Over the last couple of weeks it has felt like I have spent too much time trying to purchase cheap train fares to Scotland. At the end of March I will be travelling to the Isle of Rum with Pete from Writes of way, followed by the TGO challenge in May. When attempting to purchase a ticket to Mallaig to get the ferry to Rum I initially did a search to see what the fare would be from Nottingham. The result was the fact that I would need to remortgage the house! I therefore sat at the laptop for hours one evening trying to work out every single permutation of train routes, the result being that I purchased six singles to get me there and back! In the end it has cost me £48 return to Glasgow where I will spend the night, followed by £43 return to Mallaig. Not too extortionate.
What really got my goat (where does that expression come from?) is whilst searching for Glasgow to Mallaig I spotted fares of £14 each way, bargain I thought. I then went and had a bath to celebrate before actually making a booking. Less than half an hour later I went back and one of the fares had already increased to £29! How can something double in price in less than thirty minutes?!
Anyway the whole painful experience has been repeated this afternoon as I attempted to get tickets to the start of my challenge route. Feeling rather chuffed this time as I have managed to get to Glasgow for £32 and travelling first class. I have never travelled first class and am hoping that it is all decadence and luxury with uniformed staff catering for my every whim. At the very least free tea and coffee!
With the cost of diesel becoming ridiculous I think that train travel may have to become more of a feature of travelling long distances to the hills. It’s just a shame that you have to book three months in advance to get a half decent fare.
