Any comments regarding my upcoming train trip this January to England, Wales and Scotland? This will be a very short trip that I will be doing solo as my wife does not to spend most of the time on a train in the middle of winter. I will be arriving at Heathrow around 11:00 AM on Tuesday and will take the train to Cardiff. The nest day will be going on the "Heart of Wales" train from Swansea to Shrewsbury. Thursday to Carlisle along the coastal route. Friday to Eastern Scotland. Saturday to Newcastle and then to a small village, Bardon Mill, for two nights. Weather permitting they will provide transportation to part of Hadrian's Wall. Monday to Ely and finally on Tuesday to London. I will be departing Wednesday at 10:30 AM. So, any comments or suggestions?

Hi Roger, It seems to me that you are covering a lot of territory in a very brief time. You will be travelling each day during a time of year when daylight hours are short. There will be precious little time to explore the places once you arrive.

As I write this, it occurs to me that perhaps the purpose of your trip is to see the countryside by train and not much else. Even so, I still think your plans are on the ambitious side. If it were me, I'd focus on Wales or Scotland or the North Country.

You'll get other suggestions, I'm sure.

obxgirl, he won't listen, you know. I've tried before

have a look at the tracking of his "silly little trip". The train journey's what it's about, not the places he visits en route.

Anyway, the Scotland bit's to visit us, so don't put him off, please

Hi Obxgirl, Sheila's right, it is about the train, not so much the places. Also, it is about the people I have met on the trains. Sure, at times I do see things, but mostly its the ride, the scenery and the people. In the past I have seen a lot of museums,castles and famous places, Now I just like to follow the flow, have a whisky at a local pub and try to see how people enjoy themselves in their home towns.

Roger, I totally understand your trip. Train travel is wonderfully freeing. While many will want to hop from one destination to another and focus completely on those destinations (nothing wrong with that!) I really find the time spent on trains so interesting; seeing the countryside, peeking into people's backyards, looking at what kind of clothing is hanging on the line (a major departure from the "what are they wearing in.... threads"!). You get a feel for what the rest of the country is like, and you do meet interesting people onboard.

Have a great time!