Monday, September 17, 2012

Day 15 : KIRKBY LONSDALE to EDINBURGH : Trains are SO..O..O relaxing!!!!

KIRKBY LONSDALE to EDINBURGH :  Trains are SO..O..O Relaxing!!

17 September 2022

Miles biked: 11.45

Feet up : 650

Feet down : 386

Miles by train (i.e. if we had biked it. Probably less by train tracks) : 150 ish

Leaving our lovely Royal Hotel



                            This one's for Alain - it was NOT summery, I can assure you!

Today dawned chilly and blustery, but mostly fine while we biked our nearly 12 miles to Oxenholme Railway station, arriving in plenty of time. In fact we had a two hour wait, which was comfortable enough in the little cafe, where we had a cup of coffee and read some books.

You can still see the remnants of the old station - so romantic do't you think.




                                                         Waiting for the train

There was lots of train traffic, Oxenholme being a rail gateway to the Lake District. Passengers seemed evenly divided between rugged, fit looking British hikers, and young Asian tourists .

The train, which was operated by Virgin Trains, was efficient and comfortable, and the time flew by. No problems with bikes on the train, and station staff were super helpful. I particularly liked the parts where I could look out the window and see how outside it was hilly, bleak, windy and pelting with rain. Other times it was just as windy, but with clouds and sun but still looking pretty bleak.

Edinburgh seems to be totally under construction, and crossing the road takes ages, so finding a bed for the night took a while. However, we are now installed, showered, setting strategy for the remainder of the trip, and we are happy.







The royal bank of Scotland - how gorgeous - as JST says cynically, currently funded by taxpayers

some shots of Edinburgh in the evening 






                              Tonight's Royal - not quite the same as last night, but adequate....

                                                               View from dinner

                                                                       Dinner

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