SW Scotland

15 July

 

There was some debate whether the line between Kilmarnock and Troon would be closed today or tomorrow.  It's today, so had to detour via Stewarton.

The rest of the day went very well, the trip around the Cumbrian coast was particularly enjoyable.

 At Barrow-in-Furness Station, clean and tidy inside. Carlisle train in 45min

  Train arrived early at Barrow-in-Furness

 A proper hill and clouds!!! Haven't seen those for a while.

 River Duddon

 Millom. My father used to come here during school holidays and stay with his aunt.

 River Esk

 Ditto and rain!

 Photos blury now it's raining

 Seascale station. Heavy sea!

Or is it heavy water cos Sellafield is next?

 River Ehen

 Long section right on the coast to St. Bees

 Whitehaven, tunnel all the way from Corkicle

 More coastal track

 More and more

 

 Harrington Harbour

 Workington

 River Derwent

 Not finished yet

 Maryport

 Rain in Carlisle

 Huge station, there are bars on at least 2 platforms but I couldn't afford the time to investigate.

The Kilmarnock to Troon line is definitely closed today so I'll have to miss a few miles of coastal rail.

I stay on this train all the way to Glasgow Central and arrive 2hr earlier than planned.

 But never since 1987?

 River Nith, Dumfries

 The Nith again...it meanders back and forth a lot round here, probably too much scotch.

 Scotrail livery for next 3 days

 The hills are alive, with the sound of windmills. I count around 50.

 Loch o' th' Lowes appears to be the source of the River Nith.

 River Irvine

Now at Kilmarnock. Should have changed here but Troon line is closed and the next replacement bus is in 3hours!

 Reminds me of that joke's punchline: Dunlops have been Macintyres for years.

 Approaching Glasgow Central station

 Nice pleasant station

 Entrance to tonight's hotel is in the far corner, the square white-edged windows are the hotel's restaurant.

The hour or so from Sellafield along the coast was pure magic

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