Cycled to Preston Rly Stn to catch the 08:15 train to Glasgow
Central. There were already 2 bikes on the train but only 1 going
direct through to Glasgow. More bikes got on on the way and we
arrived on time in Glasgow Central Station at 10:36.
The tickets needed for my journey
Preston Railway Station
Glasgow Central
I’m heading for Rannoch Station and the next leg of my journey is to
catch the train from Glasgow Queen Street. It was only a short cycle
ride to the station and I arrived in plenty of time. I was booked on
the 12:21 so had almost 2 hours to wait. I parked my bike in the
station and sat down next to it. I got up to take a photograph and
wandered a short way off to take the photo. One of the railway staff
warned me about leaving the bike and said it would be removed if I
didn't return.
Glasgow Queen Street
Bike on the Rannoch train
Riding across Rannoch Moor
I waited for the train and when it arrived I needed to get on the
rear end of the train. The first two carriages go to Oban and the
last 4 continue to Mallaig. The train splits at Crianlairich. I
wheeled my bike into the cycle compartment and the train inspector
made me take all the panniers off. He said I was taking up too much
space and should hang the bike from a hook on the roof. Being the
guard he should have known that I was the only bike and no other
bikes where on for the whole of my journey. It is a very slow train
which gave the opportunity to gaze out of the window for a large
part of the journey.
Rannoch Station
Unfortunately the weather was dull, overcast and rain at times. I
reached Rannoch station on time at 15:09. I unloaded my panniers
onto the platform then wheeled my bike off and stopped for a while
for a look around. Considering that there is only a single road
leading to the station there were quite a few people in the cafe.
Rannoch Station museum
Rannoch footbridge, only access
Only access to Rannoch Station
One of the cafe staff filled my 2 litre water bottle with drinking
water. The water was very brown but that didn't bother me.
Unfortunately the only access between road and station is via a high
foot bridge. I carried my panniers over the bridge and then returned
for my bike. I re-assembled everything and set off cycling east
along the road.
Rannoch from the footbridge
Rannoch
River by camp one
I hadn't planned to go very far and
when I reach the river after a couple of kilometres I found a good
spot to pitch the tent. It was quite windy and rain was just
starting. I pitched my tent next to a small lay-be next to the
river. I just got the tent up in time as the rain became very heavy.
There was no signal for my phone or FM reception for radio. However
I managed to get long wave so I could listen to radio 4.
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Whittle Wanderer
