A ‘COMPASS TOURS’ DAY EXCURSION
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BRIEF ROUTE COMMENTARY: - The train journey starts on the West Coast route via Morecambe Bay, the Lakes and Cumbria, climbing over Shap Fells and running via the Eden Valley before heading up through Carlisle. In one direction we plan to run via Lockerbie, where we take the scenic climb over Beattock summit and via the Southern Uplands. At Carstairs the train then skirts Lanarkshire and the suburbs of Glasgow before following the Clyde and joining the Ayrshire Coast for a pleasant journey down to or returning from our destinations. We are asking Network Rail for permission to run between Carlisle and Ayrshire via a route we’ve never been over previously, the “Glasgow and South Western Mainline” which runs via Dumfries, New Cumnock and Kilmarnock through a similarly scenic area to our usual Beattock route to Scotland but owing to the very limited number of pathway slots between scheduled freight and passenger services on the Carlisle to Kilmarnock and Ayrshire routes its not known which direction we may traverse the line as yet (northbound or southbound) and in the event no pathway can be offered in either direction over this alternative route we will simply run via Beattock and the Clyde route in both directions so it won’t affect our trip but may naturally add a bit of additional interest for regular travellers on our Scottish trains if we are permitted to run over a more unusual route in one direction!
Ayrshire itself consists of many miles of unspoilt coastal scenery to the southwest of Glasgow and is steeped in history from the very dawn of civilisation. From Bronze Age standing stones to Medieval Viking battles and the majestic splendour of some of the best-preserved castles in the UK, there is something for everyone. Not forgetting it is also the birthplace of world-renowned poet Robert Burns, to whom homage is paid on January 25th throughout the world, why not experience it surrounded by the scenery and culture that inspired the Bard himself? See www.ayrshire-arran.com
TROON: We expect to reach the coastal resort of Troon at around 12:00. The town dates from early 1800's and is now a popular holiday resort with its soft sandy award-winning beach overlooking the Isle of Arran. The esplanade offers various facilities for families including crazy golf and putting. Troon was home to the passenger terminus for the first railway in Scotland, the Troon to Kilmarnock line, which was built to transfer coal from the mines in Kilmarnock to Troon Harbour for exporting. The bustling harbour attracts anglers, sightseers and yachting enthusiasts who can enjoy the excellent facilities of the 300-berth Troon Yacht Haven, which is one of the Clyde's leading sailing centres. A good selection of restaurants and wine bars will refresh you after you have browsed through the many individually owned shops which offer something just that little bit different. There are a number of historical attractions nearby too and if you wish to move on to Ayr there is only several miles distance to reach the town. Return time from Troon is estimated to be somewhere around 16:20.
AYR: We anticipate arrival into Ayr will be in the region of 12:10. Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway, on the southern outskirts of the town. A visit to the Burns National Heritage Park is a must to see the poet's birthplace, Burns Cottage, and the Tam O' Shanter Experience, with its audio visual film on the life of Burns and its memorable portrayal of his famous poem "Tam O'Shanter". Also Burns Monument, Brig O'Doon, Culzean Castle and Alloway Kirk are located in the area. Long stretches of sandy beach, superb recreational facilities and family entertainment have also helped make Ayr one of Britain's premier coastal resorts. You may wish to take a stroll around one of the town's beautifully kept parks and gardens, which include Belleisle, Rozelle and Craigie providing a more leisurely experience. This famous County Town additionally offers excellent shopping facilities in its award winning centre which hosts branches of the main multiple stores alongside a wide range of interesting individually owned shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. An estimated return time from Ayr is likely to be around 16:10.
RELATED WEBSITES:
http://www.visitscotland.com
http://www.ayrshire-arran.com
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ayr/ayr/index.html
http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/
http://www.intayrnet.com/ayr/ayr_town.html
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/troon/troon/index.html
http://www.troononline.net/
http://www.welcometoayrshire.com/
ESTMATED TIMINGS: *PLEASE NOTE times are only those that have been requested. Confirmed final times will be sent out with your tickets around four or five days before the tour when Network Rail advise us of them.
** Please note that our usually advertised 'table for two' supplements are now unavailable as all spaces have been taken, normal first and standard class seats however are still available.
CHILDREN UNDER 5 YRS can be brought on the train free of charge only if not taking up a seat and sharing seats with accompanying adults.
REFRESHMENTS: A buffet service of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages is available to all our passengers throughout the day – as well as an at seat trolley service in first class seating areas, operating at occasional intervals.
THE TRAIN: The train is hired in and operated through licensed UK rolling stock providers and train operating companies and formed entirely of traditional intercity carriages hauled by heritage British Built diesel traction throughout. First class passengers are seated in tables of 2 or 4 seats with curtains, larger more deeply cushioned reclining seating. Standard class is seated mainly in bays of 4 seats, mostly with a table. If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.
Many of our recent Railtours have been very busy or fully subscribed so early booking is advised!
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