit minibuses, from a local company called G C Dunnett & Partners, were waiting to take Thurso passengers so that the train could regain some lost time by going direct to Wick. I was in minibus DI5 CFD (which probably makes little reference), but it was an enjoyable drive back to Thurso getting to see more of the countryside. Although my hour delay meant I could claim some delay repay back, but I was trying to decide what to have for dinner (having many options, including a succulent steak), but in the end picked a salad pot from the nearby Co-Op before returning to the beach, noting that the tide had come in.
I had a relaxing time, watching the waves and the sun going down over the cliffs
I will leave you with a picture of Thurso taken around 22:30, it didnt get dark until nearly Midnight (and it was light by around 4am), as the sole reason for staying overnight completely went down the toilet the following morning...
24th May Fields of Thistles Day 5 (Into the North)
My alarm was set for around 06:00 which gave me time to pack a bag of clothes for the following day as I would be staying overnight in Thurso, also time to swing via the Co-Op before the first Wick train of the day. The Far North Line sees 4 trains a day, with some extras at the southern end of the line to cater for commuters, so this is where my plans could either work successfully, or get hit by the legendary unreliability of the Far North line (where only 30% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their timetabled time).
It was onto a lightly loaded 158703 operating the first northbound service, passing the first southbound service at Lairg (with a crew change so easy for anybody wanting to make a connection between trains), and the 2nd southbound service at Helmsdale, it was the first time in a few years heading north of Dingwall and I forgotten how slow the line is in places but more importantly how beautiful it is, running alongside the north sea before heading into the wilderness. My first shack score of the day would be at Georgemas Junction, watching the 158 as it reversed towards Thurso giving me a chance to have a look around. Nothing much around other than a busy road and a freight train in the nearby yard, although little did I know this wouldnt be the only time I would visit Georgemas Junction today...
Around 25 (or so) minutes later 158703 returned from Thurso to take me to Wick, where sadly I left my model of a 390 at home as I was going to take a picture of a 390 at Wick (see if anybody remembers that joke). The town hadnt changed since I last visited, still got a Co-Op near the station, and a lovely river walk to pass the time before S3 would depart (Ok, the 12:30 Wick Inverness)
It was back onto 158703 for the 3rd time of the day to head back towards Georgemas, remaining on board for the trip to Thurso, reversing back to Georgemas before carrying on heading south. I had a couple options here, but sadly the 2nd northbound service last reported as being on time, so I stayed to my original plan requesting the train to stop in the completely random, isolated and world famous Altnabreac. Apart from a couple houses there was nothing around, no public roads nearby, just an old water tower and disused platform:
Running a couple minutes late, I put my hand out to flag down 158713 for the trip to Thurso where I was going to make use of the hour and a bit wait before it would return to check into the guest house, however I had arrived a bit early so went off to explore a pretty little town, eating my lunch overlooking the beach at Thurso Bay. Eventually I returned to the guest house, checked in, handing over £18 for a shared room and carried on walking around the town (locating the Tesco to purchase an ice cream as it was slightly warm) and walking back to the station along the river, passing the bus depot.
158713 had returned from Wick, as I requested another little used shack, this time at Scotscalder, a nice little station building (now a private house), but not a lot else around, other than a nice grassy bank. I had planned for a roughly 40 minute fester here, however 17:29 came and went...
17:49 came and went... I managed to get some BT Wifi from the house to check what on earth is happening, to find out that the 3rd northbound service had lost time on route and appeared to be getting held at Helmsdale for 713 to pass. RTT had it down as moving giving a rough guess time of arrival of 18:35. 18:35 came and went with 158720 eventually deciding to show at the station with the low platform around 18:50, yep my 40 minutes had almost reached 2 hours.
Back to Georgemas Junction, where in traditional Far North style, a couple Transit minibuses, from a local company called G C Dunnett & Partners, were waiting to take Thurso passengers so that the train could regain some lost time by going direct to Wick. I was in minibus DI5 CFD (which probably makes little reference), but it was an enjoyable drive back to Thurso getting to see more of the countryside. Although my hour delay meant I could claim some delay repay back, but I was trying to decide what to have for dinner (having many options, including a succulent steak), but in the end picked a salad pot from the nearby Co-Op before returning to the beach, noting that the tide had come in.
I had a relaxing time, watching the waves and the sun going down over the cliffs
I will leave you with a picture of Thurso taken around 22:30, it didnt get dark until nearly Midnight (and it was light by around 4am), as the sole reason for staying overnight completely went down the toilet the following morning...
alexf380
Established Member
A lovely part of the world, and one that I'm sure to visit in the coming years as I've a friend who lives not too far away from Wick.
And yes, I did get the joke!
And yes, I did get the joke!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
*gasps* shock horror, variously assorted 170s underpowered/making noize/struggling/losing time, complete joke of a service, and one that as you saw falls over so easily and only partly to do with the railway itself, the traction has much to answer for. Speeking of service good to see Scotfail still allocating standard only units to a route where First actually makes money.
On a brighter note nice work on the shacks and the leisure/down ti,e, shame the far North is going a bit wrong for you.
FYI the Cairngorm Hotel opposit Aviemore station is actually reasonable for a meal, coffee or a drink and is very welcoming.
On a brighter note nice work on the shacks and the leisure/down ti,e, shame the far North is going a bit wrong for you.
FYI the Cairngorm Hotel opposit Aviemore station is actually reasonable for a meal, coffee or a drink and is very welcoming.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I rather enjoyed that read, and thanks for the off-forum heads up too. Imagine my surprise when I find the first day of the Far North part of the bash up too when I got up this morning!
A rather farceful day on the Far North, and a productive day on the HML. I reckon you'll have sympathy from both me and Blindtraveller for all that 170 action! I'm not touching the HML until the HSTs get up there personally.
It's almost 10 years to the day (will be on 22nd/23rd June) since I last did the HML and the Far North with 40145, good grief that's been a long time. A 're-discovery mission' is starting to get required!
I know I've not commented on all the days so far, but I've enjoyed the read all the way through as usual
A rather farceful day on the Far North, and a productive day on the HML. I reckon you'll have sympathy from both me and Blindtraveller for all that 170 action! I'm not touching the HML until the HSTs get up there personally.
It's almost 10 years to the day (will be on 22nd/23rd June) since I last did the HML and the Far North with 40145, good grief that's been a long time. A 're-discovery mission' is starting to get required!
I know I've not commented on all the days so far, but I've enjoyed the read all the way through as usual
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Something I ment to say last night was that its good to hear platform works have started up there, they have got on with quietly and at least means they might just be ready when the HSTs turn up.
Beautiful. I've never been north of Georgemas Junction partly because I couldn't do it on loco hauled trains, regret that now of course and I will do it one day. I liked the old water tower at, oh hang on I'm going to go up the page and look again. Altnabreac (not going to check the spelling again), that tower looks like a real old steam era survivor.
I think I remember something about a 390 visiting Thurso joke or something about a year ago but I can't remember what it was now.
Yes actually I do know what it was, someone texted it in on that terrible Trainspotting Live programme and Peter Snow read it out! Is that right?
I think I remember something about a 390 visiting Thurso joke or something about a year ago but I can't remember what it was now.
Yes actually I do know what it was, someone texted it in on that terrible Trainspotting Live programme and Peter Snow read it out! Is that right?
Kite159
Veteran Member
Aye, it was on that Trainspotting Live with someone tweeting in a 390 spotted at Wick with it getting read out on air with the person from the museum behind attempting not to roll his eyes.
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
25th May Fields of Thistles, Day 6
The main reason for staying in Thurso overnight was to do the annoying Forsinard on a reasonable +110 (reasonable because it is the passing point between the 2nd northbound & 3rd southbound, plus 3rd northbound & 4th southbound, with a level crossing thrown into the mix so the chances of successfully making the connection from a Wick bound to an Inverness bound service was very low. My plan was to catch the 1st southbound service, alight and wait 110 (or so) minutes for the 2nd southbound service to appear to avoid a 7 and a bit mile walk in the countryside.
That was the plan, however due to a bridge strike around the Rogart area the evening before, the final northbound service didnt make it to Wick, and as a result the first southbound service would be starting from Helmsdale. Needless to say some of the words which came out of my mouth couldnt be printed here, but not knowing the scale of the damage (thankfully it seems nothing that serious) I decided to make use of the ticket acceptance on the Inverness bus, the X99 coach service (coach 54062). Disappointed in losing out on rail miles, but happy as the coach goes a different way towards Wick before visiting a few small villages along the eastern coast (some scary looking corners on the cliffs), the road meeting up with the railway at Helmdale (and the bus would beat that train into Inverness due to being able to take shortcuts.
Anyhow, I decided to take the bus to Brora where after swinging via a nearby toilet for a PNB and Co-Op for some breakfast (and lunch), I returned to the station to find the first northbound service running late. So late that the 2nd southbound service which would normally pass it at Helmsdale was allowed to proceed to Brora and still beat the northbound service (so yes, I could have easily stayed in bed for an extra hour or so, but never mind).
With my original plan in pieces, it was left to try and recover as much as possible, which meant bringing back the walk. Thankfully it was sunny and I made use of my tee-shirt from the day before as a rough hat (as I was foolish not to bring one) as the temperature was Scorchio, it hit 29C. Eventually 158706 kindly decided to show up to take me to Forsinard where after a few photos myself and another gentlemen set off down the single track A897 for a mere 7.2 mile walk (hey I had 3 hours to kill otherwise, and apart from a RSPB place there is nothing at Forsinard). Needless to say with the high temperatures (yes I did come away with burnt arms & nose), I kept making targets of shade areas on a completely foolish walk, but one I would recommend as the area is beautiful.
Eventually after 2 hours and 20 minutes I reached the tiny settlement and station of Kinbrace, where there is evidence of a former 2nd platform for a passing loop, but not a lot else, needless to say I took shelter from the sun on a bench to recover from my walk in the wild.
Unsurprisingly the next northbound service was late, but I did my first shake of the head to signal to the driver that I didnt need them to stop, but it did mean that 158706 was around 15 minutes late returning from Wick to take me to Lairg, a basic station located a good mile (or so) from the village of the same name, evidence of some sort of former industrial area nearby (a few Do not smoke signs in the car-park). I headed over to the other platform to seek some shade and to relax until the next northbound service would appear (no doubt 15 minutes late)
158719 was the next northbound service which was held at Ardgay for 15 minutes for that southbound service, I was caught out as it ran into the opposite platform so had to cross back over the bridge (might be another station where platform 1 is only used by that first northbound train where it crosses paths with the southbound service). Anyhow my original plan was to take this unit back into the wilderness, but I needed some additional liquids (did I already mention the weather?) so bailed at Helmsdale for a walk into the small village/town (Im never quite sure when a village ends and a town begins), locating a small Spar shop to purchase a mix of cold drinks before returning to the station.
Helmsdale featured a nicely done up waiting room, giving pictures of the previous state it was in (basically left to rot), however it was quite warm inside that waiting room so to kill some time I headed to the shade on the opposite platform (as due to the sun the southbound platform lacked shade). Also has a lovely old bridge crossing a river, and you do know I love old bridges
The final southbound service (from Wick) of the day was 158703 (which I knew what it was due to seeing it earlier), which I took to Ardgay, where the final southbound service turns into a semi-fast service (skips 4 of the smaller stations to attempt to be able to be a connection to the final southbound service at Inverness, but in most times that connection is missed and passengers dumped onto the sleeper if space available to be taken southwards). I wonder if Im getting a if that was the last southbound service, why are you bailing from it? style question, well hopefully the picture below will answer that for you:
I bailed due to an Ardgay Inverness service which departs shortly after the Wick Inverness service, formed of a short working service from Inverness, tonight that was 158725 and judging by the surprised look from the guard I guess this service normally carries fresh air for the first few stations. Anyhow Ardgay had nice views of some water, but I couldnt see anything else. I remained on board the unrefurbished 158725 to the ASS of the network at Alness (with a nice fester at Tain due to late running of the northbound service being held at Invergordon for 158703 to pass it. A nice single platform in a small town, featuring a nearby Morrisons which was used to grab some dinner, however as service was painfully slow (one checkout open with a queue of around 7 customers), I ditched my plan for a walk along the water front instead headed towards a nearby bus stop
It was a Stagecoach route 25 service bound somewhere in Invergordon (fleet number 28601), which I took for a couple mile leap to Invergordon station. This area feels a bit rough, but the station had good views of a boat. Beware there is no footbridge here with a good 5 minute walk to cross platforms. On the southbound platform the former station building has been painted up quite nicely as I waited for the Tain train to appear:
Looking back, the 21:06 service can either be formed of the same unit from Ardgay or in the event of that service being late, getting swapped out for the unit from Wick, tonight however it looked like 158725 made it to Inverness in time to head straight back out with only a few minute delay to take me one stop to Fearn, with a rather low platform. Nothing around the area of the station, so I took a seat to wait for 158725 to return from Tain, the former station building now a private home it seems:
Anyhow, it was a short wait for 158725 to return from Tain to take me back to Inverness, being my first and only train arriving somewhere on time for the day. Rolled into platform 7, also known as Inverness North due to being far away from the rest of the station, a short walk back to the hotel where I sorted out my bag for an early start the next morning after a quick shower. I managed to regain my plan, even getting ahead of myself by doing Alness/Invergordon.
-------
27th May Fields of Thistles, Day 7
The big change to my plans in Inverness happened today, as the Friday would be another day on the Far North Line, leaving the Saturday morning to do the line towards Aberdeen, however due to engineering works meaning replacement buses from Inverness to Keith over the weekend, meant swapping my days over, and costing me extra for an anytime single ticket to Dyce.
Anyhow it was a good nights sleep in Inverness, as I walked to the station to purchase my single ticket before heading towards the 05:54 towards Aberdeen, I could tell it was going to be a hot day as it was already quite warm. The 05:54 this morning was formed of 170431 leading 158706, the 158 had its windows open which is a sign of failed AC, so sorry to BT, I boarded the 170 for some cool air for the early morning lightly loaded service which I took as far as Huntly. It was a nice enough little station in Aberdeenshire, not a lot around which I could tell (town centre appears to be a mile or so away) for my short fester for the ECS to roll in from Aberdeen to form a Huntly Aberdeen peak time extra.
Today this extra was a 170 vice a double 158 (if I read the peak loading posters advertising this as being formed of 4 coaches), and it was a cool 170403 to take me the 13 and a bit miles one stop further east to Insch. The good thing about this line is that compared to the Far North it is speedy in places, and has old school signalling & signal boxes. A handy Co-Op was located around a 5 minute walk away which was used for some breakfast:
If doing this line on the Saturday, the easiest way would be to stay on that 05:54 to Insch, and double back to Huntley to connect with the next Aberdeen train, but that wasnt an option with it being peak time (well it was an option, but I wasnt going to be paying for it). I noticed that Insch has a bad deal when it comes to off-peak tickets, as an off-peak day return towards Aberdeen (or even Inverness) isnt valid until 09:00. It has trains at 08:57 (for Aberdeen) and 08:58 (for Inverness) then nothing for 2 hours! Anyhow that is the state of the line, roughly 2 hourly off-peak with some gaps in frequency. Thankfully the next Aberdeen train was running on time and was formed of a nice cool 158712 taking me to Dyce, but not for the bus link to Aberdeen airport as that service has been axed to all accounts!
Sadly no good views of aircraft from the nearby airport, I could hear them but not see them, Dyce is another one of those stations where you need to check the PIS as it has 2 platforms, however only one platform is used for certain services which pass there. A short time later 170427 rolled in from Edinburgh to take me back one stop to Inverurie where it terminated in the sunshine, allowing me to clear my final 170 served shack in Scotland (woohoo!). I didnt have that long to explore the area, noting a little cafe on platform 1 (and what appears to be a large Tesco nearby):
With the line being cleared, it wasnt long before a busier 158712 returned from Aberdeen, as I managed to grab a seat for the long run back towards Inverness, arriving pretty much on time. I note the new station at Forres is coming along, as I believe the plan is to make use of the former avoiding lines alignment to build in more double track (rather than the current passing loop to the east of the station) to cut down journey times due to the sharpness of the current platform at Forres. Annoying under my rules it will mean a revisit one day as it will be a whole new station, but that wont be until next year.
Back at Inverness and I had a rough 90 minute break before the next northbound service was due to depart, so I did a bit of shopping (well browsing), purchasing a new hat and general time wasting. The Kyle service was dud, so I allowed that to go, to wait for the Wick service, where I was in two minds where to go, either get Kildonan out of the way or do the walk from Dunrobin to Golspie. In the end I flipped that magical multi-sided mental coin and after boarding a warm 158706 (for the AC had indeed failed), I made my request to the guard. Needless to say during the 15 minute waiting fester at Ardgay for the late running southbound service I wasnt the only person getting off for some fresh air (I think pretty much the entire train emptied out onto Ardgay station, including the driver!).
Nobody seemed that bothered about the enforced wait, as eventually the southbound service rolled up (it was either 720 or 725), and we got back on board carrying on, minding the massive step as I alighted at the part-time station of Dunrobin Castle. A very pretty station it was as well.
I had my phone up displaying the route to take, a mile and a bit along the main-road. Probably wasnt the easiest walk as for the first part there was no pavement, so was a case of walking on the verge until the pavement appeared with the exit to the castle. Not sure if you could go via the castle car park without paying for entry to said castle but that would have been an easier (and safer) walk. However I reached the village/town centre, and decided to walk along the waterfront as it was a nice day (and I had time to kill). Swinging via the Co-Op for an ice-cream and some cold drinks, even having time for a selfie on the beach!
(What, you were expecting me to post my selfie?). Eventually I returned to the road and headed to Golspie station, passing a tower (or something) on a nearby hill. Another station with evidence of a former 2nd platform from days of old, but one with limited shade so it was a case of sitting in what shade was available, which happened to be on the platform itself, and yes the station had a PIS!
Due to the late running of the northbound service, the next southbound was also running late, however the lid of my red pen was removed as in rolled winner 158705 (which also clears the 158s for sight!). The AC felt so nice after sitting in the warm 29C air, as I took this 158 southbound for nearly 40 miles to alight at Tain. A visit to a nearby Tesco was used to waste some time (and to get me some dinner), before I returned to the station, noting a restaurant in the former station building and good views of the water.
This sign must get a mention, except...
Anyhow it was a short wait before an empty 158713 rolled in from Ardgay, and the usual waiting game for the last northbound Wick to pass before we could continue heading towards Inverness, rolling into platform 6, but this time the 21:06 Tain service was 158705 heading back out on platform 5, waiting for 713 to clear the single line section before it could depart. For me with nothing better to do, other than catching the last Aberdeen service to Forres for an unknown unit(s) back to Inverness which I turned down to head back to the hotel room to have a longer shower and relaxing evening to catch up with the forum.
The end is in sight, 4 more shacks remain on the Far North line!
The main reason for staying in Thurso overnight was to do the annoying Forsinard on a reasonable +110 (reasonable because it is the passing point between the 2nd northbound & 3rd southbound, plus 3rd northbound & 4th southbound, with a level crossing thrown into the mix so the chances of successfully making the connection from a Wick bound to an Inverness bound service was very low. My plan was to catch the 1st southbound service, alight and wait 110 (or so) minutes for the 2nd southbound service to appear to avoid a 7 and a bit mile walk in the countryside.
That was the plan, however due to a bridge strike around the Rogart area the evening before, the final northbound service didnt make it to Wick, and as a result the first southbound service would be starting from Helmsdale. Needless to say some of the words which came out of my mouth couldnt be printed here, but not knowing the scale of the damage (thankfully it seems nothing that serious) I decided to make use of the ticket acceptance on the Inverness bus, the X99 coach service (coach 54062). Disappointed in losing out on rail miles, but happy as the coach goes a different way towards Wick before visiting a few small villages along the eastern coast (some scary looking corners on the cliffs), the road meeting up with the railway at Helmdale (and the bus would beat that train into Inverness due to being able to take shortcuts.
Anyhow, I decided to take the bus to Brora where after swinging via a nearby toilet for a PNB and Co-Op for some breakfast (and lunch), I returned to the station to find the first northbound service running late. So late that the 2nd southbound service which would normally pass it at Helmsdale was allowed to proceed to Brora and still beat the northbound service (so yes, I could have easily stayed in bed for an extra hour or so, but never mind).
With my original plan in pieces, it was left to try and recover as much as possible, which meant bringing back the walk. Thankfully it was sunny and I made use of my tee-shirt from the day before as a rough hat (as I was foolish not to bring one) as the temperature was Scorchio, it hit 29C. Eventually 158706 kindly decided to show up to take me to Forsinard where after a few photos myself and another gentlemen set off down the single track A897 for a mere 7.2 mile walk (hey I had 3 hours to kill otherwise, and apart from a RSPB place there is nothing at Forsinard). Needless to say with the high temperatures (yes I did come away with burnt arms & nose), I kept making targets of shade areas on a completely foolish walk, but one I would recommend as the area is beautiful.
Eventually after 2 hours and 20 minutes I reached the tiny settlement and station of Kinbrace, where there is evidence of a former 2nd platform for a passing loop, but not a lot else, needless to say I took shelter from the sun on a bench to recover from my walk in the wild.
Unsurprisingly the next northbound service was late, but I did my first shake of the head to signal to the driver that I didnt need them to stop, but it did mean that 158706 was around 15 minutes late returning from Wick to take me to Lairg, a basic station located a good mile (or so) from the village of the same name, evidence of some sort of former industrial area nearby (a few Do not smoke signs in the car-park). I headed over to the other platform to seek some shade and to relax until the next northbound service would appear (no doubt 15 minutes late)
158719 was the next northbound service which was held at Ardgay for 15 minutes for that southbound service, I was caught out as it ran into the opposite platform so had to cross back over the bridge (might be another station where platform 1 is only used by that first northbound train where it crosses paths with the southbound service). Anyhow my original plan was to take this unit back into the wilderness, but I needed some additional liquids (did I already mention the weather?) so bailed at Helmsdale for a walk into the small village/town (Im never quite sure when a village ends and a town begins), locating a small Spar shop to purchase a mix of cold drinks before returning to the station.
Helmsdale featured a nicely done up waiting room, giving pictures of the previous state it was in (basically left to rot), however it was quite warm inside that waiting room so to kill some time I headed to the shade on the opposite platform (as due to the sun the southbound platform lacked shade). Also has a lovely old bridge crossing a river, and you do know I love old bridges
The final southbound service (from Wick) of the day was 158703 (which I knew what it was due to seeing it earlier), which I took to Ardgay, where the final southbound service turns into a semi-fast service (skips 4 of the smaller stations to attempt to be able to be a connection to the final southbound service at Inverness, but in most times that connection is missed and passengers dumped onto the sleeper if space available to be taken southwards). I wonder if Im getting a if that was the last southbound service, why are you bailing from it? style question, well hopefully the picture below will answer that for you:
I bailed due to an Ardgay Inverness service which departs shortly after the Wick Inverness service, formed of a short working service from Inverness, tonight that was 158725 and judging by the surprised look from the guard I guess this service normally carries fresh air for the first few stations. Anyhow Ardgay had nice views of some water, but I couldnt see anything else. I remained on board the unrefurbished 158725 to the ASS of the network at Alness (with a nice fester at Tain due to late running of the northbound service being held at Invergordon for 158703 to pass it. A nice single platform in a small town, featuring a nearby Morrisons which was used to grab some dinner, however as service was painfully slow (one checkout open with a queue of around 7 customers), I ditched my plan for a walk along the water front instead headed towards a nearby bus stop
It was a Stagecoach route 25 service bound somewhere in Invergordon (fleet number 28601), which I took for a couple mile leap to Invergordon station. This area feels a bit rough, but the station had good views of a boat. Beware there is no footbridge here with a good 5 minute walk to cross platforms. On the southbound platform the former station building has been painted up quite nicely as I waited for the Tain train to appear:
Looking back, the 21:06 service can either be formed of the same unit from Ardgay or in the event of that service being late, getting swapped out for the unit from Wick, tonight however it looked like 158725 made it to Inverness in time to head straight back out with only a few minute delay to take me one stop to Fearn, with a rather low platform. Nothing around the area of the station, so I took a seat to wait for 158725 to return from Tain, the former station building now a private home it seems:
Anyhow, it was a short wait for 158725 to return from Tain to take me back to Inverness, being my first and only train arriving somewhere on time for the day. Rolled into platform 7, also known as Inverness North due to being far away from the rest of the station, a short walk back to the hotel where I sorted out my bag for an early start the next morning after a quick shower. I managed to regain my plan, even getting ahead of myself by doing Alness/Invergordon.
-------
27th May Fields of Thistles, Day 7
The big change to my plans in Inverness happened today, as the Friday would be another day on the Far North Line, leaving the Saturday morning to do the line towards Aberdeen, however due to engineering works meaning replacement buses from Inverness to Keith over the weekend, meant swapping my days over, and costing me extra for an anytime single ticket to Dyce.
Anyhow it was a good nights sleep in Inverness, as I walked to the station to purchase my single ticket before heading towards the 05:54 towards Aberdeen, I could tell it was going to be a hot day as it was already quite warm. The 05:54 this morning was formed of 170431 leading 158706, the 158 had its windows open which is a sign of failed AC, so sorry to BT, I boarded the 170 for some cool air for the early morning lightly loaded service which I took as far as Huntly. It was a nice enough little station in Aberdeenshire, not a lot around which I could tell (town centre appears to be a mile or so away) for my short fester for the ECS to roll in from Aberdeen to form a Huntly Aberdeen peak time extra.
Today this extra was a 170 vice a double 158 (if I read the peak loading posters advertising this as being formed of 4 coaches), and it was a cool 170403 to take me the 13 and a bit miles one stop further east to Insch. The good thing about this line is that compared to the Far North it is speedy in places, and has old school signalling & signal boxes. A handy Co-Op was located around a 5 minute walk away which was used for some breakfast:
If doing this line on the Saturday, the easiest way would be to stay on that 05:54 to Insch, and double back to Huntley to connect with the next Aberdeen train, but that wasnt an option with it being peak time (well it was an option, but I wasnt going to be paying for it). I noticed that Insch has a bad deal when it comes to off-peak tickets, as an off-peak day return towards Aberdeen (or even Inverness) isnt valid until 09:00. It has trains at 08:57 (for Aberdeen) and 08:58 (for Inverness) then nothing for 2 hours! Anyhow that is the state of the line, roughly 2 hourly off-peak with some gaps in frequency. Thankfully the next Aberdeen train was running on time and was formed of a nice cool 158712 taking me to Dyce, but not for the bus link to Aberdeen airport as that service has been axed to all accounts!
Sadly no good views of aircraft from the nearby airport, I could hear them but not see them, Dyce is another one of those stations where you need to check the PIS as it has 2 platforms, however only one platform is used for certain services which pass there. A short time later 170427 rolled in from Edinburgh to take me back one stop to Inverurie where it terminated in the sunshine, allowing me to clear my final 170 served shack in Scotland (woohoo!). I didnt have that long to explore the area, noting a little cafe on platform 1 (and what appears to be a large Tesco nearby):
With the line being cleared, it wasnt long before a busier 158712 returned from Aberdeen, as I managed to grab a seat for the long run back towards Inverness, arriving pretty much on time. I note the new station at Forres is coming along, as I believe the plan is to make use of the former avoiding lines alignment to build in more double track (rather than the current passing loop to the east of the station) to cut down journey times due to the sharpness of the current platform at Forres. Annoying under my rules it will mean a revisit one day as it will be a whole new station, but that wont be until next year.
Back at Inverness and I had a rough 90 minute break before the next northbound service was due to depart, so I did a bit of shopping (well browsing), purchasing a new hat and general time wasting. The Kyle service was dud, so I allowed that to go, to wait for the Wick service, where I was in two minds where to go, either get Kildonan out of the way or do the walk from Dunrobin to Golspie. In the end I flipped that magical multi-sided mental coin and after boarding a warm 158706 (for the AC had indeed failed), I made my request to the guard. Needless to say during the 15 minute waiting fester at Ardgay for the late running southbound service I wasnt the only person getting off for some fresh air (I think pretty much the entire train emptied out onto Ardgay station, including the driver!).
Nobody seemed that bothered about the enforced wait, as eventually the southbound service rolled up (it was either 720 or 725), and we got back on board carrying on, minding the massive step as I alighted at the part-time station of Dunrobin Castle. A very pretty station it was as well.
I had my phone up displaying the route to take, a mile and a bit along the main-road. Probably wasnt the easiest walk as for the first part there was no pavement, so was a case of walking on the verge until the pavement appeared with the exit to the castle. Not sure if you could go via the castle car park without paying for entry to said castle but that would have been an easier (and safer) walk. However I reached the village/town centre, and decided to walk along the waterfront as it was a nice day (and I had time to kill). Swinging via the Co-Op for an ice-cream and some cold drinks, even having time for a selfie on the beach!
(What, you were expecting me to post my selfie?
). Eventually I returned to the road and headed to Golspie station, passing a tower (or something) on a nearby hill. Another station with evidence of a former 2nd platform from days of old, but one with limited shade so it was a case of sitting in what shade was available, which happened to be on the platform itself, and yes the station had a PIS!
Due to the late running of the northbound service, the next southbound was also running late, however the lid of my red pen was removed as in rolled winner 158705 (which also clears the 158s for sight!). The AC felt so nice after sitting in the warm 29C air, as I took this 158 southbound for nearly 40 miles to alight at Tain. A visit to a nearby Tesco was used to waste some time (and to get me some dinner), before I returned to the station, noting a restaurant in the former station building and good views of the water.
This sign must get a mention, except...
Anyhow it was a short wait before an empty 158713 rolled in from Ardgay, and the usual waiting game for the last northbound Wick to pass before we could continue heading towards Inverness, rolling into platform 6, but this time the 21:06 Tain service was 158705 heading back out on platform 5, waiting for 713 to clear the single line section before it could depart. For me with nothing better to do, other than catching the last Aberdeen service to Forres for an unknown unit(s) back to Inverness which I turned down to head back to the hotel room to have a longer shower and relaxing evening to catch up with the forum.
The end is in sight, 4 more shacks remain on the Far North line!
Last edited:
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
A classic example of the FNL falling over.
Well done on recovering it though, and glad you got a shot of the X99, one of the most interesting coach services out there.
Glad Aberdeen Inverness is cleared too and by the way, that good weather was a flook, its gone now.
Well done on recovering it though, and glad you got a shot of the X99, one of the most interesting coach services out there.
Glad Aberdeen Inverness is cleared too and by the way, that good weather was a flook, its gone now.
GusB
Established Member
I tend not to read the Trip Reports section on the forum, but I have enjoyed this immensely. The Far North Line isn't my local line, but it's so close to where I live that I feel rather embarrassed that I haven't covered it so far.
It's about time I got myself a Rover ticket!
It's about time I got myself a Rover ticket!
Kite159
Veteran Member
What the FNL needs are more passing loops, just so any issues caused don't continue into the rest of the day, especially with the southern end of the line (shared with the Kyle & the shorts)
27th May – Fields of Thistles, Day 8
The final day of my rover, and the end was in sight, I was quite confident that the day would be successful. Once more it was a case of swinging via the Co-Op in Inverness city centre before heading towards the station for the 07:00 service for Wick. This morning it was 158713, as I put my request in to the guard as they call through, the sun was shining as the train made some lovely noise going over that jointed track as I alighted (and a couple others boarded) at Rogart. I had roughly an hour here before the next southbound service so I headed off towards the village centre to pick up something cold from the local Spar shop, before relaxing by the river before heading back towards the station.
Rogart is famous (ish) for having some old sleeping coaches next to the station where you could sleep in, plus an old shunter
It was a bit of good and bad news as the next southbound service rolled in, good that it was on time, bad that is was 158706, still without working AC, so it was a warm ride back towards Inverness, requesting for the train to call at Invershin. I was trying to decide which of these two I would alight from (and hence walk to), deciding to do it this way round as Culrain looked nicer (as Invershin looked like a bit of a dump in all fairness)
The walk to Culrain was very long until a few years ago when a footbridge was opened, attached to the side of the Shin Railway Viaduct, which gave excellent views of both the Victorian engineering and off the Kyle of Sutherland. A route which is a cycle path but I wouldn’t want to cycle along it (quite narrow and stony). Good views of the former Culrain youth hostel in a castle on the hill as well.
15 or so (I wasn’t really rushing having an hour to do this move) minutes later I reached the pleasant Culrain station, which had a nice little waiting shelter which I used to stay out of the sun, having an alarm set on my phone at the time a few minutes before the train was due (as I hadn’t yet been on a train which called at this request stop). Once more I assume it used to be a passing loop, judging by the bend in the track.
Pretty much bang on time the 2nd northbound service of the day rolled in, as my arm burnt from standing in the sun to flag it down, getting a comment from the driver that I was the first passenger he has picked up from here in many years, for it was 158719 which was getting the honour of taking me to my final shack on this line, the guard asking me to confirm the station where I wished to alight as I was “the first passenger she has ever asked the driver to stop there for”, for my final shack is the least used in GB which doesn’t have a restricted service (as in the majority of trains passing have the ability to call, with it only getting skipped by the 1st southbound service). For it was Kildonan, my fingers were crossed as the train stopped before the station for the ungated level crossing and rolled into the station stopping.
Mission complete, as I watched 158719 departing towards Wick, giving me roughly 40 minutes to wait, so I took a look around, noting a former platform with a reasonable structure on, and there wasn’t much in the way of shade, nor anything else in the area (a few houses). It was absolute bless laying on the grass, enjoying the silence.
I personally loved this sign for disabled boarding, “an unstaffed halt with level access to single platform...”, making no mention that it is true it was level access to the platform, but you probably wouldn’t get a wheelchair onto the train due to the massive gap between the platform and the train!
158713 returned, as I flagged it down, the driver lining up the position of that yellow step to be in line with the door, and even that was a step. I took a seat and relaxed for the run back to Inverness, finding out my last 158 was hiding down Edinburgh and was ungettable, so I either had the option of heading back to Ardgay, or having a run on the Highland Main Line for the sake of wasting some time (as I had finished the Far North with one train spare), getting some speed and extra mileage, or having a lazy afternoon.
I rolled a coin in my head and it came up with the Highland Main Line, so it was onto 170411 (sorry Techni!), deciding where to bail, the HST was running late and frankly I didn’t fancy a 80 minute wait at Kingussie for it, however the Edinburgh – Inverness service was also running late so I decided to remain on this 170 for the long run to Dunkeld & Birnam, the HST passing us at Blair Atholl. The heavens absolutely opened with a sudden downpour when I was alighting from the train at Dunkeld & Birnam
With the delay to that 170 from Edinburgh, and a service from Glasgow around 10 minutes behind, Scotrail control (I assume) took the probably wise decision to cancel the Edinburgh – Inverness service at Perth, attach the unit to the service from Glasgow to run towards Inverness to save a path on the single track line. This did mean that sadly I would be late getting back into Inverness, but gave me an option as the next Inverness service was due to arrive onto the opposite platform (which if you can remember from a few days ago I mentioned had nothing on it). The rain was still coming down, so unlike a couple other passengers who crossed over to hide under the bridge, I stayed under the canopy of the former station building, for my decision to pay off as 170401 & 170406 rolled into my side of the station.
Once more it was a large step to reach the train, as I took a seat for the 102 mile trip back to Inverness, losing some time around Kingussie waiting for a hopelessly late charter train (looked like a West Cost 47) to clear the line in front before carrying on to Inverness, although this service called at all stations apart from Carrbridge, getting into Inverness 33 minutes later than I should have done (woohoo). Anyhow with the rain still happening, I popped to a pizza place for a celebration pizza, eating it in the little lobby of the guest house before heading to the room to relax and unwind (and to pack up my bag).
Thankfully the Sunday was going to be a late start, although I’m kicking myself for forgetting about the Strathspey Railway as it would have been a good day to head to Broomhill instead of heading to Kyle of Lochalsh, but never mind
----
In case anybody is wondering, shack 2400 was Huntley
27th May – Fields of Thistles, Day 8
The final day of my rover, and the end was in sight, I was quite confident that the day would be successful. Once more it was a case of swinging via the Co-Op in Inverness city centre before heading towards the station for the 07:00 service for Wick. This morning it was 158713, as I put my request in to the guard as they call through, the sun was shining as the train made some lovely noise going over that jointed track as I alighted (and a couple others boarded) at Rogart. I had roughly an hour here before the next southbound service so I headed off towards the village centre to pick up something cold from the local Spar shop, before relaxing by the river before heading back towards the station.
Rogart is famous (ish) for having some old sleeping coaches next to the station where you could sleep in, plus an old shunter
It was a bit of good and bad news as the next southbound service rolled in, good that it was on time, bad that is was 158706, still without working AC, so it was a warm ride back towards Inverness, requesting for the train to call at Invershin. I was trying to decide which of these two I would alight from (and hence walk to), deciding to do it this way round as Culrain looked nicer (as Invershin looked like a bit of a dump in all fairness)
The walk to Culrain was very long until a few years ago when a footbridge was opened, attached to the side of the Shin Railway Viaduct, which gave excellent views of both the Victorian engineering and off the Kyle of Sutherland. A route which is a cycle path but I wouldn’t want to cycle along it (quite narrow and stony). Good views of the former Culrain youth hostel in a castle on the hill as well.
15 or so (I wasn’t really rushing having an hour to do this move) minutes later I reached the pleasant Culrain station, which had a nice little waiting shelter which I used to stay out of the sun, having an alarm set on my phone at the time a few minutes before the train was due (as I hadn’t yet been on a train which called at this request stop). Once more I assume it used to be a passing loop, judging by the bend in the track.
Pretty much bang on time the 2nd northbound service of the day rolled in, as my arm burnt from standing in the sun to flag it down, getting a comment from the driver that I was the first passenger he has picked up from here in many years, for it was 158719 which was getting the honour of taking me to my final shack on this line, the guard asking me to confirm the station where I wished to alight as I was “the first passenger she has ever asked the driver to stop there for”, for my final shack is the least used in GB which doesn’t have a restricted service (as in the majority of trains passing have the ability to call, with it only getting skipped by the 1st southbound service). For it was Kildonan, my fingers were crossed as the train stopped before the station for the ungated level crossing and rolled into the station stopping.
Mission complete, as I watched 158719 departing towards Wick, giving me roughly 40 minutes to wait, so I took a look around, noting a former platform with a reasonable structure on, and there wasn’t much in the way of shade, nor anything else in the area (a few houses). It was absolute bless laying on the grass, enjoying the silence.
I personally loved this sign for disabled boarding, “an unstaffed halt with level access to single platform...”, making no mention that it is true it was level access to the platform, but you probably wouldn’t get a wheelchair onto the train due to the massive gap between the platform and the train!
158713 returned, as I flagged it down, the driver lining up the position of that yellow step to be in line with the door, and even that was a step. I took a seat and relaxed for the run back to Inverness, finding out my last 158 was hiding down Edinburgh and was ungettable, so I either had the option of heading back to Ardgay, or having a run on the Highland Main Line for the sake of wasting some time (as I had finished the Far North with one train spare), getting some speed and extra mileage, or having a lazy afternoon.
I rolled a coin in my head and it came up with the Highland Main Line, so it was onto 170411 (sorry Techni!), deciding where to bail, the HST was running late and frankly I didn’t fancy a 80 minute wait at Kingussie for it, however the Edinburgh – Inverness service was also running late so I decided to remain on this 170 for the long run to Dunkeld & Birnam, the HST passing us at Blair Atholl. The heavens absolutely opened with a sudden downpour when I was alighting from the train at Dunkeld & Birnam
With the delay to that 170 from Edinburgh, and a service from Glasgow around 10 minutes behind, Scotrail control (I assume) took the probably wise decision to cancel the Edinburgh – Inverness service at Perth, attach the unit to the service from Glasgow to run towards Inverness to save a path on the single track line. This did mean that sadly I would be late getting back into Inverness, but gave me an option as the next Inverness service was due to arrive onto the opposite platform (which if you can remember from a few days ago I mentioned had nothing on it). The rain was still coming down, so unlike a couple other passengers who crossed over to hide under the bridge, I stayed under the canopy of the former station building, for my decision to pay off as 170401 & 170406 rolled into my side of the station.
Once more it was a large step to reach the train, as I took a seat for the 102 mile trip back to Inverness, losing some time around Kingussie waiting for a hopelessly late charter train (looked like a West Cost 47) to clear the line in front before carrying on to Inverness, although this service called at all stations apart from Carrbridge, getting into Inverness 33 minutes later than I should have done (woohoo). Anyhow with the rain still happening, I popped to a pizza place for a celebration pizza, eating it in the little lobby of the guest house before heading to the room to relax and unwind (and to pack up my bag).
Thankfully the Sunday was going to be a late start, although I’m kicking myself for forgetting about the Strathspey Railway as it would have been a good day to head to Broomhill instead of heading to Kyle of Lochalsh, but never mind
----
In case anybody is wondering, shack 2400 was Huntley
Last edited:
- Status