First time traveling in a long while with a non-folding bike. The chief difference is that I had to book the bike on most of the trains, including the far north line and the sleeper.
A stunning train ride to Inverness.
The bike went into a room on a carriage for bikes and large luggage. Not sure about the way the bike is hung up.
The bike on the sleeper.Breakfast not impressive.Euston station Getting ready to ride to Waterloo.
Interesting ride, an impressive number of cyclists on route to work, some with no road sense. One, who was on my right, turned left across my path without looking or signalling.
The cycle route.The stats.
Nice to be the fastest for a change. Faster than the bikes and the cars 🙂.
Waterloo
Some jeopardy getting onto the SWR train, as they don’t do bookings for bikes. Will I get a space?
On SWR Train.PooleArrived at Dorchester
It only required three trains to get from the north coast of Scotland to the south coast of England. Weather good all the way,
The far north is a joy when the views are clear and the days are long.
Iconic view from far north train.River HelmsdaleLooking across the Moray FirthBeach near BroraLooking towards NiggAt Invergordan Boarding the sleeper- but no bike.View from the sleeper near TomartinEarly near AtherstoneBreakfast
The breakfast did leave me hungry.
Mist approaching Rugby It’s green near Buckby Arrival at Euston Waterloo
15 mins of delay at Waterloo due to incoming train being late, there was an obstacle on the line.
Long train
I had to get myself into the front five carriages as the train splits at Bournemouth.
More green landscape near HookPooleArrived at Wool
Barriers going down
Train arriving at Wool
I am about to start my minor backtrack.
Southampton Near OtterbourneChange at WinchesterReading stationReading Ibis
This journey, starting in the far north of Scotland, visiting Oxfordshire (twice), London, West Sussex, Poole, Surrey, Cheshire , Liverpool and Inverness.
Cloud still lowRain has started Change to the Caledonian Sleeper at Inverness.Sunny breakfast on the move
No dishwasher working on the train, hence the disposable cup.
Sunny at Euston
The only issue on the cycle to Paddington was a close pass from a speeding motorcyclist. Why are they allowed in the bus lanes and why can’t they ride better?
Paddington
After chatting to the man on the train doing the food trolley he said he would give me a free tea, if he got time before Didcot. Very kind.
Vapour trails Free teaThe ThamesDidcotDidcot again
First train issue- train to Paddington delayed so caught a different train.
Cycle across London in glorious sunshine, taking in Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, London Eye…
I came across a new menace in London, motorised skateboards exclusively ridden by idiots. These are not legally allowed to be used on pavements, roads or cycle paths. What happens if collide with an illegal vehicle, with no insurance and no sense?
After a stay in London I trained on from south London via London Bridge to Sussex.
Eastbourne PierEastbourne Pier from a different angle
The trip included cycling on the wonderful cuckoo trail. Lots of birdsong but no cuckoos heard,
Sunny view of the sea Back on the train again at Eastbourne Early start, so breakfast on the train A green interlude Brighton Brighton station River Itchen Southampton station Near Christchurch
A stop in Poole then back on the train.
Always end up in Reading 🙂A rainy view of the ThamesAfter a wet ride from Didcot Station Oops, accidentally got on first class at Didcot- on a crowded train
Change at Reading, on to Ash.
Ash
Fun at Ash, delayed train from Guildford due to something being thrown on the line.
A stay in Surrey for the weekend.
Leaving FarnhamLondon
Another cycle across London.
Euston stationBerkhamsted?Chester stationCapenhurst Liverpool
Things started going pear shaped at Liverpool from where I was trying to travel to Inverness.
Liverpool station
Caught an earlier train , which I was only able to do due to having arrived early at Liverpool.
Change at Preston for Edinburgh Passing through LancasterBack into Scotland- sun getting low
The train got stopped, so my connection at Haymarket started looking unsafe,
Edinburgh Airport
Despite warning the conductor and his best efforts we missed the connection to Inverness. ScotRail refused to hold their train. Splitting up British Rail was not a good idea.
Shoved on a train to Perth.
Sun setting on the ForthI did not expect to be going through Kilcardy
After a late taxi ride from Perth to Inverness I eventually got to bed.
Up bright and early Back at Inverness station Crossing the river NessNear LairgSunny with a blue sea near Brora.River HelmsdaleNear KinbracePreparing to disembark
It’s a sunny warm day for the cycle to Cholsey station. Two changes at Reading and then Basingstoke.
Cholsey Station Reading Station Basingstoke Station
The train from Basingstoke had ten carriages but only the front five going onto Poole. I made sure I got on the right half of the train.
Southampton Southampton view of the docksNew Forrest Poole Station
Lots of interesting things to see on this trip including a view of St Mary’s Stadium, a view of Southampton Port, the New Forrest and various Dorset coastal towns.
Insight 