Surviving 13½ Hours on a CrossCountry Train. What's This Journey from Aberdeen-Penzance REALLY Like?
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2023
- The day has finally come! I've been wanting to do this trip for AGES but it's always been a bit out of reach due to price. Well today is the day, so join me onboard a CrossCountry Voyager train as I 'look forward' to 13½ hours in their infamous standard class seat - but it can't be so bad...can it?
Filmed on Thursday 14th September 2023.
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
'Summer Knot' by American Legion;
'Ride This Train' by Robson Carver.
Thumbnail designed using Canva.
This video is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
I don’t pretend to be a travel expert, but I love what I do and would be honoured if you came along with me. My channel focusses on the wide-eyed wonder and excitement of finding somewhere new, and my genuine reaction to it. You might not get a history lesson in my videos, but who knows, you might pick up some useful travel tips along the way, add a few destinations to your bucket list and hopefully be entertained by what you see. Thanks for watching, it means a lot to me :)
I do ALL of this myself. Planning, filming, editing, promoting, all with a weekly upload schedule, so please understand not every video will be an epic adventure. But my pledge is to always do my best in any situation.
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FAQs:
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born in Glasgow but have lived in Carnoustie, Dalgety Bay, Stonehaven, Edinburgh, Montrose, and further afield (Salamanca, Spain & Devonport, New Zealand)
WHEN DO YOU UPLOAD?
Saturdays at 10am Scottish time. Occasionally a bonus midweek video will pop up.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I film with a GoPro11 and my iPhone12. I edit on iMovie and use epidemicsound.com for music. I also use canva.com for thumbnails etc.
WHY DON'T YOU SPEND LONGER AT DESTINATIONS?
The usual suspects I'm afraid - time and money! Hotels especially these days make my eyes water like a true Scotsman.
WHERE'S ALICJA?
Alicja will feature as often as possible, but I'm afraid she has a proper job so it can take weeks for our schedules to match up.
DO YOU PAY FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL?
Yes I do. I've only ever accepted a complementary ticket as compensation for a previous problem. All my opinions are frank and honest reflections of travel as I experience it.
WHY THE ADS?
It's my income, I can't do this for free.
CAN I CONTACT YOU?
I used to list my email address but felt bad not having the capacity to respond to everything so took it down (and I got a LOT of spam so missed many genuine messages along the way).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE CHANNEL?
Watching my videos is of course support enough, but if you'd like to support further, I'll pop links below for Paypal and Patreon. All kind donations are super-appreciated and will go 100% towards future filming trips.
DO YOU ACCEPT SPONSORSHIPS?
I don't like to upset the flow of my videos, so I don't even include mid-roll ads anymore (at significant loss of income to myself), so I prefer not to include sponsorships either. I'm open to a small slide at the start/end of each video, but I don't want to get into talking about products, it's something I don't like as a viewer myself (especially as a viewer who pays for RUclips Premium). So it's probably a polite no, although all of this goes out the window if you offer me something which can give me the chance to make a video for my audience that would otherwise be impossible.
#SteveMarsh #CrossCountryTrains #LongestTrain
You apologized at one point for the lack of exciting scenery and thanked us for sticking with the video, but that’s not necessary. Everything is an adventure on your channel! And in perspective, we get highlights from an amazing train journey in under 25 minutes on this episode. 😉 You’re the one who takes the hit, with the worn seats and little legroom. Thank you for another great adventure!
Hey Gabriele I really appreciate that :)
Could not have agreed more .
@@steve-marshwe love that you think of us ❤ be assured we are happy to plod alongside you
Thanks so very much for the train trip Steve. Your a champ.👌
Great video Steve. l really enjoyed the journey with you. Thank you.
Alternative title: How far away can I get from Aberdeen by rail?
Understandable.
Hey I like that!
But you can take lner to kings x and then take Eurostar to de nord then regional to Marseille and so on
Hi Steve. Would like to say a great big thank you for entertaining my wife. She, well, both of us really enjoy watching your adventures. But due to her health, she will no longer enjoy your adventures as she is close to ending this life adventure and moving on to the adventure that comes next.
She spoke about your trips with excitement and dreams of following your footsteps for some of them.
Thanks Steve. Keep up the great work and thank you for making my wife very happy while struggling through health issues.❤
An absolute pleasure and thank you so much for posting the comment, thinking of you both!
@@steve-marsh ❤️
Dedication to keeping people on RUclips entertained.
I don't know why, but this route is on my bucket list of things to do. Whether I can cope with being on the train for 13 hours is another thing but, I'd give it a go.
You're a brave man travelling Cross Country Rail as well. That deserves a crisp high five!
I love that you include details such as date of travel - living in Australia it's nice to get an idea of what the scenery looks like & the weather at certain times of the year. Thanks Steve
A pleasure Gillian :)
I went to a wedding (not far from Birmingham) on the previous Saturday and it was one of the hottest days of the year (32 degrees). We were sitting outside drinking at midnight! September in Britain can be lovely as the kids are back at school and travelling around is much easier.
Amazing to see this! I commute during the week via train from Redruth to Penzance. It's only about a 25 minute journey. Once a week, I have to go a little earlier than normal and, when I do, a CrossCountry train typical turns up at the northbound platform with an LED display that reads: "Penzance To Aberdeen". I thought I was seeing things at first, as I couldn't quite believe that the service existed. Now I just tend to look at the people inside and think to myself, "You poor b*stards...."
There's no direct train in the opposite direction, the northbound cross country services from Cornwall terminate at Edinburgh.
Very remarkable video. What a record of outstanding landscapes mountains and rivers.
I find this amazing, how far the one train travels all day every day, never complains and just works, what a unit. love the vid, thanks for posting
Well done Steve. A definite day expedition, I'm sure you slept well even after your naps on the train. Keep them coming matey, thanks. 😁👍
Cheers Matt, aye, I slept well that night, but another early morning (for next weeks' video) :)
Did you ever see the lighthouse at kings cross station. Above five guys
Don't forget those wet wipes permanently in your pocket , ready to clean train windows for better photos ?
Cider & crisps = appx 200-300% mark up on a Tesco price.
Any plans to visit NW Wales ?
Gwynedd ?
Window seater is a new app that uses GPS to give you information about what's nearby as you travel the route.
History, services etc
Love your new video! 😊 Dedicated follower from Sydney Aus👀
I remember being on that train route many years ago getting on at Burton & getting off at Plymouth as a scared 17 year old kid joining the navy. Some good memories there mate.
Oh that must be a terrifying journey! I went as a Sea Cadet and that was bad enough! :D
THANKS AGAIN VERY ENJOYABLE YES EDUCATIONAL LOT INFO & MORE KEEP GOING LOVE TRAIN JORNEYS
Those "chimes" for the train announcments sounding the same as my front door bell had me keep jumping up to check 😀
Haha love it! :D
Haha same for me - checked my door twice during the video!
I remember as a young Merchant Seaman travelling from Euston to Stranraer on steam trains for 12 or 14 hours! Great vid. Steve. Cheers from Oz.
Cheers Jim!
I came across your videos completely unintentionally but I'm glad I did. Very informative. I am now living my life vicariously through your videos.
Strangely fascinating and engaging. All down to the way Steve literally takes us on a personal journey with his wonderful low key presentation skills and expert editing and production.
Just discovered your channel. Brilliant films, thanks for all the effort you put in. My 4 yr old son is currently obsessed with trains and all thing Scottish, so I'll running this by him in the morning.
When you got on the voyager, like an instinct the smell just wafted through my nose. I have no idea how they have such a "unique" smell. Well done on doing the trip for the rest of us!
To be honest I didn't have the pleasure of the famous Voyager smell!
And that some genius decided to put the septic tanks right next to the engine. Considering engines get very very hot... Wasn't a very good idea.
The retention tanks on the 220s and 221s are where they are because of the need to fit in the tilt equipment. 220s never had tilt but the tanks went there anyway. After the first few years none of XCT's 221s tilted either, but the kit was 'permanently isolated' rather than spend (a lot of) money on removing it.
AWC's smaller fleet of 221s still tilt (as they must do to keep time), but they've spent more on refurbs and keeping the smells in. MML's very similar 222s were designed non-tilt from the start and have tanks in a better space.
Looking forward to doing this one in June. Thanks for the tips Steve.
came across your channel at random, 6 hours later I watch this video 🤣. I'm a regular user with cross country trains and my only pet peeve is lack of leg room being a walking beanpole. Dropped a new sub, honestly loved the amount of detail you cover in each video, especially love the notes at the end of every video.
I know people who hate the voyager trains but at least they’re comfortable in standard class. One thing about doing the whole journey is you could fall asleep & not worry about missing your stop. Look forward to your trips every Saturday. 😊
Haha good point mate :D
If you are in a once a week service god help you if you miss your stop
Job done, Steve 👏
‘gotta admire your stamina .
And ow you get to do it all over again in reverse 😂. As always another interesting video mate. Stay safe Steve.
I'd prefer many a trains standard class over the Voyager tbh. The times I have managed to get a seat, they have been ok, but I'd say your work a day sprinter train is more comfortable. Times where the train is packed, it impossible, unless you find a spot on an bit empty luggage rack, but usually I find my self playing sardines, next to a smelly toilet.
It's an insane trip that has to be done. I did this in 2019 and paid a little over £200 for advanced first class. Don't ask the price of getting to London, the sleeper to Aberdeen, and getting back from Penzance to Fareham. I did have a cracking day in Aberdeen though, found a great pub, and stayed in a great hotel right opposite Aberdeen station.
Oh nice!!!! Aye, it's the getting home again that's the difficult part!
That looks far more interesting than the long train journey I did back in 86 from Roma station to Cairns.
A tip if you plan a train journey this long (and expensive) again: An Interrail-Global-Pass will cost you 258 € for four days, which includes two travel-days within your home country. As ticket prices in the UK might be THIS expensive, to me it seems worth considering this option. On top you get a free yourney back home.
Steve, thanks for your videos mate, l am one of your so many followers.
I would love to make a trip like this one. I am retired and you could make a nice four day weekend. I am a retired school teacher so on the way back a stop in the maritime museum would be perfect. Thanks for the video. It gives me ideas of interesting things to do when I come to the UK.
Steve, you’ve done it again. With your commentary and editing, you made the trip as interesting as the destination! Also seems like you used your time on board making plans for future videos…a bonus for all of us! Cheers and ATB!
Haha yes Erin, always making mental notes! (and then forgetting all about them!)
Thank you Steve. Very interesting. Greetings from Plymouth.
Thanks for taking us on this journey. I slept most of the way on my return journey by half lying on my boyfriend and him on me. I have also taken a sleeping train.
Man, your Island has lovely landscapes! It strikes me every time I see them. 🤩
A beautiful video! 🤗🙏
Thanks pal! I miss most of them though :D
As an American living in Japan and moving to Poland next week, I’m not sure how I found this video about traveling by train cross-country in the UK.. but I’m glad I did! Something to maybe eventually add to my own bucket list. Ta!
Good luck with the move! We plan many more videos in Poland :)
Cross country is the name of the train company. It is a sort of budget company in the same way as Ryan air is to air travel. There are other companies that do the route that Steve travelled but they are more expensive.
£200 budget? pmsl.....you can fly this very journey for a fraction of the cost and time...@@allano937
@@allano937 correct, although Cross Country is the only one doing the entirety of it. But you can piece together the entire trip with other operators with probably more comfortable rolling stock (I find Cross Country too cramped, good for just a few stops), but to use it without changes, they are the only ones.
Generally, we often use third-party platforms, which allow us to compare the train ticket prices of different companies, and there will be additional discounts. You can take a look!
I think im gonna give this a go love long train journeys... Thanks for the information on ticketing... 😁👍
Loved it. The journey took me through many of the places I visited in 1973 as a 21 year old hitch hiker, passed through Birmingham my birthplace, and then to Devon where I grew up as young child. It was really nice to come along with you, sparked many warm memories. We lived in a little village called Poughill in Devon, also lived in a rural location called Puddington Bottom. LOL.
Then we left and emigrated to Australia in 1959, took a steam train to London and boarded our ship the SS Orion for a 6 week voyage to a new life. Now living in New Zealand and would love to come back to UK to see these places. Thank you so much Steve. Best wishes from NZ
Did your ship take 6 weeks to get to Australia?
@@AnthonyRooney-be2tx It was almost 6 weeks, we disembarked in Brisbane the last stop of the big cities and each of the others we stopped for at least a good day or two, and I believe we were held up in Melbourne for some reason, union strike maybe, also had to stop west of Fremantle to assist another ship SS Himalaya which had lost a propeller. It was a slow trip but I didn't care it was good fun.
Love this video Steve as I've had to make a similar trip from Glasgow to Plymouth. I have to say it's a shame you never got the chance to ride one of the last HST trains that cross country were running then on the Aberdeen- Penzance line. Oh and as a helpful tip for more train travel, there's an App called Seat Frog that can access some cheap first-class upgrades for a more comfy journey at a reasonable cost. it's how I managed to make my journey bearable. upgrades were like £35 for the whole journey and can be used on split tickets too.
Thanks so much for the tip! I need to get that downloaded right now! Even if it had only been for a short leg of the journey, it'd have been nice to experience first!
Good tip, thanks.
Think I would prefer your 14 hour sea journey from Aberdeen to Lerwick Steve,even with possible rough weather. At least you can get food. Usually a 5 car set for this journey, can you imagine the crush when it is a 220 and not a 221. Catering not even worth considering and first class complementary( insulting) offerings aren’t worth bothering with even if they arrive. You passed a now sadly departed HST sets, the comfort levels on those compared with the 220/221 sets is chalk and (mouldy) cheese. Now XC has withdrawn its 6 great faithful sets, the occasional 8/9 car sets will be reduced on the NE/SW routes to 4 or 5 cars from 7 carriages, more overcrowding. But what am I complaining about, XC only have a handful of services, and none in the late evening which stop at Chesterfield, so the only reliable? way is EMR to Derby and coming back on an evening service from the SW necessitates a 40 minutes wait at Derby to cover the last 23 miles home. You wanted to know what people thought of XC, how does C..P fit.
@@artfuldodger4850 I used to use this service between chesterfield and Leeds most weekends, back when the voyagers were brand new. They weren't great then. I always wondered how many people were going end to end, as that portion in the middle gets really overcrowded. At times I used to jump on the stopper services and change at sheffield, which came just after the XC service if the XC service was packed to the brim. It took longer, but it was worth it to maintain my sanity. Eventually Northern introduced a Nottingham to Leeds service stopping at chesterfield, so I just started getting that instead. It was a longer journey by about 20 minutes, but even on the dreadful Pacer unit they occasionally used, it was better than the perpetual toilet fluid stink on the voyager!
I had one decent ECML upgrade in the early days of SeatFrog but it's been unattractive ever since.
You definitely accomplished your goal of clipping all of this together to make an interesting video . Once again, Fantastic stuff keep up the great content !
Cheers Adam! There were a lot of terrible useless clips to trawl through :D
Thanks a lot Steve. It's trip I have done my self and found it extremely tiring as I was not filming and had the equivalent of a broken ankle I was picked up by the guy I was visiting to pick up a guitar he had made for me. So I spent a few days in a wooden chalet opposite Saint Michael's mount in cold january and had a terrible journey home having to change trains at least three times.
Ahhh, Montrose. Visited there in late summer 1983. Was travelling on a merchant ship with a broken engine. Beautiful little town, amazing natural beach. Two young gentlemen showed me and my friend the sights of the town. Lovely people. I must visit again.
Its Saturday night here in Oz and bang on time a video from Steve, always makes my weekend and even better it was of a journey I hope to do soon. As always great filming and great scenery am looking forward to doing this even more now. As always all the best to you and yours and I am looking forward to the next video already, stay safe and well, cheers.
Thanks so much Simon! It was a real treat to get down to Cornwall, what a fantastic part of the UK, a couple more videos to come from this wee trip :)
Hear hear ,I'm in Oz too
@@noelbowerman1562 what part of Oz are you in mate?.
Tamworth NSW
Brisbane myself.
Well done Steve. An enjoyable video as always. I couldn’t handle stuck in cattle class for that length of time. 😂. Your videos over last couple of years inspired us so much, that husband and I currently over from New Zealand , spending a few months travelling right around the UK on trains. Keep those adventures coming!
Excellent watch thank you.
.....these journeys are a wonderful reminder to me as a kid, travelling with my Mum to London.
I cant remember swinging a cat in a train toilet though. 😂
My experience on that train is limited to what I witnessed also with other passengers - that is - we were all doing segments.
For viewers who are unaware - neither on-board staff, nor drivers, go further than a single region.
It would be nice to know how many crewe changes took place en route.
I think our friend Steve deserves a medal - my flight to South America is shorter!!!!!!
I'm still waiting for my XC medal!!! I believe 6 crew changes
"Crewe changes" - deliberate railway pun?
Another great video Steve 💥
These journeys just have to be done!
Remember - Only those who attempt the ridiculous, achieve the impossible!
Haha well said!
I used to travel from Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh every day on that train and was often sorely tempted just to stay on it and go down to Penzance - all the places in the south sounded so exotic. It was good to see but I am glad I flew down when I did eventually visit Cornwall!
Some familiar views of Burntisland then 😛
Really enjoyed that. Just come across your channel and have now subscribed, so will going into your archives to watch more...
Great video and yes, it IS an achievement to spend 13 hours sitting in a train which goes from Scotland to Cornwall and to make such an interesting film. (A few years ago a father and his
teenage son made the same journey and were asked by staff at Aberdeen station "Will you be taking medication at the other end?") My personal favourite is the section between Exeter and
Newton Abbot, where the train runs right next to the sea - stunningly beautiful scenery.
You are spot on, that's a wonderful stretch of rails! Haha I could have done with a good massage that evening!
Thanks Steve for taking (enduring) this journey for us. Living near and working in Aberdeen it has always tempted me to get a ticket for this train. You passed my current house in Laurencekirk and my home town of York on the way. It looked like a pretty pleasant trip. The balloons at Bristol should definitely be on your bucket list, but remember you might need a head for heights 😂.
Cheers Ian! Oh good point, I'd probably spend the entire journey with my eyes closed :D
Im 197cm tall and have a bad back. Id love to be able to enjoy overnight train rides but am content with watching your lovely vids. Thank you.
Been dipping in and out of your videos recently, this is the one that made me click the subscribe button. I’ve been enjoying your relaxed presentation style and the vicarious look at various places and modes of transport.
My family and I love to sit together and watch your videos Steve. You have a real talent for producing these interesting videos and have given us so many tips and ideas for our own travels. Thank you from 3 big fans 😊
Thank you so much all 3 of you! :) Really nice to receive a message like this and gives me plenty motivation for the long hours of editing :)
WOW Steve, 72,000 plus views! Great stuff and best travel reports: down to earth, informative, quality filming and humour. What’s not to like and looking forward to your next adventure.
Wow, thanks!
Wonderful video Steve. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video Steve. I often get this train from Edinburgh to Bristol and can confirm that Cross Country rail are the worst train operator in the UK, the trains are always so filthy and cramped!
A long old journey that. I rarely use Crosscountry but i used to get those Voyagers between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth when they first came into service under Virgin Trains and those radio pods between the seats did used to work!
Ive done Brockenhurst to Dundee on one.
Was it just radio or a playlist?
@@steve-marsh it was the usual radio stations but the first channel was Virgin Radio. As a young cool student I tended to select Radio 1. They probably don’t work anymore because it was installed before the advent of DAB. Or maybe Cross Country realise that now we all have music on our phones they don’t need to bother maintaining it anymore!
@@thisweekmetaverse never took the train that far from Brock but I did once fall asleep and ended up in Weymouth!
Hi Steve, that was quite the epic journey! I didn't know that it was possible to do that distance on the one train. I love long train journeys so thank you for alerting me to this one. 🙂🙂🙂
A pleasure mate! Although I can't guarantee the trip itself will be a pleasure :D
@@steve-marsh 😆 noise cancelling headphones (to block out all the announcements/other passengers, a good book for the dull bits, and a decent stash of Gregg's - I think that I'll be ok! 😁🚂🚃🛤️
From what I could see, most passengers getting on and off that train were local commuters within particular regions.
It got really packed as we approached the West Midlands, but by Bristol, it had emptied out again.
I would dare to say that the number of fellow passengers Steve was accompanying right the way through from Scotland to Cornwall - you could probably count them on one hand.!
Love your enthusiasm. Well done, Steve!
Always good start to a weekend with a video from Steve
Cheers! Have a good one :)
Well done you, stuck on a train for that long in just second class chairs is a feat on it's own.. I love the part of England around Plymouth and Penzance.. It indeed feels like a completely different experience of what England has to offer.. Defo an amazing part of the UK.. As usual a very enjoyable video Steve.. 💚
Cheers! Oh wish I'd had more time down there!
I always enjoy your videos, thank you for taking me to so many wonderful places.
“Spin a cat” what a great visual in a train loo. You crack me up.
Loved you video. We went on that same train but only from Newcastle to Exeter 2 days before Christmas 2019. The train was was absolutely packed with people standing in the aisles. An eye opener for us coming from Australia were that wouldn’t happen on a long distance train.
Oh that doesn't sound like a fun experience! You just never know what a train journey is going to be like over here, you need to be prepared for ANYthing!
I'd love to see this as a race... Aberdeen to Penzance. One team flying from Aberdeen to Bristol/Newquay then buses the rest of the way vs the train direct. Also every Cross Country Train just looks.... Well used
Oh you're giving me ideas!!!
Ha! Most look well-used because they have too few coaches.
Great video. Thanks for sharing
love your videos!
been travelling on the train in Canada since I was a little girl, and I loved it from the first moment… I love the scenery in your videos and would love to visit Scotland one day
Thank you for posting
Loved it, loved it, loved it! You know I love train trips. Were I affluent enough, this would be one that I would go on. Long enough to have a good feeling for the country and no changes. I'm not much for walking. In case you haven't figured that out yet. I would love to see Leeds. From what I could see of it, it looked very beautiful. There are a lot of beautiful towns along the route. Can't wait to see you and Alicja in the hot air balloons. Say hi for me. Be well, stay safe, journey far, love from Texas.
Haha Alicja would be better in a balloon than me, I think I'd be on the floor of the basket with my eyes closed :D
I would be right down there with you. Change that I never would have gotten in the basket in the first place! Good job Alicja.
Earlier in the year I did Aberdeen to Newquay in about 13hours. Last flight to Heathrow, and then first flight to Newquay next day. It was quite civilised with the hotel stay in the middle. One week later, FlyBE went bust, again. A real shame since their tickets were fairly decent.
Writing this comment in Tonsberg, Norway. 8 days from now: Aberdeen to Germany via Esbjerg.
Hey some awesome trips in there - have a fantastic time!
Top logistics. In better times a mk1 compartment was in the consist with steam heat. That musty comfort.
I used to use this train a few years ago, travelling between Aberdeen (work) and Totnes (South Devon, home). It seemed to me that most people using the service were using it to travel a relatively short distance, probably as a commuter service, so at every station in the English Midlands and NE there were a lot of people getting off and on at each station. You’re right that it’s not the most comfortable of trains, with the carriages no doubt built for short-distance commuting. I used to find the journey quite tedious! I also remember one time travelling between St Andrews and Totnes I decided to fly from Edinburgh to Bristol, and I swear that the train I travelled on between Leuchars (St Andrews) and Inverkeithing (for Edinburgh airport) was the same Penzance train I picked up many hours later again in Bristol for the final leg of my journey to Totnes. Flying isn’t necessarily any quicker!
Love this video thanks for sharing your experience it does seem a bit strange that the train wasn't set up a bit better for such a long journey but like you sead it was OK thanks again for such fab content have seen your other videos all so very good . Thanks
Great vid, as always. I hope you do a video on Taunton - I was born in West Somerset, so have an affection for all things Somerset (and West Country), despite my Scottish descent and heritage. Went to university in Exeter in the 1960s. Anyway, Steve, your resilience in travelling the whole of that Cross Country route is amazing!
So many places! This trip certainly added a few lines to the wish-list!
Hi Steve. I travelled from Leeds to Glasgow on Cross Country train about 5 hours and I found them pretty good. You were very good traveling the length of the country, bet it looked fairly exiting stopping of at 40 stations, I would love to do that. Keep the videos coming Steve, they are an inspiration to me an 80 year old pensioner living on my own. It helps pass the time on. Cheers Steve.
Thanks pal! A pleasure!
Great video - thanks Steve. I’ve done part of that route many times on my way down to Penzance and always thought that 5.5 hours felt like a long time to be on one train. Your epic journey puts that into perspective. Well done!
Enjoyable video, thank you
I used to get the train from Exeter to Edinburgh and then the bus down to Galashiels where I was at the Scottish College of Textiles. It was like being on the Transiberian railway. For a change I drove my Mini up to Scotland and back. The journey wasn’t much better!
Ohhh having to jump on a bus after that journey! Respect!
Great video Steve and I must say you are a brave man to spend 13 hours on a train. I would have probably lasted 3 hours max. Next challenge the longest flight lol. Thanks Steve
I was surprised how the biggest challenge was mental - just THINKING about that number of hours on a train!
I lived in Helston , in Cornwall, when I was young ( 50 years ago). We would come up to Aberdeen to visit my Nan and back then it took over 24 hours. Used to get sleeper compartment with a bed floating from the wall 😂
I used to catch the equivalent service way back in the 1970’s, departing at 1240 from Plymouth on a Friday, only as far as Exeter St Davids, it used to be rammed, I only ever stood, by the doors, full of Royal Navy, going home for the weekend.
Thanks Steve for a superb video which I thoroughly enjoyed. I live in Nottingham (just off the route you took) but use Cross-Country trains from time-to-time. Surprisingly you did not mention the one aspect of Voyager trains many people (including me) find very annoying. The noise from the diesel engines which are under the floors of every passenger carriages. Similar trains are used on East Midlands Railways Nottingham-London services. I can stick that noise for about two hours (Nottingham to St Pancras is just under two hours) but I could not possibly put up with it for around thirteen hours!
Thanks! Oh you know what, I don't think I noticed it - I must've had my noise cancelling headphones on for most of the journey though!
Hi Steve, I've never really thought about it before, but it must be quite hard to make a video about a journey not only of that length, but also the great variation in the landscapes and uses that it traverses; and you've done well with your theme of tidal waters and the bridges that cross them, among others. I actually did an even longer version of this journey way back when I qualified for a young person's railcard - and, as I'll qualify for a senior one in nine months' time, you'll appreciate it wasn't yesterday... It was in fact when it started in Elgin at 0549, and so stopped at Keith, Huntly, Insch, Inverurie and Dyce before it even arrived at Aberdeen! It was operated by one of the then fairly new HSTs - the last of which were retired by Cross Country only very recently; and of course it was also in the days when we had proper buffet/griddle cars... Since that time I have generally avoided Cross Country trains as, being a bit bigger than you are, I find the Voyagers unfit for purpose - especially since the reduction in catering to just a trolley... I notice you tend to travel light and so I wonder if you even noticed the adequacy or otherwise of the luggage accommodation on the train? The overhead racks seem especially shallow given the possible over-reliance upon them, don't you think? And presumably, as you didn't mention it, there were no problems with the toilets? Only from what I can gather, even after all these years of use, it's not at all unusual for most of them to lock themselves out of use during longer journeys...
And that busy section. Hmm. What are your thoughts? Regional express services from say, Sheffield to Bristol calling at fewer stops than the existing local services, and timed to run just behind the longer distance trains, in order it could run fast between Sheffield and Derby, Birmingham, Cheltenham & Bristol Parkway? It might not make a lot of difference to the overall timings, but it would certainly be more comfortable for the longer distance traveller!
Personally, I'd suggest these would be decent trains to run on routes such as Glasgow - Aberdeen, or possibly even on a through Edinburgh - Wick service, that reverses at both Inverness and Thurso, once the Inter City 7 sets have had their day - preferably with a Lumo-style food pre-ordering service at Inverness or somewhere similar, as a full day just on sandwiches and cold pies isn't really that much fun. Perhaps they could even investigate the provision of drinks machines with a card payment facility, too?
You reckon Taunton is an interesting place to visit? Really? I'd combine it with somewhere else if I were you: Bridgwater, perhaps, as the two of them do have a fair bit in common!
Bridgwater and Taunton. Chalk and cheese. There's a reason the pigeons fly upside down over Bridgwater. It ain't worth shitting on.
Careful now! I have worked in Bridgwater for 35 years. The pigeons fly upside down as they don't want to make a mess on our pristine town! And whereas Taunton was once the proud County Town, I am sad to say that it has lost much of its prestige over the last 15/20 years. @@bignosemac1
I've heard about the Elgin one! :) It is really tricky in unfamiliar territory filming as I tend to miss so much, maybe that's why the video was 'Scotland heavy' as I knew where sights would be! The busy section really was a challenge, but I was ready for it and even managed a wee nap there!
To be honest, there's Lindisfarne and Alnmouth in Northumberland, Durham, The Vale of White Horse to the north of York, the twisted spire in Chesterfield and really not very much else of note until you hit Bristol, other than what you did include, so you're were probably just as well sleeping that busy bit away!@@steve-marsh
I always enjoy the approach to New Street as the Birmingham skyline hones into view, complete with the currently being built 'HS Three-Quarters'. Then the section leaving New Street through all of the tunnels and a few miles next to the canal, then of course the drop down the Lickey Incline.
@@paulharvey9149
Had to travel to Montrose from London on a sleeper back in the 60’s when I was in the army to do a last post an reveille for a Colonel….. fond memories of the journey an Montrose😎👌🏽
Great video Steve, enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks.
Nice one! I made an attempt at this back in April, but some issues on the track near Gloucester meant that the train was delayed so much that it needed to terminate in Plymouth. I did spend a memorable 30 mins on the platform there with Argyle supporters who had just seen their club win promotion 😂
Oh noooo! So near yet so far! Gid effort!
Well done and thank you for bringing us this masterpiece Steve. Hopefully the Marsh didn’t get too bogged down being on a train that length of time?!?!🤣.
First came across this a few years back while making my way from St David’s (Exeter) to my friend’s place very nearby and thinking ‘that’s insane…I want to do that one day for some bizarre reason!’ Worth noting the number of interesting places you passed Steve that deserve a visit, or maybe even a video in their own right- York, Sheffield (my grandad was from Sheffield and a proud Wednesdayite!), Burton, Taunton (been there many times for the cricket!), Exeter and you’re absolutely right about Plymouth, it’s a fascinating place. All the more tempted to do this myself now, but being in Dorset I’m not exactly handily placed for the southern or northern terminus am I!!
Greetings by the way from Ljubljana! Just arrived there today, doing a 2 week trip through the Balkans 😆.
I LOVE Ljubljana! Have a great trip! And yes, so many places I wish I could have hopped off for even a few hours exploration!
@@steve-marsh has to be one of the most underrated cities I’ve been to. Had a wonder round already, and although at first it doesn’t look like much, once you explore you appreciate there’s a lot more than meets the eye 😊.
Thank you Steve, very pleasant journey!
Very enjoyable - thanks!
Well done Steve! Hell of an achievement 😁 I'm considering doing something like that next year, but travelling by bus which comes after doing Edinburgh to London earlier in the year in two days 😁
Respect! :)
@@steve-marsh I'd be happy to share the links to my vlogs if you'd like to watch the capital to capital run
10:32 Disclaimer: No cats were harmed in the making of this video.
Lovely scenery, especially the shots at dusk. Thanks for enduring this for us, and glad to hear you're getting over that cold.
Haha although every train should have a cat
i used to go to colege in wakefield and i remember this train stopping and i alwase thought wow thats one hell of a long way
Great content Steve - just subscribed, look forward to watching your other videos. Safe travels!
After seeing other people who manged to do this length of the journey , I feel like I can try this journey.
Give it a go mate!
I see this was a video you made before feeling unwell Steve, I was never a lover of long train journeys myself, you always make them interesting and informative, never boring, I’m thinking Gregg’s should pay you a commission every time you promote their products though 😅 I have enjoyed the passing scenery although very fleeting, I just wish I had your stamina to endure such an undertaking of over 13hours journey in one go, but I thinks thats nothing compared to some of your journeys Steve. take care until next time 👍
Thanks Bernice! I have a couple more epic journeys from this wee trip to come :) I really fancied an M&S that morning, but Greggs was all that was open :D
Your such a great guy. Your videos have a familiar warmth about them even if your not into Travel videos. Great job my friend.
Good work, thanks!
The bathroom review was one of the best parts of this video.🫣
I've always wondered whether you'd do this journey and now I have my answer! 😂
I'm guessing the 'early celebration' drink has something to do with a birthday milestone? 😏
Glad to finally get aboard! Let's celebrate that rather than any big numbers you might be thinking of :D
@@steve-marsh Probably best as I'm always way off with my guesses anyway. 😂
Glad I took this condensed version of the journey :-) Think it's quite remarkable that you're able to cross that much distance without having to change!
When the light gets low, remember to switch off the front screen ;-)
Bet you flew back, didn't you?
Good tip! No flight back, more trains! I was exhausted when I finally got home!
@@steve-marsh Even more trains? You're really hard-core! :-)
Always interesting the journey! Thanks for sharing. I’m from Perth, Western Australia! 😎👍
Brilliant Steve! Great trip and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks Thomas!
I covered most of that route regular when I was in the RAF. My base was St Mawgan near Newquay and the Nimrod servicing school was at Kinloss near Elgin. My main tip was to take on a slab of Tennants lager, get a seat at a proper table and kit bag in the over head storage. Military people tend to look for other military as they walk through the carrages. The beer on the table is a magnet. You can get nearly all military passengers into the carrage on a journey of that long. you get fantastic chats and almost a party atmosphere. When everyone is travelling home for christmas leave is best. I still have fond memory of sharing my table with an elderly couple chatting to them about local history (we were going through a wee Yorkshire village at that moment ), A Royal Marine leaned over and grabbed a can of lager and he pointed out that the event I was chatting about was just where we were passing. The couple where more amazed that this stranger just took one of my beers and I didnt kick off. Others had brought carryouts onto the train and where possible would nip out to station buffets to bring drink on. Beer is important on a train to the military. The Par stop is a very important one. It joins the single track branch which terminates at Newquay. It is a beautiful short trip but a nightmare in holiday season. I love crosscountry trains. I travel Motherwell to Edinburgh regular now. As long as I only use thier trains and travel at set times, my return ticket is cheaper than my bus to work and back only over at Hamilton.
My brother was in the Royal Marines and I recall doing a trip with him back in the day just as you describe!
I love a good train journey but I'm not sure I'd want to do 13.5 hours in one day - well done! Some great scenery and good to know it can be done. I got a Britrail pass on my visit to UK last year and I think I'd do it again
I'm not sure I'd repeat, but it was a fun challenge all the same :)
What a video, loved every second of your insight ❤
You had some lovely light crossing the river. I was envious looking out at my grey sky and clouds down south. There is something lovely to see a changing landscape outside your window.