Scotland by train part one

 In the early hours a motley crew gathered in the car park of the train station, and a kind gentleman opened the gates so they could pass onto the platform.  The Earl Mount Edgcumbe stood there quietly steaming and waiting for us all to board.  The air was filled with noise and excitement.

The first class passengers and premium dining were allowed on first as their seats were allocated at booking.  PJ and I were at a table for two, our friends (P, R & D)sat across at the table for four, and so we started our journey.  We slowly steamed up onto the Main Line and then started to pick up speed, it is an entirely different feeling to travelling by diesel or electric.  The whistle blew as we passed through stations, passed photographers with their cameras and video recorders. 

We stopped at several stations on route to collect more passengers and each station had platforms covered with photographers.

Onward we steamed, going at a fast pace through the English Countryside and then chuffing away up the hills, stopping now and then to let the local and Pendolino trains come past.  

 

Photographers lined the route, in fields and on roads, wherever they could get to, making you feel like royalty.  I had to wave, even if it was just to spoil their photo!!!  P couldn't understand why I waved but on the journey back ........ we were all waving ..... although the competition on their side was to see how many would wave back!!!

Our meals were served throughout the day by a friendly, attractive and efficient staff.  The food was excellent considering it had to be prepared within a small space and by several members of staff, our Chef was not a small, shy person!!!

We had Breakfast choice of porridge or cereal – did I say we were going to Scotland!!! Followed by a full English and toast. 

We had stops at Carlisle and Crewe – bear in mind Geography geograffy geography is not my best subject!!!

We alighted at Carlisle and went for a walk round.  The day was hot and I was not really coping with the heat, especially as this was such a change and the sun was shining straight into our side of the carriage.  We had also found out that we had to catch a local train to Lithlingow tomorrow to board the train as he was not allowed back into Edinburgh – boo! British Rail! Hiss! Boo! This had not been on the original booking arrangements but we know that steam engines are at the mercy of British Rail.

  We found a small café selling homemade cake so we had a lemon drizzle cake with a cup of coffee and then went back towards the Station and decided to sit just outside the Citadel gates and watch the world – well….Carlisle …….go by!!

We were served a three course lunch during the journey up to Edinburgh and arrived at Waverley Station about 20.30hrs. 

Turning left out of the station we found ourselves behind the bridge where we caught the coach back to Dalmally on our previous trip.  We were on the other side of this bridge and actually looked down on this road thinking - that's the station, wonder where the hotel is?  We were soon to find out.  A 10mins walk according to the paperwork.

Our hotel http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtml had been booked by P and it was a short walk away ……… all uphill and I mean up



notice the slope of the car to the left!

We had been in this area when we came by coach so felt we knew the area, although it took me some time to walk and D kept coming back to me but eventually PJ told the others to carry on and we would meet them at the hotel.

The Architecture was amazing, not that I managed to see much as I struggled up the hill! lol

The hotel had a lift and we were all on different floors so that was good, and the room was very pleasant being aqua and white, overlooking the square at the back of the church.

We checked everything out, like the telly, and settled down for the night.