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Brief Encounter - filmed at Carnforth Station where the cafe has been recreated Trains in film have long represented transition, connection, and adventure—resonant symbols for today’s events industry. Drawing inspiration from iconic movies and pairing it with real-world logistics through Train Groups and Charters Ltd , you can create unforgettable experiences that truly move your audience. 🎬 Cinematic Inspiration: Train Movies with Event Potential Movie Title 📅 Release Date 🎭 Theme Inspiration 🎟️ Event Application Murder on the Orient Express (2017) November 3, 2017 (UK) Elegance, mystery, exclusivity Curated networking dinners with vintage luxury styling The Darjeeling Limited (2007) October 5, 2007 (US) Personal growth, culture Wellness retreats and storytelling workshops Snowpiercer (TV series, 2020) May 17, 2020 (US premiere) Sustainability, survival Panels on eco-conscious event design Train to Busan (2016) July 20, 2016 (South Korea) Resilience, urgency Escape-room style team-building challenges Before Sunrise (1995) January 27, 1995 (US) Serendipity, deep dialogue Slow networking spaces for authentic conversation Bullet Train (2022) August 3, 2022 (UK) Energy, chaos, humour Flash performances and pop-up learning zones The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) March 5, 1953 (UK gala) Community, innovation Spotlighting grassroots vendors and rural charm The Railway Man (2014) January 10, 2014 (UK) History, healing Incorporating local narratives and historic venues Perhaps Brief Encounter as featured in the above image gives inspiration for your next exclusive-carriage orientated event? What other suggestions can you think of? 🧭 Train-Themed Concepts for Events These metaphor-rich themes speak directly to today’s shifting priorities in UK events: “On Track for Tomorrow” – Innovation and industry transformation “Mind the Gap” – Diversity, inclusion, bridging divides “Platform for Change” – Ethical leadership and impact “Full Steam Ahead” – Growth, momentum, motivation “The Journey Matters” – Wellness and personal experience “The Connection Express” – Collaboration and meaningful networking 🏛️ UK Settings with Railway Magic Create events with real atmosphere: Host at one of the UK's many heritage railways, combining train travel and venue in one Incorporate some of the Victorian wonders of engineering on your journey - Forth Bridge, Dawlish Sea Wall, Ribble Head Viaduct, etc. Take a vintage dining train out on the mainline with steam loco haulage and see the envious looks from your fellow rail travellers 🚄 Partnering with Train Groups and Charters Ltd Make your event literally move with the UK’s premier rail event partner. Train Groups and Charters Ltd can provide: Charter trains for delegate transport or in-transit events Exclusive-use carriages for more modest numbers of guests Onboard catering and custom déco Heritage locomotives for nostalgic journeys Full-service planning across the UK rail network with the choice of many different operators 💡 We promise to deliver a seamless and memorable experience. Whether transporting attendees or hosting sessions on the move, their expertise makes rail a central part of your event's story. Explore more at Train Groups and Charters Ltd The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery - we promise your trains will be better organised and less crowded! #MICE #chartertrains #trainhire #trainchartering #grouptravel #events #conferences #trains #movies #films

Charter Trains offer exceptional dining experiences - proper linen tablecloths, flower posies and expertly set tables that always impress. In an age where precision planning and bespoke experiences are increasingly valued, chartering a train is emerging as the ultimate solution for group travel that demands more than just point-to-point convenience. Whether for corporate events, a major leisur event, or special occasions, working with Train Groups and Charters Ltd offers a range of options far beyond what standard public train services can deliver. 🕒 Ultimate Flexibility in Scheduling Public train operators are bound by set timetables and operating on set, pre-determined routes. Chartering a train, on the other hand, allows your journey to be routed and timed to your requirements. Depart or arrive when it suits your group, whether it's an early morning departure or a twilight return, your journey runs on your schedule. Want to travel between locations where there's normally no direct train service? Again, not a problem as we can facilitate charters between virtually any pair of stations across the UK rail network. 🚇 Travel the Way You Want Chartered trains offer the hirer a choice between First Class and Standard Class carriages and many can be marshalled to meet your needs. This gives you control over comfort levels based on your group’s needs and budget, without the worry of having some passengers in Standard whilst others travel in First Class accommodation. 🎨 Branding & Identity Opportunities A train charter isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a moving canvas. Businesses, event organisers, and tourism groups can infuse their branding into the journey through custom signage, branded decor, and even onboard announcements and entertainment. Imagine your corporate logo adorning the carriages or your event’s theme reflected in every detail of the ride. 🍽️ Bespoke Catering & Onboard Dining Chartering a train opens the door to memorable culinary experiences. Whether you're aiming for full fine dining, buffet-style comfort food, or regionally-inspired snacks, your onboard menu can be tailored to wow your guests. Public operators rarely accommodate such personalization—Train Groups and Charters Ltd ensures that every bite matches your occasion. 🔄 Backup Plans That Keep You Moving Sometimes the incumbent public train operator on your intended route may be unavailable or unable to meet your requirements, with train and crew availability always a challenge. That’s where Train Groups and Charters Ltd shines. With access to an extensive network of private trains, the team can swiftly propose solutions, ensuring that your plans remain uninterrupted. Of course, if a public train operator is offering a train that meets your requirements we'd have no hesitating in including it with our proposed solutions. 💼 A Partner That Plans With You From route planning and station coordination to onboard services and branding strategy, the team at Train Groups and Charters Ltd works side-by-side with clients to craft a seamless experience. It's not just about moving people—it's about creating memorable journeys. Whether you're organising a team-building day, want a heritage rail experience, or an exclusive product launch, chartering a train delivers a unique advantage. With Train Groups and Charters Ltd , your journey becomes more than transportation—it becomes an event in itself.

Traveling by train is not just about reaching a destination; it's an experience steeped in rich landscapes, historical echoes, and the rhythm of the tracks beneath. As we delve into the phenomenon of train chartering, we'll explore how this unique form of travel enhances scenic experiences. Imagine leisurely gliding through breathtaking views while indulging in luxurious onboard accommodations. Train chartering transforms ordinary journeys into extraordinary adventures. Understanding Train Chartering Train chartering allows groups to hire an entire train for a specific route, date, and time. This service is perfect for special occasions like weddings, corporate events, or family reunions. Unlike standard train rides, chartering provides almost complete control over the itinerary, schedule, and onboard services. Charter trains can be customised to fit the needs of different groups. From catering to entertainment, everything can be tailored. For those who prefer privacy and exclusivity, train chartering offers an intimate setting that regular train travelers might not experience. Benefits of Train Chartering for Scenic Travel When it comes to scenic travel, chartering trains offers numerous advantages. One significant benefit is the ability to travel routes that may not be available to the general public. This opens up a world of less-explored landscapes, making your journey unique and personal. Moreover, sitting back in a comfortable seat while gazing out at panoramic views creates unforgettable memories, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the scenery. Think of rolling hills, serene lakes and picturesque valleys unfolding right before your eyes. Scenic view of a train journey through beautiful landscapes. Additionally, chartering can enhance the overall experience through themed journeys. For example, a whisky tour train can offer tastings from local distilleries while traveling through picturesque Scotland. How much does a cross country train ride cost? The cost of a charter train varies significantly depending on several factors. Factors include the distance, time of year, duration of the journey and the specifics of the onboard services to be provided. On average, the price can range from £5,000 to £90,000+ for a chartered train, depending on the itinerary and services you desire. If you opt for luxurious services such as silver-service dining, themed entertainment, or train branding, the price will likely increase. It's essential to budget for not just the ride but also any additional services you wish to include. For the best deals, consider booking during off-peak seasons when prices tend to drop and with as much notice as possible. Please also note that many heritage charter trains tend not to be available in January and February due to annual maintenance obligations. Enhancing the Scenic Experience through Services One of the primary ways train chartering enhances travel experiences is through onboard services. Whether it's fine dining or entertainment, chartered trains often focus on providing a premium experience. Charter train services can include a chef to prepare meals using local ingredients, offering passengers a taste of the regions they traverse. In addition to catering, onboard entertainment might include live music or storytelling, further enriching the scenic experience. Imagine enjoying a glass of wine while a musician plays soothing melodies in the background, perfectly complementing the rolling hills outside your window. Moreover, many chartered trains also include guided commentary throughout the journey, providing context and insights about the landscapes, history, and culture you are witnessing. This can deepen your appreciation for the sights and sounds you encounter. Elegant dining service on a chartered train enhancing the travel experience. Sustainable Travel Opportunities with Train Chartering Train travel is typically more environmentally friendly than flying or driving, and chartering is no exception. Trains emit fewer greenhouse gases and utilize less energy per passenger, making it a responsible travel choice. By choosing to charter a train, you can also promote sustainable tourism. We encourage the prioritisation of eco-friendly practices, such as supporting local businesses and conserving natural resources. This aligns with the increasing desire among travelers to make mindful choices that benefit both the environment and local communities. Additionally, rail routes often connect with scenic train routes from various geographical zones. This interconnectivity can allow travellers to experience diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and natural beauty, making their trips even more remarkable. Final Thoughts on Scenic Train Chartering Train chartering offers a unique and immersive way to explore the UK’s incredible landscapes. It transforms ordinary travel into a luxurious, scenic experience filled with customisations tailored to your desires. Opting for a chartered train lets you create unforgettable memories while enjoying the advantages of personalised service, guided insights, and sustainable practices. So, whether planning a special event or just looking for the perfect getaway, consider the benefits of a chartered train. Embrace the opportunity to explore stunning vistas and enjoy travel like never before. Most Scenic Railway Routes in the UK West Highland Line - Scotland: This route offers breathtaking views of mountains, lochs, and glens, particularly between Fort William and Mallaig. Glasgow to Mallaig - Scotland: Known for its stunning landscapes, this journey passes through the rugged Highlands and alongside beautiful coastlines. Settle to Carlisle Line - England: Famous for its viaducts and scenic countryside, this route traverses the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. North Yorkshire Moors Railway - England: A heritage railway that provides picturesque views of the North York Moors National Park, with direct access from the mainline railway. Cardiff to Holyhead - Wales: This line runs along the stunning coastline of North Wales, offering views of mountains and the sea. East Coast Main Line - England: Offers beautiful views of the North Sea coast, particularly between York and Edinburgh. London to Brighton - England: This route features a mix of urban and rural landscapes, culminating in the scenic views of the Sussex coast. West Somerset Railway - England: A heritage railway that runs through the beautiful countryside of Somerset, including views of the Quantock Hills, with direct access from the mainline railway Exeter to Plymouth - England: a stunning trip between the cliffs and the sea and then skirting the Southern edge of Dartmoor. Preston to Carlisle - England: travel the mainline along the Lune Valley, or the longer route via the Cumbrian Coast Lines with splendid views of the Irish Sea to one side the the mountains of the Lake District on the other.

A twinge of sad news yesterday at the breaking news that the Royal Train is to be decommissioned in a couple or years time. In its most recent guise, the train was used regularly by the late Queen, but it is now being part-exchanged for a pair of new helicopters, or so it would seem. Train Groups and Charters Ltd hopes that the King and his family do not suffer buyers remorse (or air sickness) with their new choppers and would respectfully remind the Royal Household that our services will remain available. Although not the Royal Train, we can still find them a jolly nice one, so please keep our number handy, Charles. See link for the full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce377nr5r43o

A quick question for you - who would you go to if you wanted to charter or hire a train? Maybe talk to one of the train operating companies in the UK, but who would you engage with and what happens if you want something a little different, such as dining services? Perhaps you then talk to one of the luxury train operators, but what if your required dates are not available? Well, it probably comes as no surprise that we would suggest that you contact us here at Train Groups and Charters! In all seriousness, there are some excellent reasons why you should adopt this approach, so please read on. When you contact us be prepared to share as much information as you have about your potential train requirements. Where do you want to go to and from, how many passengers will there be, what time do you need to leave or arrive, what plans do you have for the journey - dining, entertainment, branding, etc. It is also good for us to understand your approximate budget, since clearly this may also rule in or out some options. We don't do this just to be nosey, but we will take your responses and start to filter our knowledge of the charter train market to whittle down all of the available choices to the right ones for you. With access to public train operating companies, luxury train companies and a host of other suppliers with a wide variety of other trains, we can generally find the right train for the job. The excellent news here is that all of this preliminary planning work is undertaken wholly at our expense and without any obligation on your behalf. So, what have you got to loose? Well, frankly - nothing! Our portfolio offers: high-speed trains, dining trains, historic trains, train hauled by steam, diesel and electric locomotives, luxury trains, train that can runs from any station to any other station, train that can move many hundreds of passengers in one go and lots of quirky stuff in between!

Just returned from an unforgettable holiday in Bavaria, Germany, where I stayed in the vibrant city of Munich. My trip was a fantastic combination of culture, beautiful scenery, and adventure, all made easier with the Bavaria Rail Pass. Over three days, I hopped on trains to explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Nuremberg, and even Salzburg, which is actually in Austria but too tempting to miss! Here’s a recap of my adventures and some useful tips for anyone planning a similar journey. So, a bit of a 'busman's holiday', but it's always interesting to compare our UK train service with those of our Continental cousins! The Bavaria Rail Pass Experience The Bavaria Rail Pass is a great option for travelers, especially if you want to see more than just Munich. This pass allows for unlimited travel within Bavaria and is budget-friendly, making it ideal for day trips. For reference, a single journey ticket can cost around €30, while the pass allows unlimited travel for about €39 a day. A quick tip: while trains are affordable, they are also very popular—crowded carriages are common, especially on weekends or the first available trains after 09:00 on weekdays. With the pass ready, I was excited to start my adventure! Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze My first destination was Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for its stunning landscapes and as the gateway to Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. The train ride itself was delightful, winding through beautiful Bavarian countryside. Once I arrived, I was welcomed by fresh mountain air and breathtaking views. I chose to take the cogwheel train up to Zugspitze which climbs steadily up the mountain. However, the final part of the journey is in a long tunnel, just when I was expecting some stunning views. However, the panoramic view from the top was truly priceless, showing sweeping landscapes that stretched for miles. I enjoyed a delicious bratwurst at the mountain café, all while soaking in these incredible vistas. High angle view of Zugspitze mountain summit with a cloudy sky The journey back down the mountain was largely by cablecar, offering the spectacular views that I'd missed in the railway tunnel on the way up. Exploring Historical Nuremberg The following day, I hopped on the train to journey to Nuremberg. The train ride was smooth, and it wasn’t long before the famous medieval architecture came into view. Nuremberg holds significant historical value, filled with captivating sites. I began at the Nuremberg Castle, walking through its lush grounds while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area. The highlight was the lively Hauptmarkt square, bustling with colorful market stalls and the beautiful Saint Lorenz Church nearby. I also visited the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which provided a sobering yet essential insight into Germany's past. The center is meticulously curated and is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complex narrative of this historic city. Eye-level view of Nuremberg Castle under a clear blue sky After spending a full day exploring, I couldn’t resist indulging in Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread biscuits—definitely a treat worth seeking out! The Allure of Salzburg The last leg of my journey took me to Salzburg, a city famous for its baroque architecture and musical heritage. Though in Austria, its close proximity to Munich made it an easy trip with the Bavaria Rail Pass. Upon arrival, the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress dominated the skyline. I spent hours wandering the pretty streets that inspired Mozart himself. The Mirabell Palace and its gardens were breathtaking, filled with vibrant flowers and classic sculptures, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. While in Salzburg, I took a moment to relax over a cup of hot chocolate at a local café, enjoying the warmth and charm after a day of sightseeing. Wide angle view of Mirabell Palace and gardens in Salzburg on a sunny day Looking Back on My Bavarian Adventure Reflecting on my trip, I realise that exploring beyond major cities can be just as rewarding. Big cities indeed have their charm, but the smaller, less touristy areas, like the stunning Zugspitze and the rich history of Nuremberg, offer experiences that are equally fulfilling. The Bavaria Rail Pass proved to be an invaluable tool, allowing me to explore much of the region comfortably and affordably. The blend of history, culture, and delicious food gives Bavaria a unique allure that is well worth experiencing. For anyone thinking about a trip to Munich or its nearby areas, I highly recommend taking time not just in the city but also venturing out on day trips to uncover the hidden treasures Bavaria has to offer. With this rail pass in hand, you can enjoy adventures filled with stunning landscapes and rich histories. Final Thoughts My holiday in Bavaria was brimming with unforgettable moments. From mountain views in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the historical richness of Nuremberg and the musical roots found in Salzburg, every stop deeply enriched my journey. Traveling with the Bavaria Rail Pass was seamless, and I enjoyed meeting fellow travelers along the way. So get ready to explore beyond Munich—you won’t regret it! Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply an admirer of beautiful landscapes, Bavaria truly has something for everyone. I'm pretty sure we could source some charter trains in Germany if any readers are interested - Happy Travels!

The Investec Cup Last Saturday, we had the pleasure of orchestrating a private charter train journey from London to Cardiff, specifically for Investec, who is the principal sponsor of the prestigious rugby Champions Cup Final. This unique event was designed to provide an exceptional travel experience for their guests, ensuring that everyone on board was guaranteed a comfortable seat, which is clearly a key aspect of any successful group travel arrangement! The client’s vision was to create an environment where guests could relax and socialize, and to enhance this experience, a light meal service along with a selection of drinks was thoughtfully arranged. The culinary offerings were intentionally kept light and delightful, considering that attendees would later indulge in a lavish hospitality experience upon their arrival at the iconic Principality Stadium. To cater to the guests' tastes on the outward journey, the menu featured a delicious serving of French toast, artfully topped with luscious blackcurrants and a rich cream, which not only satisfied the palate but also provided a touch of elegance to the meal. On the return leg of the journey, guests were treated to a flavoursome serving of gyros, allowing them to enjoy a taste of Mediterranean cuisine while reminiscing about the day's exciting events. This carefully curated meal service was designed to foster interaction among guests, encouraging conversations and connections while they savored their food and drinks. In addition to the delightful culinary experience, the journey was further enhanced by live entertainment, which included a talented singing group that set a vibrant atmosphere and a magician who captivated the audience with awe-inspiring tricks. This element of entertainment truly underscored the added value that comes with chartering your own train, transforming a simple journey into a memorable event filled with joy and camaraderie. Moreover, choosing a charter train for such occasions not only elevates the overall experience but also stands as a sustainable mode of transport, aligning with modern values of environmental consciousness. If you are interested in discovering more about the extensive range of trains that can be made available for hire for your own special events, we invite you to reach out to us here at Train Groups and Charters Ltd. Our team is dedicated to providing free, expert advice tailored to your specific needs, and we would be delighted to assist you in making the train an integral part of your next event, ensuring it is as remarkable and enjoyable as the one we recently hosted for Investec.

Conference Centres and Venues do a remarkable job and offer clients all manner of services to their clients. Many are partnered with accommodation providers, restaurants, clubs and attractions in their localities, adding great value to the attraction of the destination for delegates and an incentive to attend. It is therefore rather perplexing to me that, with a small number of very notable exceptions, that any thought of how delegates will actually travel to their destination is often overlooked. Perhaps an obligatory mention in the 'How to find us' section of the website. With today's focus on sustainability and value for money, is this a missed opportunity for all of us? Is there any opportunity here to enhance your sustainability credentials and create productive time for delegates? Well, why not consider encouraging confernence and event organisers to include travel as part of their decision making process? Clearly, here at Train Groups and Charters, we do quite a lot of work in providing charter trains, exclusive-use carriages and general rail group travel arrangements for delegates off to their conferences and company events. But for every client that we help there must be many others who leave this travel element up to individual choice. This open the door to self-driving, incurring the company with reimbursement of fuel and parking costs and leaving the driver with an unproductive journey in terms of doing any work. So, if conference clients want to consider moving delegates by train, what can we do to help? Well, firstly, we can run through the cost and availability of all of the available options. and we do this completely free of charge and without any obligation. Charter trains can easily mover many hundreds of people, all together in one place. Having everyone travelling together means that your journey time suddenly becomes productive time. Get the conference admin out of the way by issuing event information, check delegates into their accommodation, entertain them and excite them about the forthcoming event, or just do some ice-breaking tasks to get everyone engaging. You can also make the train your own with event branding and catering choices to meet all budgets. Venues - we love you, but our admiration would be even more enhanced if you could see your way to encouraging your conference and event clients to talk to us too. What can we do to help - we're all ears.

Has it really been 5 years since charter trains were stopped dead in their tracks by the pandemic? Having witnessed the near overnight destruction of a vibrant niche within the rail industry, it is amazing that just a few years on, the charter train market is once again buoyant. It should also be recognized that during this recovery period, the owners of heritage charter trains have had to comply with new operational regulations that have seen the need for the central locking of carriage doors and the installation of internal discharge tanks for the toilets. None of this has come cheap, so credit to the train owners and operators who have funded these improvements to comply with the latest operational standards. Steam locomotive operators have also had to contend with the problem of sourcing new supplies of coal, which is often now imported to the UK from as far away as Brazil. Please make that make sense when we still have some remaining right here in the UK. There will be some significant changes in 2025, not least a dive once again into the unknown as the UK government brings more of the franchised rail operators back under direct government ownership. This gives me mixed feelings, despite being against privatization when it happened back in the 1990s. Despite wrecking an industry that was just starting to find its feet under the BR sectorization plan, the influx of private owners to run trains at least opened up a desire to run trains more commercially than before. This included making trains available for hire, or chartering, as we say in the business. With many train operators now just fulfilling management contracts to deliver a pre-specified public service, many are reluctant to even consider the charter train market. This is sad, as it limits options and also deprives the rail industry of much-needed additional income. However, on a brighter note, it is heartening to see new trains and operators entering the UK rail market, many of which will be available through Train Groups and Charters for hire. These include InterCity 125 trains, some mainline carriages formed into new carriage sets, and even a couple of ex-Southern Region units which could make a comeback and be part of our portfolio. All very exciting and something that will give our customers even more choice in the future. Charter train in 2025 - outlook

Working on behalf of The Train Chartering Company, we delivered a charter train for a client celebrating their 60th birthday by taking their friends and family down to the Cotswolds from London Paddington. 103 guests enjoyed a Champagne reception followed by a menu of prawn cocktail, followed by steak & ale pie and dessert as they travelled in Pullman style down to Kemble. Here we see the train returning home, led by Class 20 (20 142) in its LT livery with Class 47 (47 773) in BR green livery at the rear, heading up the Thames Valley, just south of Oxford.

It feels like the threat of industrial action has been handing over the rail industry for ages and I'm sure this is a factor that is considered by clients looking for move people by rail, either as groups on scheduled train services or on private charter trains. Clearly it is excellent news that a final settlement now looks to be very close at hand, thereby removing this risk from the market. To be fair, many of a charter train providers have non-union drivers, so would not have been impacted anyway. However, the media attantion on 'rail strikes' must have led many to instantly dismiss the rail travel option. So, if you've been delaying your enquiry due to strike concerns, now is your ideal time to press ahead with those plans at full steam!

This weekend has seen the Train Goups & Charters team in Scotland. A corporate group of 350 was provided with a private train from London to Edingurgh on Thursday, and we've arraned their return travel in two large groups for Friday and Sunday. So, what to do on our free day on Saturday? I know - let's go ride some more trains! Staying in the delighful city of Stirling presented the opportunity of a significant 'track bash'around that middle bit of Scotland, using the remaining and beloved InterCity 125 sets, now shortened by Scotland and branded InterCity 7's. These 4-car units are really comfortable and with their two power cars, they're Scotrail on steroids! Our first journey took us up to Perth and then alonside the ever widening River Tay to Dundee. With fine views of the Tay Bridge, the line converges with the one from Edinburgh before entering Dundee station. From here the railway line hugs the East Coast of Scotland all the way to Aberdeen, passing wide sandy beaches and rugged clifftops. A pause at Arbroath reminded me to mail home some 'Arbroath Smokies' to enjoy next week as a reminder of the trip - the 'smokies' being kippers, for which the town is rightly famous. A change of trains at Aberdeen and another '7' onwards to Inverness. Theline between Aberdeen and Inverness is single track for much of its length, although clearly engineered for a 2-track railway. Doubtless a cost-cutting measure at some point. The line passes the Chivas distillery at Keith, where huge compounds of empty whisky barrels make an impressive sight. After a short stop in Inverness it was disappointing to learn that the train to Glasgow Central, our return train to Stirling, was a 'set swap', with the '7' being replaced by a 3-car moderish diesel unit of drab design. Still, the made short work of the climb from Inverness up into the mountains to Aviemore and the South. This line was clearly built as a single track one with passing places for much of its length. The engineering works are impressive, with cuttings drive through solid rock and rivers crossed in deep ravines. Clearly a remote part of the country, although the sense of isolation is really only complete on the few ocassions when the main road from Inverness to Perth takes a rare detour away from the route of the railway. Having set out just after 09:00 we returned to Stirling about 30-minutes short of of full 12-hours, with 'train-lag' finally setting in. Still, managed to get a cheeky Nandos in before heading off for a night's rest. Now looking forward to a return run down the East Coast Mainline this Sunday afternoon. Finally, just have to say what a nice little place Stirling is. A whistle stop bus tour of the sights really makes me want to return soon for a proper exploration. The castle looks very interesting and has commanding views across the wide river valley below. A pit stop at the pub also saw pints of real ale available for a mere £2.63! The place gets more remarkable by the minute!