Dining by Train

I'm just back from another work related trip down to Edinburgh. Scotland's capital city is something else, city centre gardens, a castle on a rock dominating the central area and a historic old town (not to mention the historic 'new' town), its got it all. Friday was packed with visitors enjoying the warm summer weather and all the delights Edinburgh has to offer. Unfortunatly I could only watch on as I sweated it out in my shirt and tie on the way to and from my meeting. I couldn't think of a better place to be meeting though...
On the way home I wanted to stop off in Perth and with some expensive Friday train fares decided to take the Citylink bus up instead. It was not at all bad! Plenty of space, a reclining seat, curtains on the windows - a proper coach trip. As for the jounrey time it took ages to get out of Edinburgh and into Perth compared to the train with its own route. However taking a more direct route between the towns meant that we got there in about the same time. I'd try the bus again if the train fares are too expensive. Talking of which I used to be able to get a good value Advance fare on National Express East Coast any time north of Edinburgh (south was always a different matter!) but they are almost gone now. I'll be taking the bus or Scotrail a little more often until they come back down. However from Perth on this occasion I got an open ticket and took the 'Highland Chieftain' HST back up the Highland Mainline. On a beautiful summer's evening with the sun lighting up the lochs and mountains I was able to enjoy dinner with a view. It was one of those train experiences where the destination comes too quickly. For the reasons of good food, excellent friendly train crew, comfort and the most wonderful views anywhere in the UK, an evening trip on the 'Chieftain' north of Perth will remain one of my all time favourite journeys.
Well back home now and plotting how I might get another trip in...

Virgin Trains Advert

This is a fun new advert from Virgin Trains with 'Becky' visiting 'Tom' and the realities and imaginations of her journey. Now before you all say 'its an advert, train jounreys are not like that', can I just say yes they are! All you need is a little imagination and someone special at the other end, or better still with you. Trust me, I've been there and done it ;). Be inspired and go visit that special person.

National Train Day Saturday 9th May

Here it is, National Train Day has arrived. The first National Train Day was held last year to celebrate the 140th aniversary of the 'Golden Spike' when America's first transcontinental railway was opened. It is a celebration of passenger trains in America and there are events all over the country for you to visit. You can find out all about Train Day, find out about events and join the Facebook community at the National Train Day website. This year's exhibits include the themes of 'Moving Green' and 'Trains move our economy', both pretty relevant issues at this time. You can download a preview of the 'Trains move our economy' exhibit here. It includes details of President Obama's plans for a US high speed rail network. For anyone who has travelled in America by rail you will know that while the trains are great, the network is not at all comprehensive. Many huge urban areas only see one train a day, if any, and many parts of the country lack any rail service at all. The plans won't of course provide trains everywhere they are needed but it is a good step in the right direction.

By the way, the icon above is one of a number you can choose for your Facebook page. I choose this one because I happen to think trains are much more fun with two :)

For now though, enjoy Train Day and be inspired for your next holiday. I wonder if we could have a train day here in the UK to highlight all that is good about our rail system...

Cheap Tickets on National Express East Coast

National Express are offering a discounted £9 fare to almost anywhere along the east coast route. The booking must be made by Tuesday - 5th so you don't have long but if you wanted a day out or a long weekend hurry and grab one while they are on offer. See the NXEC website for information and to make a booking.