Daytrip - Glasgow to Fort William (and Mallaig?)

"Charles O'Neill" wrote
| Is it realistically possible (and enjoyable) to try to make
| the train trip from Glasgow to Fort William and return all
| in one day. Or is it just too much time on the train?

Glasgow Queen St to Fort William is 3h43 - 4h24 (each way) on the train
according to www.scotrail.co.uk (exact duration varies on different
services)

| How about onward to Mallaig and return? Is the extra time
| worth the journey to Mallaig?

Glasgow QS to Mallaig is about 5h13, with some return journeys being as long
as 5h59. (exact duration varies on different services)

So if you left Glasgow at 8:12 you would arrive in Mallaig at 13:25
The return journey would be dep Mallaig depart 16:08 arr Glasgow - you would
get two and a half hours in Mallaig.

The next and last train from Mallaig is the 18:15 which has two changes and
arrives in Glasgow at 0:14 (ie after midnight the next day).

A Cheap Day Return (same day return) is GBP 29. For return the next day:

- an Apex Return is GBP 29.00 (7 day advance purchase, subject to
availability, seat reservations are compulsory and travel must be made on
the dates and services specified on the ticket, no change of travel
arrangements, 50% refund)

- a Saver Return is GBP 39.60. (No pre-booking is required, though a seat
reservation is recommended on popular services, full refund available if
ticket unused)

There are links to timetables and connecting ferry information at
http://www.scotrail.co.uk/railferries.htm

There are some joint rail/ferry fares at
http://www.scotrail.co.uk/railferry.htm

Is it worth going to Mallaig? UndiscoveredScotland thinks so:

Mallaig is a fascinating place. Take no notice of those who claim it is has
little to offer the visitor. It is a working port, and it is the port rather
than the tourist that forms the main focus of the activity of the town. It
makes a refreshing change to find a Highland town that still has this
option. But if you have a soft spot for the sea and for boats (and if you
don't, what are you doing in western Scotland?) then Mallaig is one of the
most attractive and interesting places you'll visit.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/mallaig/mallaig/

And Mallaig has a heritage cent

Once Europe's busiest herring port, it is still a major fishing centre,
landing large catches of prawns and other shellfish and, as the most
westerly harbour on the British mainland, it plays an important role as one
of the most important lifeboat stations on the west coast of Scotland.
1500 years ago the area was a buffer zone between the kingdom of the Picts
and the maritime kingdom of the Norsemen. Norse longships gave way to
Highland galleys as the area became part of the Hebridean Lordship of the
Isles, and did not come under the full control of the Scottish Crown until
the 16th century.
Not surprisingly, the area still retains its unique character and visitors
return again and again, to enjoy its spectacular mountain and coastal
scenery, pure white sandy beaches and one of the most spectacular railway
journeys in Europe.
http://www.mallaigheritage.org.uk/

Given the journey time though, although FW might be a day trip from Glasgow,
I'd suggest overnighting somewhere for Mallaig and the Isles.

Owain

Is it realistically possible (and enjoyable) to try to make
the train trip from Glasgow to Fort William and return all
in one day. Or is it just too much time on the train?
How about onward to Mallaig and return? Is the extra time
worth the journey to Mallaig?

There are day excursion trips from Glasgow in summer, using steam
trains on the Fort William-Mallaig bit. I think you may have to
book these some time in advance, though.

Day returns to Mallaig are sometimes sold as a cheap promotional
fare in the autumn - not sure when, or if they're still offering
them.

It's the most scenically memorable train ride in Britain by a long
way.

======== Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce ========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.

Is it realistically possible (and enjoyable) to try to make
the train trip from Glasgow to Fort William and return all
in one day. Or is it just too much time on the train?
How about onward to Mallaig and return? Is the extra time
worth the journey to Mallaig?

There are day excursion trips from Glasgow in summer, using steam
trains on the Fort William-Mallaig bit. I think you may have to
book these some time in advance, though.

Day returns to Mallaig are sometimes sold as a cheap promotional
fare in the autumn - not sure when, or if they're still offering
them.

It's the most scenically memorable train ride in Britain by a long
way.

======== Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce ========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.

Thanks for the two wonderful replies above.

My wife and I arrive in Glasgow (from the States) on Thursday a.m. We
will be in Glasgow until Monday, when we depart on a bus tour. Rather
than spending Thurs thru Sunday all in Glasgow, we want to see some of
the country that our tour doesn't cover. The train to Fort William
and return sounds like a good way to see some wonderfully scenic parts
of Scotland we'd otherwise miss.

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -
with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing, we may
give it a go. Still seems like a very long day (am planning on doing
this Friday, the day after we land in Glasgow - still trying to
overcome jet lag and time zone changes). I hope we don't sleep thru
the journey.

Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain? Sounds like a great train ride - but not sure if it would be
worth it if it rains all day.

Are refreshments available aboard the train? Is the seating
comfortable?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Thanks for the two wonderful replies above.

My wife and I arrive in Glasgow (from the States) on Thursday a.m. We
will be in Glasgow until Monday, when we depart on a bus tour. Rather
than spending Thurs thru Sunday all in Glasgow, we want to see some of
the country that our tour doesn't cover. The train to Fort William
and return sounds like a good way to see some wonderfully scenic parts
of Scotland we'd otherwise miss.

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -
with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing, we may
give it a go. Still seems like a very long day (am planning on doing
this Friday, the day after we land in Glasgow - still trying to
overcome jet lag and time zone changes). I hope we don't sleep thru
the journey.

Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain? Sounds like a great train ride - but not sure if it would be
worth it if it rains all day.

Are refreshments available aboard the train? Is the seating
comfortable?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Thanks for the two wonderful replies above.

My wife and I arrive in Glasgow (from the States) on Thursday a.m. We
will be in Glasgow until Monday, when we depart on a bus tour. Rather
than spending Thurs thru Sunday all in Glasgow, we want to see some of
the country that our tour doesn't cover. The train to Fort William
and return sounds like a good way to see some wonderfully scenic parts
of Scotland we'd otherwise miss.

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -
with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing, we may
give it a go. Still seems like a very long day (am planning on doing
this Friday, the day after we land in Glasgow - still trying to
overcome jet lag and time zone changes). I hope we don't sleep thru
the journey.

Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain? Sounds like a great train ride - but not sure if it would be
worth it if it rains all day.

Are refreshments available aboard the train? Is the seating
comfortable?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

It's an ordinary small fiahing village. The train ride there is far
more memorable than the place itself.


So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -

Yes, but the Fort William - Mallaig bit is even better.


with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing

There isn't a lot to see or do in Fort William either.


Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain?

Yes, it never rains hard enough to really blot the landscape out.


Are refreshments available aboard the train?

Yes, but a limited selection. There are good food shops in and near
Glasgow Queen Street station; buy stuff to take with you.


Is the seating comfortable?

It's not one of the UK's more luxurious trains but it's okay. Get on
board early to find a seat that suits you. Much of the way, there's a
better view from the southern/western side (left side leaving Glasgow).

======== Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce ========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

It's an ordinary small fiahing village. The train ride there is far
more memorable than the place itself.


So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -

Yes, but the Fort William - Mallaig bit is even better.


with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing

There isn't a lot to see or do in Fort William either.


Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain?

Yes, it never rains hard enough to really blot the landscape out.


Are refreshments available aboard the train?

Yes, but a limited selection. There are good food shops in and near
Glasgow Queen Street station; buy stuff to take with you.


Is the seating comfortable?

It's not one of the UK's more luxurious trains but it's okay. Get on
board early to find a seat that suits you. Much of the way, there's a
better view from the southern/western side (left side leaving Glasgow).

======== Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce ========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.

I think we've ruled out the trip all the way to Mallaig - wish we had
the time to overnight, but we don't. It sounds it really demands an
overnight, for which we do not have the time.

It's an ordinary small fiahing village. The train ride there is far
more memorable than the place itself.


So.. thinking now of the still very long train ride to Fort William -

Yes, but the Fort William - Mallaig bit is even better.


with plenty of time for a liesurely lunch and some sightseeing

There isn't a lot to see or do in Fort William either.


Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile in the
rain?

Yes, it never rains hard enough to really blot the landscape out.


Are refreshments available aboard the train?

Yes, but a limited selection. There are good food shops in and near
Glasgow Queen Street station; buy stuff to take with you.


Is the seating comfortable?

It's not one of the UK's more luxurious trains but it's okay. Get on
board early to find a seat that suits you. Much of the way, there's a
better view from the southern/western side (left side leaving Glasgow).

======== Email to "j-c" at this site; email to "bogus" will bounce ========
Jack Campin: 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU; 0131 6604760
http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/purrhome.html food intolerance data & recipes,
Mac logic fonts, Scots traditional music files and CD-ROMs of Scottish music.

"Charles O'Neill" wrote
| My wife and I arrive in Glasgow (from the States) on Thursday a.m.
| We will be in Glasgow until Monday, when we depart on a bus tour.
| Rather than spending Thurs thru Sunday all in Glasgow, we want to
| see some of the country that our tour doesn't cover.

If you tell us where the tour does cover, and what sort of things you want
to see, we may be able to suggest other things.

| The train to Fort William and return sounds like a good way to
| see some wonderfully scenic parts of Scotland we'd otherwise miss.

It is scenic, but then almost all of Scotland is scenic. It's a long time on
the train just to watch scenic go past the window - if you're going on a
lengthy bus tour later you might prefer to have some shorter journeys where
you can actually walk about places.

| Still seems like a very long day (am planning on doing this
| Friday, the day after we land in Glasgow - still trying to
| overcome jet lag and time zone changes). I hope we don't
| sleep thru the journey.

There is a real possibility of that, it can be quite hypnotic, and it would
be a pity to miss the trip by sleeping through it. There is plenty to see
and do in Glasgow, and if you feel tired you can more easily return to your
base. See Glasgow tourist board at
http://www.seeglasgow.com

Once you've recovered from jetlag and got your bearings, you don't have to
spend Thursday to Sunday in Glasgow itself. Edinburgh and Stirling are both
only about 40 minutes away by train from Glasgow (with services several
times an hour weekdays and slightly less frequently on Sundays) with further
transport options from both. You can get a 3-day pass for rail travel after
9.15 am for GBP 29.00 - see
http://www.scotrail.co.uk/crov.htm
(actually it's any 3 days out of 7)

| Would either of the two previous posters recommend this trip on
| Friday, even if it's raining. Is the scenery still worthwhile
| in the rain? Sounds like a great train ride - but not sure if
| it would be worth it if it rains all day.

Well, Scotland can be impressive and moody even when it's bad weather, but
it might be a lot of time looking out of rain-spattered windows.

| Are refreshments available aboard the train?

Check the PDF timetables for the routes linked from
http://www.scotrail.co.uk/rtmap1.htm

All the services to Ft William appear to have catering - usually a trolley
service of tea/coffee/snacks to your seat - as should most trains services
over an hour end-to-end.

| Is the seating comfortable?

If you're of average height and width, and depending on whether you get a
shiny new train or a slightly older train. There is a mix of airline-style
and four-round-a-table seating on most trains.

Owain