Made that trip in the '80s and will never forget it. At that time you could stand in between the coaches and pull down the window. I vividly remember going through the stunning Flow country with my head out the window--such a feeling of freedom and being "on top of the world". Thanks so much for reviving those memories.
Thanks Anne, yes I too remember those coaches - probably pulled by one of the Scottish 26 or 27’s in those days if my old train spotting memory serves me right? And it’s taken me until now to get up there but it definitely won’t be my last trip there!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Spot on, in the early 1980s it was usually class 26s, their gearing was better suited for low speed slogging than the 27s. Then it got upgraded to class 37s which knocked quite a few minutes off the timings. They lasted until class 156s took over, and then 158s. The 156s looked a little spartan but were comfortable enough and were the best coaches for viewing from with the long open saloon and relatively low seat backs.
A fabulous watch mate. Clearly I’m biased but I think the FNL is a hidden gem on the network so thank you for helping uncover it! I wish Scotrail would promote it a little more but the (admittedly stunning) West Highland Line seems to get all the coverage. Congrats on the 15k subs too! Well deserved and I’m certain there will be many more to come.
Thanks mate! One more to do for me up there which will be Glasgow to Oban. Another one I've never tried but I'll tie it in with a ferry somewhere aswell. Cheers.
I live beside side of the line just north of Brora. If I see more than six folk on the train (including the driver!) I'm surprised - nobody would EVER have problems getting a seat!. Folks don't know what they're missing (unless they watch your video! ) a really good watch! Thank you.
Hi Stan, many thanks for the comment and yes you are lucky living in such a beautiful part of the world. I always end up spending hours on ‘Right Move’ after doing one of these trips! It was a superb journey and yes I did get quite lucky with the weather as I came back the day after and it wasn’t so great (that’s this weeks video) 😊👍
I’ve been on the Far North line twice, and both times it’s been one of the best experiences of my entire life. There’s nothing like it, lovely trains, breathtaking scenery, a must do for everyone, not just those into travelling
I’m originally from that beautiful part of the world, born and brought there…still have family and have taken that trip hundreds of times…never ever do I get bored of it…it’s fantastic. Forsinard was my station when I lived up there (west of Thurso In Sutherland) …so glad you enjoyed it…was quite emotional myself watching as I’ve not been home for about a year…keep up the good work.
Wow, wow, wow. That is the best journey I have seen you do, where every second was memorable, breathtaking and spectacular (except the toilet!). Worth every penny you paid, and more. Thanks for promoting such a beautiful trip.
Just watched Inverness to Thurso. Really enjoyed the video. Made the trip myself back in the 1970/1980 many times. Remember the Inverness station for its steak sandwiches - used to detour to the station even when I drove up from Warrington. In those days the train would slow down to throw out the mail and daily papers :). Was especially pleased to see that Forsinard Station still existed - used to stay at the Forsinard Lodge as it is known today - Mrs O'Brian (the cook) made fantastic Cheese souffles. Used to stay at "The Royal Hotel" in Thurso - quite a (pleasant) experience. Many thanks for the video.
Cheers Mike and thanks for the comment - loved reading about your experience. Must’ve been quite different in those days BUT, dare I say it, better? Glad it brought back memories anyway and many thanks for the comment 😊👍
Oh the weather was unbelievable Steve! In a way, I’d love to do it in the depths of winter and a lot more snow on the ground. That would be a great contrast (premier inn would probably be cheaper too 😉)! Cheers mate.
What a beautiful country we live in - that was amazing! I totally get the emotion - you said at the beginning that you'd wanted to do this since you were very young, so to achieve that dream AND with the best weather Mother Nature could put on - well, what a treat! No wonder you felt a bit emotional about it - that's human and why your channel is growing. I now feel drawn to visit the 'far north' - these days after the froth and boil of youth + London, I hanker for the empty spaces, peace and calm. keep up the great content!
Thanks for the comment- so true, these days for me it’s all about the journey and it’s quite a sense of achievement too when you’ve waited so long. I have lots of ideas for other trips, just not enough time for it all! Lots more to come yet though 😊
Glad you enjoyed it mate! The people of the UK are appreciating there own country a lot more,thanks to the "You-tubers" and their great Vlogs (like this one) The English are definetly coming up to Scotland more these days wether on holiday or to live and its good to see!
Cheers Gary, yes I think you’re on to something there. Never really thought about it like that before but yep, makes sense. Tbh, if it was up to me, I’d move to Scotland in an instant! Love the place 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Cheers Mate! I was told that through playing golf in Tayside with guys from places like Gloucester and Cornwall! No intention of returning they say😄👍
Hello. Well what a lovely trip. How do you come up with your ideas. Always great trips, Great views, Great commentry. Well just look forward to seeing your next video. Have subscribed etc etc a while ago. Thanks for good tv, better than the normal TV. You should be nominated for a Oscar or what ever they call it for utube. Thanks again. Hope u are well. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, many thanks for the lovely comment. Not sure how I get some of these ideas tbh, things I've wanted to do for ages or other UA-cam content - bit of a mixture really. Not sure if there's a UA-cam equivalent to the Oscars but yep, maybe you should recommend me lol. All the best and thanks for the support, Mark.
Great vid and those station names bring back a lot of memories for me having lived in Thurso in the late 70’s early 80’s. Back in those days it was indeed class 37’s on the line and the 4 carriage train would split at Georgemas junction with another class 37 loco waiting to couple up and take one half to Wick. Likewise going south the Thurso/Wick trains would meet up at Georgemas and couple up. Would be annoying these days for those going to Wick and having to go to Thurso first and then back through Georgemas to get to Wick! Also back then, there were no destination boards at the smaller stations and if the train was playing up (quite often) you could be waiting simply not knowing if it was going to turn up or not! Beautiful part of the country but It’s a heck of a journey. Hope to visit Caithness again soon. Happy memories.
Many thanks for the comment. Must have been great in those days with the diesel-hauled trains, pull down the windows on the doors and breath it all in - fantastic!
I remember it as well from working at Dounreay in summer 1981 and then later visiting friends I had made then, on several occasions. In 1981 it was still Class 26s, which put up a brave battle with 6 coach trains. A great route, but it took an awfully long time. Departures from Thurso were 0530, 1130 and 1730 and it took nearly 5 hours to reach Inverness. First train scheduled to arrive Inverness at 1013 and I remember frustratingly missing my 1022 connection to the south by less than a minute when we had a "weak" 26 and slight delays at loops en route. The flipside was getting to Georgemas one evening exhausted after cycling from Wick against a strong headwind, rolling down to the station in case the evening train was running late, and it was! So I got a very welcome ride back to Thurso. Proper guards vans in those days! As you say, happy memories, reawakened by this video.
What an amazing journey, no wonder you were lost for words ,i really like your travel blogs as they are completely unique and i wish more people would watch them thankyou.
Thanks Sean, I wish more people would watch them too! I really noted this trip though, like I said, for me personally I’m glad I filmed it for the memories if nothing else. Cheers mate 😊👍
Thanks for the memories! I did this on my own when i was 16 and managed to armtwist my dad into buying me a 2 week all-line rover. Back then it was all class 37s and M2As/Mk1s.
A very enjoyable video, and thanks too for the other one you made on the Caledonian sleeper from Euston. One comment, I'm not sure your pronunciation of "Cromarty" would pass muster with the locals ;)
Mark, what a great day for such a lovely trip. Enjoying the travel-logs which are made better with your happy outlook on life. Have a great BH weekend.
Cheers David. I don't always have a happy outlook on life tbh but yep, normally when I'm travelling I do. Everyone has their moments I guess. Glad you enjoyed it and have a great b/h yourself.
You should! Last time I left Inverness it was so frustrating watching the scenery through dirty windows I wasn’t going to suffer that again. If Scotrail won’t do it, I’ll do it myself 😂
Back in days of british rail cleaners did clean the windows on the outside of the train between journeys. But now the only time they get cleaned is if it has time to go through the train wash at the end of the day and depending on where the unit is stabled is might go a few days without going through the wash.
I’m supposed to be asleep to go to work tomorrow, but what do I find… oooh… Mark’s put up another video… and it’s a train one… awesome!!! so glad I stayed up to watch. Gorgeous video
Another 158 - Another spectacular route! Something I would want to do when I'm older but obviously it's a challenge with the train times at Thurso not being ideal! Followed Scottish football for a while but never knew Ross County were that remote! Great video though as always
Cheers Danny. Yep, sometimes these football clubs pop up in places totally unrelated to the town they’re in (Queen of the South!). Probably most useful to book a night in Thurso and that Premierinn is ideal for that 👍
Thank you Mark for a wonderful trip, amazing scenery and a cracking day for it, hope you are doing ok and staying safe, until next time keep well and cheers.
So glad you enjoyed this trip, Mark. We have never done it but intend to now! We do have some of the best scenery here in Scotland😊, thank you for promoting it!
I love utube journeys, trains, trams, buses, cars or walking, especially as I can't go out easily, being disabled. Thank you so much for this lovely journey. I shall be wayching it again, and look forward to seeing some of your other journetys too! Best wishes and Happy Travelling!
At one time, trains used to split in two at Georgemas Junction (a loco was stationed there when the trains were loco- hauled, then they used to run two 156's or 158's joined up), with half going to Wick and half to Thurso. These days they all run to Wick via Thurso and back.
I absolutely loved the video! Spent most of summer 23 in Caithness and Sutherland and this took me back to the odd wonderful views! I imagine by train is was even more spectacular ❤
Hi Nikla, thanks for the comment and yes the train is definitely worth doing. Some of the views were fantastic and the countryside ever-changing. Must've been great to have spent the summer there.
Hi Mark, thank you for sharing such a lovely trip - absolutely something to put on my 'bucket list'. I suspect that line probably never gets too busy? Interesting to see such an extensive coastline without a soul in sight! I really look forward to your UK train vlogs - your style is so relaxed but with all the quirky factoids thrown in - love it! Take care and keep em' coming. Rob (West Midlands).
Cheers Rob, thanks for the nice comments. Those beaches were amazing weren’t they. See that house with the Ukrainian flag is my ideal place to live. Shame there wasn’t a railway station there but it’s like having your own private beach I reckon and the views - just superb!
Did this trip with my husband back in the 90s. We started in Nottingham actually and made it to Thurso at night. It was wonderful. We stayed in Thurso for a few nights and visited Scrabster, Wick and somewhere else I can’t remember. It was a cold time of year and rained a lot. Glad I did it, though.
Celtic fan here. Its not a massive away allocation (around 1500 iirc) so the crowds arent huge. Also most fans in Scotland travel by supporters bus rather than train. The train station is always packed due to the pub (mallard) being attached to it though! Lovely little town, hope they dont get relegated
Cheers mate. Thanks for the info on that - must be sth's and members only with an allocation of that? Did a few of the grounds a while back and remember going to watch Celtic at Starks Park - that's a great ground, really interesting. I must get to a few more next time I'm up there and tie it in with some other trips. Always enjoy the Scottish grounds.
@@LetsMakeaTrip all of our away games are season book holders only. For that one, you need to have attended 42 away games over the past 3 years to get a ticket 😂
I was amazed with this video thanks for taking the time to go on such a far north route, truly beautiful and this was certainly a viewer shout-out to your comment about people watching towards the end!
Sometimes on this journey it is possible to spot red deer - stags and hinds. Most often seen about 10 miles north of Helmsdale - Kildonan, Kinbrace area - but could be anywhere on that last stretch before Georgemas. PS Good idea to clean the windows!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Depends on the time of year, in summer the deer are usually on the hill tops, but are lower down in spring, autumn and winter. Also sometimes seals are resting on the beaches/shoreline just north of Brora.
A great little video that really captures the beautiful scenery. I stayed near Forsinard last September and watched the train pass each day. You’ve inspired me to do the trip myself. You were very lucky with the weather 🌞. Well done and thanks.
That was stunning I live not far from Wick and I will take the train to Thurso so thank you for your vid's ( just moved here about 4 years ago and don't have a car) I have subscribed as well. 🙂
First travelled the Far North Line in September 1983 on a railtour headed by a pair of Class 26’s. We are frequent visitors in recent years to Inverness so a day out to Caithness is often on the agenda……07.00 from Inverness to Thurso - bus to Wick via John O’groats before getting the 16:00 from Wick back to Inverness - long day but always an enjoyable one 👍
Fantastic trip. I don't know why but the fact that there was a Premier Inn at the end would be the icing on the cake for me. Great views, really want to do it myself.
Cheers Peter. I guess you know what you’re getting with a premier inn and it is quite a nice one there. The northernmost PI too. The trip itself, well I got lucky with the weather but yes, totally amazing views. I will be back one day 😊👍
OH MY GOSH what an Incredible journey to the far north mate When you've got the time do the Scot rail from Glasgow Queen down to Mallaig that's got some nice views take care buddy
Cheers Caleb. I did Fort William to Mallaig a few years back - beautiful line. Might well do it again for the channel at some point and take the boat over to Skye or the Small Isles. 😊👍
It's a fantastic line, though I'm surprised that the Glasgow to Fort William (or Oban) journey that leads to it is often overlooked - equally scenic in a different way.
Absolutely stunning! I have a love-hate relationship with the far North line because I live in Orkney and would absolutely love to do loads of day trips on the line to places like Wick, Golspie, Helmsdale, etc however there is only one problem... Scrabster ferry terminal has appalling bus connections to Thurso, there is an 08:34 train from Thurso to Inverness and the Hamnavoe (ferry) gets in to Scrabster at 08:00, now tell me how hard it would be for Stagecoach to put on a bus that met the ferry and took Orcadians like myself the 2 miles into Thurso, too hard apparently because they don't and we can't get taxis because it's eight in the morning and their all out on school runs so we have to miss out on our perfect way to get to Inverness.
Love to see this in the comments. People helping each other out and it's great info to share for everyone too. At some point, I'd like to do this the other way around - maybe in the Winter. So flying up to Kirkwall and then down from there would hopefully be feasible. Cheers both.
Great production. I haven't travelled by train on this line but I have made the journey by car. Forsinard is a lovely location and the station also doubles as the RSPB centre. The scenery here is beautiful and there is a walk onto the blanket bog, a must for the naturalist.
I did this in 1965. I was going to work at Dounreay nuclear power station for 6 months as part of my university course. A gorgeous journey. In those days it was Mk 1 carriages & type 2 diesel locos and the train used to divide at Georgemas Junction with 2 coaches going to Thurso. Of course, you had to get on the right ½ of the train. 😉
Whoa, that was lovely! I have some time in Inverness in October and I hope to take that journey. I hope I get as good weather as you, but I will be taking a window cleaning kit with me! Great video as always and you were so right at the end... those are the moments that make travel so rewarding 👍
We went on this line in September 2011. Catching the first train out of Inverness (no trolley!) meant we could catch the bus to John O'Groats, spend 90 minutes there, and then reverse the journey! It was a very long day, but well worth it. We enjoyed the same weather as you did, but probably a bit warmer! Did you see any seals on the beach near Helmsdale? The next day, we went to Kyle on the train and caught the coach across to Skye for lunch in Portree. Another very long day - we were a lot younger then!!
Love how speechless you were at the end there Mark. There are no words other than stunning tbh. Myself and the wife did this 7 years ago and will probably do it again for sure! Cheers
I live in Arbroath & did this trip in August just for the fun of it via Perth on the way up to Inverness & Aberdeen on the way back. Stayed 1 night in the Station hotel in Thurso. Fantastic scenery.
Nice vid as always glad that your gonna try national express again since i love the coach company and i also joined your twitter and followed you 😊 cheers mate!
A journey I have been meaning to take for some time now, but Covid stopped me, now my roaming partner is ill, and I am not much better. But I will do it this year or next for sure! Thanks for the encouragement to do it. It had got a bit in the sidelines (punt not intended) but it has reawakened my drive to do this. Always did it by road, but it boars the pants off me, miles of nothing, which is fine, but it takes forever!
I wish you both all the best with it. You’ll get there and what I would say is use Inverness as a base there are loads of routes to explore in a day. Good luck 😊👍
Thank for a great video. I made this trip two weeks ago going from Newbury via friends in Inverness and onto Wick by train. It was a slightly mad trip as the whole return on the train was over four days. However, the stunning scenery made the train trip absolutely unforgettable. Also very emotional as my forebears came from this area. 😊
Lets not forget Thurso was the end of the line for a estimated half million service personnel during WW1 & WW2, known as the Jellicoe Express taking personel from London Euston to Thurso in just over 21 hours then onto the fleets anchorage at Scapa Flow, alas many did not make the return journey.
Hi Matthew, cheers mate. Yep, I’ve done one or two if you scroll through my stuff. Train from Belfast to Portrush and the Enterprise train are a couple and I’ve just been to a Belfast so there’s a couple more coming up you may be interested in. 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip ur welcom mate. Yeah just watched them, very good videos, its great to see a tourist enjoying our country and transport. The enterprise trains r old and always braking down. But theres new trains being ordered for the new transport hub which is good. Excited to see ur new videos coming up.
Ah the 158. I have only ever been on the SRT rail version in Thailand. They have manual swing doors and different seating. This line is one I have wanted to do if I ever get the chance to visit the UK.
@LetsMakeaTrip This line would be even better on a train with a full dining car. I am surprised they don't have at least a good buffet car as its quite a long trip. But yes both these lines are ones that I would like to do. I could probably connect on to it from the overnighter from London
That hotel at Thurso was built within the past few years. It was built on land used for transporting sheep. The land had been empty for some years. I live 10 miles away from Thurso's lovely scenery. But the weather can change every hour. The transport here is poor and patchy.
Cheers Simon. Yep, it must be fairly new, I don’t remember being able to book a premier inn in Thurso until recently. Decent place too. The X99 seems an ok bus but you’ll need to wait a few days for my thoughts on that one 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip The buses in and around the area are hit-and-miss. The roads are awful, and you can get a Thurso to Wick bus, but connections are poor, and you can wait 2 hours for the next bus. The Taxi cabs are hanging by their fingertips. Not many survived in recent years. A return to Wick from Thurso could cost £60 -£70.
It looks also as if the Premier Inn was close to the old Ormlie Lodge hostel - is that still there? It was the place where people working at Dounreay, especially or short term contracts or summer placements, could stay, and I had 2 months there. Very convenient for the station. The smarter hotel in the centre of town was the Pentland Hotel, where I encountered "Tipsy Laird" - vanilla ice cream drenched with Drambuie.
You look a tiny bit like Michael Portillo, and especially as you're a train enthusiast - I thought he was you for a minute. I think we all have a number of different lines we have always wanted to explore - a good way to tick them off, is with a rail rover - it ensures getting them all visited, because the alternative being - the years roll on and we get little done, ever. Remember also, in Britain we've only got three good months in any single year, to be able to include evening light, plus of-course decent weather.!!!
I agree, time does go quicker these days! Plenty more to come though John and yes, a ranger/rover is definitely a consideration for some of these trips. Cheers 😊👍
Just stumbled across your channel while taking in other regular viewing (mostly Aussie content, but also a fan of Canadian DownieLive). I made this journey as part of my "Big Trip" almost 5 years ago and your coverage has stirred up many fond memories. Must check out more of your trips when time allows. Cheers from me downunder in Melbourne, Australia.🙂
Cheers Michael and thanks for leaving the comments - much appreciated and I hope my stuff brings back more good memories for you! All the best, Mark 😊👍
Beautiful scenery and a great, informal style. Britain has some of the most varied scenery, if not the most spectacular, anywhere. As for the train, a 158 at least a third of a century old. With the general fare level in UK you might at least expect it to be clean and the minimal facilities provided to all work properly. At least there were no newspapers stuffed in bulkhead joints (rather than proper repairs) as I’ve seen on Gloucester to Bristol trains (153s.)
Cheers Mike, nice to hear my informal style is appreciated (not everyone likes it I can assure you!). I do like the 158’s, got quite a few down here with TfW, been going for years. Just need to go through the wash a bit more often. 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it was indeed, long trip but worth it in the company of friendly people in mk1 coaches. Can recommend the Scottish railway preservation society for day trips and they do a excellent breakfast and dinner on board
Enjoyed the trip, I love Scotland so much that I go to Tomintoul 3 times a year from my home in Leeds, just about to watch your trip back from Wick on the x99, regards from Leeds Yorkshire xx
Thanks for doing such a good job on this video. I agree that this is a wonderful journey that passes through some staggeringly beautiful scenery. But, as a resident of Caithness I feel it is also a pain in the ar*e. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted that we have a rail service but 4¼ hours from Wick to Inverness, which are only 102 miles apart by road, is a bit of a long haul. That is especially so in the winter months when it's likely to be dark for a lot of the journey. You can't see a thing out of the windows (whether clean or not) and so all you have to look at is the interior of the train. It can be a long and boring journey.
Thanks for the comment. Yes interesting what you say about winter. I thought it’d be great to do it again in the snow (if there is much) and go on to Stromness etc on the ferry. Whether it’s any good in reality is another thing. Try anything once I guess but it sounds like an early departure from Inverness would be required 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes, you would have to plan your journey to depart mid-morning at the latest (not sure of the actual timetable). You are likely to spend the northern part in the dark if you leave it until the afternoon. It gets dark pretty early in mid winter up here.
Made that trip in the '80s and will never forget it. At that time you could stand in between the coaches and pull down the window. I vividly remember going through the stunning Flow country with my head out the window--such a feeling of freedom and being "on top of the world". Thanks so much for reviving those memories.
Thanks Anne, yes I too remember those coaches - probably pulled by one of the Scottish 26 or 27’s in those days if my old train spotting memory serves me right? And it’s taken me until now to get up there but it definitely won’t be my last trip there!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Spot on, in the early 1980s it was usually class 26s, their gearing was better suited for low speed slogging than the 27s. Then it got upgraded to class 37s which knocked quite a few minutes off the timings. They lasted until class 156s took over, and then 158s. The 156s looked a little spartan but were comfortable enough and were the best coaches for viewing from with the long open saloon and relatively low seat backs.
I love a journey when the journey is the main event. Spectacular video. Thanks mate.
Nicely put! I must remember that. Cheers bigmac :-)
I’m from the small village of Halkirk so it’s very cool to see someone going to such a close train station
A fabulous watch mate. Clearly I’m biased but I think the FNL is a hidden gem on the network so thank you for helping uncover it! I wish Scotrail would promote it a little more but the (admittedly stunning) West Highland Line seems to get all the coverage. Congrats on the 15k subs too! Well deserved and I’m certain there will be many more to come.
Thanks mate! One more to do for me up there which will be Glasgow to Oban. Another one I've never tried but I'll tie it in with a ferry somewhere aswell. Cheers.
I live beside side of the line just north of Brora. If I see more than six folk on the train (including the driver!) I'm surprised - nobody would EVER have problems getting a seat!. Folks don't know what they're missing (unless they watch your video! ) a really good watch! Thank you.
Hi Stan, many thanks for the comment and yes you are lucky living in such a beautiful part of the world. I always end up spending hours on ‘Right Move’ after doing one of these trips! It was a superb journey and yes I did get quite lucky with the weather as I came back the day after and it wasn’t so great (that’s this weeks video) 😊👍
Just made the trip this week and there were quite a few people on the train... so maybe the video did some good.
Thanks Mark another great video, definitely a must do trip some time in the future.
I’ve been on the Far North line twice, and both times it’s been one of the best experiences of my entire life. There’s nothing like it, lovely trains, breathtaking scenery, a must do for everyone, not just those into travelling
Agree and I’d definitely do it again. Next time in the snow with one or two remote stopovers would be awesome!
I’m originally from that beautiful part of the world, born and brought there…still have family and have taken that trip hundreds of times…never ever do I get bored of it…it’s fantastic. Forsinard was my station when I lived up there (west of Thurso In Sutherland) …so glad you enjoyed it…was quite emotional myself watching as I’ve not been home for about a year…keep up the good work.
Wow, wow, wow. That is the best journey I have seen you do, where every second was memorable, breathtaking and spectacular (except the toilet!). Worth every penny you paid, and more. Thanks for promoting such a beautiful trip.
Cheers Keith, glad you enjoyed it mate (I certainly did) and thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated 😊👍
Just watched Inverness to Thurso. Really enjoyed the video. Made the trip myself back in the 1970/1980 many times. Remember the Inverness station for its steak sandwiches - used to detour to the station even when I drove up from Warrington. In those days the train would slow down to throw out the mail and daily papers :). Was especially pleased to see that Forsinard Station still existed - used to stay at the Forsinard Lodge as it is known today - Mrs O'Brian (the cook) made fantastic Cheese souffles. Used to stay at "The Royal Hotel" in Thurso - quite a (pleasant) experience. Many thanks for the video.
Cheers Mike and thanks for the comment - loved reading about your experience. Must’ve been quite different in those days BUT, dare I say it, better? Glad it brought back memories anyway and many thanks for the comment 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks for the reply. Really did bring back good memories. Keep up the good work.
What a great video I used to go upto Scotland a lot with work but you can't enjoy the scenery the same when you are driving. Thanks for the journey.
Cheers Pauline and thanks for watching/commenting - much appreciated 😊👍
Glad you had such a cracking day for it Mark and you captured the scenery beautifully. A great line to trundle along at such a slow pace eh?
Oh the weather was unbelievable Steve! In a way, I’d love to do it in the depths of winter and a lot more snow on the ground. That would be a great contrast (premier inn would probably be cheaper too 😉)! Cheers mate.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I have done it in winter, fantastic scenery!
What a beautiful country we live in - that was amazing! I totally get the emotion - you said at the beginning that you'd wanted to do this since you were very young, so to achieve that dream AND with the best weather Mother Nature could put on - well, what a treat! No wonder you felt a bit emotional about it - that's human and why your channel is growing. I now feel drawn to visit the 'far north' - these days after the froth and boil of youth + London, I hanker for the empty spaces, peace and calm. keep up the great content!
Thanks for the comment- so true, these days for me it’s all about the journey and it’s quite a sense of achievement too when you’ve waited so long. I have lots of ideas for other trips, just not enough time for it all! Lots more to come yet though 😊
Glad you enjoyed it mate!
The people of the UK are appreciating there own country a lot more,thanks to the "You-tubers" and their great Vlogs (like this one)
The English are definetly coming up to Scotland more these days wether on holiday or to live and its good to see!
Cheers Gary, yes I think you’re on to something there. Never really thought about it like that before but yep, makes sense. Tbh, if it was up to me, I’d move to Scotland in an instant! Love the place 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Cheers Mate! I was told that through playing golf in Tayside with guys from places like Gloucester and Cornwall! No intention of returning they say😄👍
Hello. Well what a lovely trip. How do you come up with your ideas. Always great trips, Great views, Great commentry. Well just look forward to seeing your next video. Have subscribed etc etc a while ago. Thanks for good tv, better than the normal TV. You should be nominated for a Oscar or what ever they call it for utube. Thanks again. Hope u are well. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, many thanks for the lovely comment. Not sure how I get some of these ideas tbh, things I've wanted to do for ages or other UA-cam content - bit of a mixture really. Not sure if there's a UA-cam equivalent to the Oscars but yep, maybe you should recommend me lol. All the best and thanks for the support, Mark.
Great vid and those station names bring back a lot of memories for me having lived in Thurso in the late 70’s early 80’s. Back in those days it was indeed class 37’s on the line and the 4 carriage train would split at Georgemas junction with another class 37 loco waiting to couple up and take one half to Wick. Likewise going south the Thurso/Wick trains would meet up at Georgemas and couple up.
Would be annoying these days for those going to Wick and having to go to Thurso first and then back through Georgemas to get to Wick! Also back then, there were no destination boards at the smaller stations and if the train was playing up (quite often) you could be waiting simply not knowing if it was going to turn up or not! Beautiful part of the country but It’s a heck of a journey. Hope to visit Caithness again soon. Happy memories.
Many thanks for the comment. Must have been great in those days with the diesel-hauled trains, pull down the windows on the doors and breath it all in - fantastic!
I remember it as well from working at Dounreay in summer 1981 and then later visiting friends I had made then, on several occasions. In 1981 it was still Class 26s, which put up a brave battle with 6 coach trains. A great route, but it took an awfully long time. Departures from Thurso were 0530, 1130 and 1730 and it took nearly 5 hours to reach Inverness. First train scheduled to arrive Inverness at 1013 and I remember frustratingly missing my 1022 connection to the south by less than a minute when we had a "weak" 26 and slight delays at loops en route. The flipside was getting to Georgemas one evening exhausted after cycling from Wick against a strong headwind, rolling down to the station in case the evening train was running late, and it was! So I got a very welcome ride back to Thurso. Proper guards vans in those days! As you say, happy memories, reawakened by this video.
What an amazing journey, no wonder you were lost for words ,i really like your travel blogs as they are completely unique and i wish more people would watch them thankyou.
Thanks Sean, I wish more people would watch them too! I really noted this trip though, like I said, for me personally I’m glad I filmed it for the memories if nothing else. Cheers mate 😊👍
Thanks for the memories! I did this on my own when i was 16 and managed to armtwist my dad into buying me a 2 week all-line rover. Back then it was all class 37s and M2As/Mk1s.
I can’t believe it took me 50-odd years to do this. Glad I did though. It was spectacular and I think I’ll be doing it again at some point!
I did this same trip in 1976. In those days, it took over 5 hours. I enjoyed the scenery!
Loco-hauled train excitement though I bet 👍
A very enjoyable video, and thanks too for the other one you made on the Caledonian sleeper from Euston. One comment, I'm not sure your pronunciation of "Cromarty" would pass muster with the locals ;)
Mark, what a great day for such a lovely trip. Enjoying the travel-logs which are made better with your happy outlook on life. Have a great BH weekend.
Cheers David. I don't always have a happy outlook on life tbh but yep, normally when I'm travelling I do. Everyone has their moments I guess. Glad you enjoyed it and have a great b/h yourself.
Never seen anyone clean the outside of the train window before ... I am inspired and intend to do this myself from now on. Cheers!
You should! Last time I left Inverness it was so frustrating watching the scenery through dirty windows I wasn’t going to suffer that again. If Scotrail won’t do it, I’ll do it myself 😂
Back in days of british rail cleaners did clean the windows on the outside of the train between journeys. But now the only time they get cleaned is if it has time to go through the train wash at the end of the day and depending on where the unit is stabled is might go a few days without going through the wash.
I’m supposed to be asleep to go to work tomorrow, but what do I find… oooh… Mark’s put up another video… and it’s a train one… awesome!!! so glad I stayed up to watch. Gorgeous video
Sorry about that 😂 Glad you enjoyed it though mate, have a good day at work 👍
Another 158 - Another spectacular route! Something I would want to do when I'm older but obviously it's a challenge with the train times at Thurso not being ideal! Followed Scottish football for a while but never knew Ross County were that remote! Great video though as always
Cheers Danny. Yep, sometimes these football clubs pop up in places totally unrelated to the town they’re in (Queen of the South!). Probably most useful to book a night in Thurso and that Premierinn is ideal for that 👍
Remote? From where?
So glad it lived up to your expectations and cheers for highlighting the route.
Some wicked scenery ! Scotland looks and sounds amazing !
It is amazing Sean, definitely recommend a visit there!
Thanks for taking the time to enjoy some of our most beautiful countryside in as relaxed a way as can be done.
It was my pleasure 😊
Loved the video - and the ending! Content like this makes me proud to be a sponsor. Cheers Mark!
Cheers Dave and I’m grateful for your continued support mate 😊
Thank you Mark for a wonderful trip, amazing scenery and a cracking day for it, hope you are doing ok and staying safe, until next time keep well and cheers.
Cheers Simon, thanks for the comment 😊👍
So glad you enjoyed this trip, Mark. We have never done it but intend to now! We do have some of the best scenery here in Scotland😊, thank you for promoting it!
Thanks Sheila. Yep, worth every penny this trip. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too when you get around to it. Cheers 😊👍
Another fantastic views, always giving me lots of travel ideas. Cheers
No problem, glad you enjoyed the video 😊👍
Great video. Amazing how we wait nearly all our lives to do the simple things. Something always gets in the way.
Time goes quicker too the older you get Colin.
Thank you for inviting me on this trip to nothern Scotland, wonderful! Best wishes from Germany.
Hi Franz, thanks very much for watching, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
Thank you for all the videos you share. They really interest me and everyone else. Safe travels and take care!
Cheers Kai and thanks for the kind words. Appreciate the support mate 😊👍
I love utube journeys, trains, trams, buses, cars or walking, especially as I can't go out easily, being disabled. Thank you so much for this lovely journey. I shall be wayching it again, and look forward to seeing some of your other journetys too! Best wishes and Happy Travelling!
Thanks very much for your comment Joanne. I hope you can enjoy my stuff vicariously at the very least 😊 Appreciate the kind words 😊👍
Wonderful that you finally got that trip in and the scenery was as beautiful as hoped. Thanks for sharing.
Oh it was amazing. I don’t think I’d ever get weather as good as that again so yep, definitely worth the wait 😊👍
I have tried to do this trip many times but. Always thwarted by the weather!!! Trying again next week! Another good watch thank you
Good luck Richard, I do hope the weather’s as kind to you as it was to me. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
At one time, trains used to split in two at Georgemas Junction (a loco was stationed there when the trains were loco- hauled, then they used to run two 156's or 158's joined up), with half going to Wick and half to Thurso. These days they all run to Wick via Thurso and back.
Cheers Ian, yes I heard that used to happen. Bit of a drag these days for anyone heading to Wick I thought!
What an absolutely fantastic journey! I cannot wait to take this trip one day.
I definitely recommend it 👍
I absolutely loved the video! Spent most of summer 23 in Caithness and Sutherland and this took me back to the odd wonderful views! I imagine by train is was even more spectacular ❤
Hi Nikla, thanks for the comment and yes the train is definitely worth doing. Some of the views were fantastic and the countryside ever-changing. Must've been great to have spent the summer there.
What a beautiful journey!
Thank you for this video 🤗
Thanks and cheers for the comment 😊👍
Hi Mark, thank you for sharing such a lovely trip - absolutely something to put on my 'bucket list'. I suspect that line probably never gets too busy? Interesting to see such an extensive coastline without a soul in sight! I really look forward to your UK train vlogs - your style is so relaxed but with all the quirky factoids thrown in - love it! Take care and keep em' coming. Rob (West Midlands).
Cheers Rob, thanks for the nice comments. Those beaches were amazing weren’t they. See that house with the Ukrainian flag is my ideal place to live. Shame there wasn’t a railway station there but it’s like having your own private beach I reckon and the views - just superb!
Did this trip with my husband back in the 90s. We started in Nottingham actually and made it to Thurso at night. It was wonderful. We stayed in Thurso for a few nights and visited Scrabster, Wick and somewhere else I can’t remember. It was a cold time of year and rained a lot. Glad I did it, though.
It’s so far north it’s almost like an achievement to get there irrespective of the weather. And it was obvs a memorable experience 😊👍
Spectacular scenery. Well worth the money...
Oh definitely, cheaper than the bus too 👍
Celtic fan here. Its not a massive away allocation (around 1500 iirc) so the crowds arent huge. Also most fans in Scotland travel by supporters bus rather than train. The train station is always packed due to the pub (mallard) being attached to it though! Lovely little town, hope they dont get relegated
Cheers mate. Thanks for the info on that - must be sth's and members only with an allocation of that? Did a few of the grounds a while back and remember going to watch Celtic at Starks Park - that's a great ground, really interesting. I must get to a few more next time I'm up there and tie it in with some other trips. Always enjoy the Scottish grounds.
@@LetsMakeaTrip all of our away games are season book holders only. For that one, you need to have attended 42 away games over the past 3 years to get a ticket 😂
I was amazed with this video thanks for taking the time to go on such a far north route, truly beautiful and this was certainly a viewer shout-out to your comment about people watching towards the end!
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend that route. 👍
Sometimes on this journey it is possible to spot red deer - stags and hinds. Most often seen about 10 miles north of Helmsdale - Kildonan, Kinbrace area - but could be anywhere on that last stretch before Georgemas. PS Good idea to clean the windows!
I’ll have to remember that next time I go up there Janette. Lovely area!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Depends on the time of year, in summer the deer are usually on the hill tops, but are lower down in spring, autumn and winter. Also sometimes seals are resting on the beaches/shoreline just north of Brora.
A great little video that really captures the beautiful scenery. I stayed near Forsinard last September and watched the train pass each day. You’ve inspired me to do the trip myself. You were very lucky with the weather 🌞.
Well done and thanks.
Cheers Dale. I’d love to do it again now in the winter and Forsinard looks like a great place to stopover 👍
That was stunning I live not far from Wick and I will take the train to Thurso so thank you for your vid's ( just moved here about 4 years ago and don't have a car) I have subscribed as well. 🙂
Another brilliant video what a trip 👍 thanks Mark
Cheers James, appreciate the comment 😊👍
First travelled the Far North Line in September 1983 on a railtour headed by a pair of Class 26’s. We are frequent visitors in recent years to Inverness so a day out to Caithness is often on the agenda……07.00 from Inverness to Thurso - bus to Wick via John O’groats before getting the 16:00 from Wick back to Inverness - long day but always an enjoyable one 👍
Fantastic trip. I don't know why but the fact that there was a Premier Inn at the end would be the icing on the cake for me. Great views, really want to do it myself.
Cheers Peter. I guess you know what you’re getting with a premier inn and it is quite a nice one there. The northernmost PI too. The trip itself, well I got lucky with the weather but yes, totally amazing views. I will be back one day 😊👍
OH MY GOSH what an Incredible journey to the far north mate When you've got the time do the Scot rail from Glasgow Queen down to Mallaig that's got some nice views take care buddy
Cheers Caleb. I did Fort William to Mallaig a few years back - beautiful line. Might well do it again for the channel at some point and take the boat over to Skye or the Small Isles. 😊👍
It's a fantastic line, though I'm surprised that the Glasgow to Fort William (or Oban) journey that leads to it is often overlooked - equally scenic in a different way.
Invergordon Station probably has the long platforms as it was a Navy Base.
WW1 , Jellicoe Express trains,
Ambulance trains also heading South
Interesting, thanks for the info😊👍
Fantastic viewing..journey really had everything! Very well presented too
Cheers Simon, appreciate the comment mate 😊👍
Beautiful scenery... Exeter to paignton fantastic scenery as well ❤
Thanks Wendy. Agree, Exeter to Paignton is lovely. It features in one of my earlier videos with CrossCountry if you want to have a look. Cheers 😊👍
A great video. Thanks ever so much. I had the same overwhelming feeling to this wonderful journey. I hope to do it again some day.
Cheers Chris, I hope you get the same good weather I had. Definitely helps 😊👍
One of the most enjoyable videos I've watched Mark. What scenery. Cheers.
Thanks Simon, appreciate the comment. Cheers 😊👍
Absolutely stunning! I have a love-hate relationship with the far North line because I live in Orkney and would absolutely love to do loads of day trips on the line to places like Wick, Golspie, Helmsdale, etc however there is only one problem... Scrabster ferry terminal has appalling bus connections to Thurso, there is an 08:34 train from Thurso to Inverness and the Hamnavoe (ferry) gets in to Scrabster at 08:00, now tell me how hard it would be for Stagecoach to put on a bus that met the ferry and took Orcadians like myself the 2 miles into Thurso, too hard apparently because they don't and we can't get taxis because it's eight in the morning and their all out on school runs so we have to miss out on our perfect way to get to Inverness.
I believe there is an arrangement with a minibus taxi that connects the train with the ferry
If that's true, firstly I wasn't aware of it, and secondly that's the best thing I've heard for a long time, thanks very much for letting me know.
Love to see this in the comments. People helping each other out and it's great info to share for everyone too. At some point, I'd like to do this the other way around - maybe in the Winter. So flying up to Kirkwall and then down from there would hopefully be feasible. Cheers both.
If you do make the trip, Brora is nice, good beach, walks and coffee shop near the station.
@@robfuller7841 Thanks very much! Golspie is where I had in mind but who says i cant do both!
Great story! Loved it - as always.
Cheers Paul, thanks for watching 😊👍
Great production. I haven't travelled by train on this line but I have made the journey by car. Forsinard is a lovely location and the station also doubles as the RSPB centre. The scenery here is beautiful and there is a walk onto the blanket bog, a must for the naturalist.
Cheers Steven, yes Forsinard looked fantastically remote. That’s definitely a place I’d be wanting to get off at next time.
I did this in 1965. I was going to work at Dounreay nuclear power station for 6 months as part of my university course. A gorgeous journey. In those days it was Mk 1 carriages & type 2 diesel locos and the train used to divide at Georgemas Junction with 2 coaches going to Thurso. Of course, you had to get on the right ½ of the train. 😉
Must’ve been fantastic doing the loco-hauled services in those days. A bit different to the 158’s but the scenery’s still as magnificent fortunately 👍
Whoa, that was lovely! I have some time in Inverness in October and I hope to take that journey. I hope I get as good weather as you, but I will be taking a window cleaning kit with me!
Great video as always and you were so right at the end... those are the moments that make travel so rewarding 👍
Cheers mate, Callum will give you some paper towel at the gate 👍 I hope you get decent weather, makes such a difference!
We went on this line in September 2011. Catching the first train out of Inverness (no trolley!) meant we could catch the bus to John O'Groats, spend 90 minutes there, and then reverse the journey! It was a very long day, but well worth it. We enjoyed the same weather as you did, but probably a bit warmer! Did you see any seals on the beach near Helmsdale?
The next day, we went to Kyle on the train and caught the coach across to Skye for lunch in Portree. Another very long day - we were a lot younger then!!
Love how speechless you were at the end there Mark. There are no words other than stunning tbh. Myself and the wife did this 7 years ago and will probably do it again for sure! Cheers
Exactly, that’s travel isn’t it. Feeds the soul 👍
Enjoyed a lot thank you and glad the weather was fantastic on day for you
Cheers and thanks very much for taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated 😊👍
I live in Arbroath & did this trip in August just for the fun of it via Perth on the way up to Inverness & Aberdeen on the way back. Stayed 1 night in the Station hotel in Thurso. Fantastic scenery.
It’s well-worth the trip is t it. I think I was lucky with the weather but loved it. Back up to Scotland again next month 👍
I have personally done this line and it’s fantastic.
Very long but extremely scenic
Totally agree, thanks for the comment 😊👍
Nice vid as always glad that your gonna try national express again since i love the coach company and i also joined your twitter and followed you 😊 cheers mate!
Cheers pixle- appreciate the support mate!
Another really enjoyable video Mark. I could see how much it meant to you.
Thanks Neil. And it did yes, one of those kind of trips and I would recommend it to anyone. Cheers 😊👍
Enjoyed your video very much. I hope to take the train from Tain to Thurso and back one day when I return to the Highlands next May.
Thanks David. It is a lovely line, definitely recommend it 👍
Fabulous video,reminded me of the time I did the same journey to Thurso and Wick,where the old shed at Wick was the Co-op when I did it.
Cheers Anthony, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
A journey I have been meaning to take for some time now, but Covid stopped me, now my roaming partner is ill, and I am not much better. But I will do it this year or next for sure! Thanks for the encouragement to do it. It had got a bit in the sidelines (punt not intended) but it has reawakened my drive to do this. Always did it by road, but it boars the pants off me, miles of nothing, which is fine, but it takes forever!
I wish you both all the best with it. You’ll get there and what I would say is use Inverness as a base there are loads of routes to explore in a day. Good luck 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Been to most, but not by train, this is what I intend to do now. Thanks for the reply.
Great video, doing this run at the beginning of October from Inverness and staying at the Premier inn at Thurso too, thanks for the useful tips😊
Thank for a great video. I made this trip two weeks ago going from Newbury via friends in Inverness and onto Wick by train. It was a slightly mad trip as the whole return on the train was over four days. However, the stunning scenery made the train trip absolutely unforgettable. Also very emotional as my forebears came from this area. 😊
Glad t brought back some fantastic memories.thanks for watching 😊
Lets not forget Thurso was the end of the line for a estimated half million service personnel during WW1 & WW2, known as the Jellicoe Express taking personel from London Euston to Thurso in just over 21 hours then onto the fleets anchorage at Scapa Flow, alas many did not make the return journey.
Yes a sobering thought that. Cheers mate 😊👍
Did this journey in 1996....brilliant and thanks for the memories
No problem, glad it brought back some great memories 😊
Love ur videos. I live in Belfast NI. U should do some bus or train journeys over here.
Hi Matthew, cheers mate. Yep, I’ve done one or two if you scroll through my stuff. Train from Belfast to Portrush and the Enterprise train are a couple and I’ve just been to a Belfast so there’s a couple more coming up you may be interested in. 👍
ooooooooooooooo🩱
@@LetsMakeaTrip ur welcom mate. Yeah just watched them, very good videos, its great to see a tourist enjoying our country and transport. The enterprise trains r old and always braking down. But theres new trains being ordered for the new transport hub which is good.
Excited to see ur new videos coming up.
Always check the water is running before putting soap on your hands😂👍
Yep, I always do that (and edit it out later). If I’d got less than the dribble you saw (and I talked about), it would have been mentioned.
Ah the 158. I have only ever been on the SRT rail version in Thailand. They have manual swing doors and different seating. This line is one I have wanted to do if I ever get the chance to visit the UK.
I definitely recommend it Nick and the Kyle line too 👍
@LetsMakeaTrip This line would be even better on a train with a full dining car. I am surprised they don't have at least a good buffet car as its quite a long trip. But yes both these lines are ones that I would like to do. I could probably connect on to it from the overnighter from London
That hotel at Thurso was built within the past few years. It was built on land used for transporting sheep. The land had been empty for some years. I live 10 miles away from Thurso's lovely scenery. But the weather can change every hour. The transport here is poor and patchy.
Cheers Simon. Yep, it must be fairly new, I don’t remember being able to book a premier inn in Thurso until recently. Decent place too. The X99 seems an ok bus but you’ll need to wait a few days for my thoughts on that one 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip The buses in and around the area are hit-and-miss. The roads are awful, and you can get a Thurso to Wick bus, but connections are poor, and you can wait 2 hours for the next bus. The Taxi cabs are hanging by their fingertips. Not many survived in recent years. A return to Wick from Thurso could cost £60 -£70.
The ground on which the Premier Inn was built was previously a sheep and cattle market.
It looks also as if the Premier Inn was close to the old Ormlie Lodge hostel - is that still there? It was the place where people working at Dounreay, especially or short term contracts or summer placements, could stay, and I had 2 months there. Very convenient for the station. The smarter hotel in the centre of town was the Pentland Hotel, where I encountered "Tipsy Laird" - vanilla ice cream drenched with Drambuie.
I stayed in the Hotel a few weeks ago and was able to watch the trains arriving and departing the station
Wonderful video. Scotland is so beautiful.
Thanks, I love Scotland. Would move there tomorrow if I could 😊👍
You look a tiny bit like Michael Portillo, and especially as you're a train enthusiast - I thought he was you for a minute.
I think we all have a number of different lines we have always wanted to explore - a good way to tick them off, is with a rail rover - it ensures getting them all visited, because the alternative being - the years roll on and we get little done, ever.
Remember also, in Britain we've only got three good months in any single year, to be able to include evening light, plus of-course decent weather.!!!
I agree, time does go quicker these days! Plenty more to come though John and yes, a ranger/rover is definitely a consideration for some of these trips. Cheers 😊👍
Just stumbled across your channel while taking in other regular viewing (mostly Aussie content, but also a fan of Canadian DownieLive). I made this journey as part of my "Big Trip" almost 5 years ago and your coverage has stirred up many fond memories. Must check out more of your trips when time allows. Cheers from me downunder in Melbourne, Australia.🙂
Cheers Michael and thanks for leaving the comments - much appreciated and I hope my stuff brings back more good memories for you! All the best, Mark 😊👍
OK, that's now on the list for my next UK trip. And I'll bring a cloth for the window!
I definitely recommend the trip and a cloth!!
Beautiful scenery and a great, informal style. Britain has some of the most varied scenery, if not the most spectacular, anywhere.
As for the train, a 158 at least a third of a century old. With the general fare level in UK you might at least expect it to be clean and the minimal facilities provided to all work properly. At least there were no newspapers stuffed in bulkhead joints (rather than proper repairs) as I’ve seen on Gloucester to Bristol trains (153s.)
Cheers Mike, nice to hear my informal style is appreciated (not everyone likes it I can assure you!). I do like the 158’s, got quite a few down here with TfW, been going for years. Just need to go through the wash a bit more often. 😊👍
Great video & commentary
Thanks very much and cheers for leaving a comment 😊👍
Ach, you've made me homesick
A fabulous video stunning views .
Cheers Simon, I definitely recommend this line 😊👍
Very enjoyable, Thank you!
Cheers, thanks for the comment 😊👍
I always enjoy watching your videos mark. Cheer 🍻
Cheers Cam, appreciate the support 😊👍
Made that trip a few years ago with the srps 37s from Edinburgh waverley, stunning scenery
That would have been a great ride!
@@LetsMakeaTrip it was indeed, long trip but worth it in the company of friendly people in mk1 coaches. Can recommend the Scottish railway preservation society for day trips and they do a excellent breakfast and dinner on board
Excellent trip, Mark. Very much enjoyed that one 👍 Did you get the Premier Inn at a good deal?
£48 so yep, not bad that.
Enjoyed the trip, I love Scotland so much that I go to Tomintoul 3 times a year from my home in Leeds, just about to watch your trip back from Wick on the x99, regards from Leeds Yorkshire xx
Cheers Billy and thanks for watching. I would definitely recommend some time up here in Caithness/Sutherland 👍
Thanks for doing such a good job on this video. I agree that this is a wonderful journey that passes through some staggeringly beautiful scenery. But, as a resident of Caithness I feel it is also a pain in the ar*e. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted that we have a rail service but 4¼ hours from Wick to Inverness, which are only 102 miles apart by road, is a bit of a long haul. That is especially so in the winter months when it's likely to be dark for a lot of the journey. You can't see a thing out of the windows (whether clean or not) and so all you have to look at is the interior of the train. It can be a long and boring journey.
Thanks for the comment. Yes interesting what you say about winter. I thought it’d be great to do it again in the snow (if there is much) and go on to Stromness etc on the ferry. Whether it’s any good in reality is another thing. Try anything once I guess but it sounds like an early departure from Inverness would be required 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes, you would have to plan your journey to depart mid-morning at the latest (not sure of the actual timetable). You are likely to spend the northern part in the dark if you leave it until the afternoon. It gets dark pretty early in mid winter up here.
What a great video. Thank you Sir
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Much appreciated 😊👍
Nice vid, informative, great scenery keep em coming thrown you a like. o7.....
Cheers mate, appreciated 😊👍
Magic trip, thanks. Cheers from Oz
Cheers Jim, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
Very relaxing.
Thanks Dave
Great journey and thanks for videoing it for us!
Cheers Craig, appreciate the comment and support mate.