Highlights of britain by rail

This rail itinerary features many of the country’s highlights and is a relaxing way to see a great deal of Britain.

Start by going to King’s Cross station in the centre of Lon­don, and from here, a fast British Rail train will speed you north to York {journey time Ihr 47min). York is one of Britain’s most historic places — a walled city with many fine buildings.

Continue north to Edinburgh (journey time 2hr 29miri), cap­ital of Scotland, with a large number of hotels and excellent shopping. The city is overlooked by its castle, which stands on a great rock.

Leaving Edinburgh for Perth, your train crosses the river Forth on one of the longest rail bridges in Britain. Perth is reached in Ihr 18min, and from here you can get a taxi to near­by Scone Palace, the ancient coronation site of Scottish kings.

Back at Perth, board another train to take you through rug­ged Highland scenery to Inverness (reached in 2hr 12mm), at the head of the famous Loch Ness. See the castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Travel now through some of Europe’s most breathtaking countryside, with views of lochs, mountains and-forests, to the small feny port of Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast (journey time from Inverness 2hr 30min). Board a Caledonian MacBryne ferry which will take you cruising southwards down the scenic Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. Note the ferry operates on Fridays only, from May to mid-October. The harbour-town of Mallaig is the terminus of another scenic railway service to the peaceful lakeside resort of Fort William (journey time from Mallaig Ihr 21min) situated at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Head south, past romantic Loch Lomond (cruises available from Balloch Pier), to Glasgow (journey time from Fort William 3hr 43min). Glasgow, the commercial heart of Scotland, has a wide selection of hotels, excellent shopping and exciting night­life.

Though you will have arrive at Glasgow’s Queen Street rail terminus, departure is from nearby Central Station. Journey south back into England, and via Oxenholme, to Windermere (total journey time from Glasgow 2hr 40min). This friendly resort in the heart of the Lake District is surrounded by wood and hills and there are pleasure cruises on England’s largest lake.

Return to Oxenholme and travel south to Peston, transfer­ring here for a train to Blackpool {journey time lhr 15min) Brit­ain’s largest and liveliest seaside resort.

Catch a train to Manchester (journey time from Blackpool lhr 33min) where you can visit the fascinating Granada Studios Tour. Then on to the “walled city” of Chester (journey time lhr), famous for its Tudor-style black and white buildings and two- tier shops, known as “The Rows”.

Next stop on the itinerary is Cheltenham, reached by chang­ing trains at Birmingham New Street {total journey time from Chester 2hr 25min). At this elegant spa town, you can stroll along the avenues of fashionable precinct known as The Promenade.

Your next train journey takes you to Cardiff (journey time lhr 25min). The Welsh capital city offers excellent shopping and has an impressive castle.

From Cardiff, take the train to the lively city port of Bristol (Temple Meads Station) (journey time lhr 46min). Here you will find the SS Great Britain, the world’s first iron propeller-driv- en ship and a spectacular suspension bridge across the Avon Gorge.

Return the 172 km to London in just lhr40min, journeying through rolling green hills and lush farmland, with fine views of the river Thames. Arrival in London is at the Paddington termi­nus, which is linked by Underground to the rest of the capital.

Note: On most routes there are served train services to choose from every day, through north of Perth and Glasgow trains are gen­erally less frequent. If your time is limited, you can cut short tie itinerary by travelling between Glasgow (Queen Street) and Ed­inburgh direct (journey time 50min). The journey times shown are approximate andfor guidance only. Some include waiting times for connections.

Discuss the following points:

1. Why do people usually avoid changing trains?

2. What kinds of trains do you know?

3. What do people usually inquire about at a railway station inquiry office?

4. Do you prefer a lower or an upper bferth? Give your rea­sons.

PROJECT WORK ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

Finishing your work at this Unit you should prepare one of the parts of your project work:

• choose a country,

• make up an itinerary for rail travelling over the chosen country,

• advertise on one of the country’s railway companies for foreign tourists and give all the information on prices, dis­counts and places of destination for tourists.