Absolutely an overpriced non sleeper railway journey if you have booked the very expensive cabin or the budget seat only option. Probably the road journey is more comfortable even if the roads have potholes ! The Scot rail trains normal old ex BR trains also have heating issues , so much so they call, it the glacier express cold train journeys in the winter cold inside as well!
I usually do one night in FW. Stay at Premier Inn near to Morrisons. Always seems to coincide with Scotland beating England at rugby. Was there 10 days ago
Great video Mark ! Thank you for using the word "stance " for the bus station - I grew up using the word - where I live now they've heard off it ! - hope the tourist board pays your fare !
Cheers. I’ve only learnt about the stance from doing videos like this up in Scotland tbh. I don’t get paid to do these videos. Apart from the odd sponsorship I think is relevant and worth doing, everything is self-funded and hopefully all my costs are then covered by ad revenue.
Lovely video Mark of a beautiful part of Scotland. I was a wee boy of maybe 12 when, on a family holiday to Mallaig, we crossed the Connel Bridge. I remember the Falls of Lora fascinated me. You could see them as you crossed. They are a tidal race and as such occur at particular times according to the tides themselves. I also have a vague memory that the railway tracks were still in situ but with wooden sleepers placed to take up the spaces between the lines. This allowed our car to cross rather bumpily from South Connel to North Connel. We were heading to the Fort and Ballachullish. The ferry had a very long queue so we took the long way round Loch Leven via Kinlochleven and on to Fort William itself. Don't worry about the Scottish / Gaelic place names and how to say them; you are much better than many. If in doubt, just ask the locals. Leven by-the-way is pronounced Lee-ven, or even Lee-vin. (I will need to read that again !!!!!) . On another note, Highland Airways fly between Oban and the Isle of Coll; often with children attending the High School in Oban. I may be wrong but they may stay in Oban Monday to Friday.
Thanks for the comment. I bet Connel Bridge was really interesting when it was ‘dual purpose’ so to speak. And the water underneath - not sure if I caught it on a good day or not tbh? It is a lovely part of the world though yep and travelling by public transport this time instead of driving, I think I was able to appreciate it a bit more. Cheers 😊👍
Yes they call a bus stop 🚏 a stance in Scotland.Another very scenic one in west Scotland is Glasgow to Campbeltown.West Coast also own Borders Buses that run in the area south of Edinburgh and a few internal services in England like Berwick to Holy Island infact i think that they have taken over the former Travelsure services in Northumberland so must get down as far as Alnwick.
Interesting. Yes I learnt about the ‘stance’ thing in Aberdeen a while back. Borders Buses you may have seen my vid on the Carlisle to Edinburgh bus. That was a great little journey, cheap too for a 4 hour bus ride! I must try the Berwick route at some point
"Could you spend a week in Fort William?" I chose to 8 years ago and every day is a blessing. "Shall I go up into the mountains or sit on the beach all day?" My life 😅
Fort William is looking very tired these days but you can't beat the surrounding scenery, This particular trip is one of our favourites, we've spent many a happy holiday around here (and probably heading back again in August :))
I've not seen much of Norway buy I did once spend two weeks in British Columbia, and it was awesome, spectacular, majestic... and very samey! You travel miles along straight wide valleys, with the same forests, with the same peaks, hey it IS awesome but now I understand why people rave about Scottish scenery, they actually mean it, they'd not on drugs!
Place name correction list :D since you asked. Loch Leven - Leevan, Ballachulish is spot on, Appin spot on, in fact everything else pretty much spot on its Ton not Town for Campbeltown but that's splitting hairs. The bay at Connel sounded a bit off as you said in as three words just whack them together ardmucknish
Very scenic run,but not as stunning scenery as Fort William to Uig,and I did that journey recently on 23 plate Irizar tri axle,which did from Glasgow all way to Uig,then hour there,and right back to Glasgow,was great but long day,I did it on 3 explorer pass,recommend if got the time to use it,it’s really good value,just 60,for 3 days unlimited Scottish Citylink travel on it’s network.
You mentioned pronunciation. A Scottish gentleman I met on holiday once suggested it was CAMPBELLTON, i.e. as if the 'W' wasn't there. Maybe one of our Scottish friends could confirm!
Fort William is possibly the ugliest place in the Highlands and for once we can't blame 1960's planners; the High Street was built with such that the backs of the buildings face Loch Linnhe, a really poor use of the location.
That’s a good point Colin I hadn’t thought of it like that but you’re absolutely right. And it all seems a bit detached from the loch with the road in between.
On the departure board at Fort William bus station there was a 09.15 service to Uig, arrive 13.50. I suspect that connects with the Cal Mac ferry to Tarbert on Harris, which I did on a cycle tour many years ago. Now that would be a good bus/ferry journey.
So beautiful. One of my favourites too. I lived there for a small part of my childhood. Great memories. We’re planning on going to Oban on our next visit. :)
I used to do this journey in reverse from Oban to Fort William for work it was amazing almost every corner you turn is like a scene from a postcard, was also good to see many of the places I had to go for work in this video, brilliant
Sixty years ago did the Oban/Fort William journey, Ballachulish had a ferry in those days the weather was so hot in Oban couldn't walk barefoot on the beach ,Happy Days great holiday with my parents.
I drove 40 American's around Scotland a few months ago on a coach tour of Ireland and Scotland.....Oban, Mull were two of our stops then a few others b4 returning to Dublin ...Great tour..
I've driven the same trip and it's stunning. Even better, it was after several hours of torrential rain, so there were numerous short-lived waterfalls pouring hundreds of feet from some of the mountains, which was spectacular. 😊
What a fantastic trip that was Mark, like you said the scenery was breathtaking ! Didn't go much on the fact they left his body hanging for 18 months from that bridge !! Did you stay in Oban, if so where ?
This is also a very useful route because it connects the two forks of the wonderful West Highland Line together. Along with the equally useful bus links from Fort William to Inverness and Kyle/Portree/Uig, it's included in the Spirit of Scotland travel pass which has replaced the Freedom of Scotland, still a good bargain even though CalMac have stopped including free travel on their ferries. (Probably they need all the money they can get after the debacle of the 2 new ferries).
Thanks for another great video. I passed through Oban on a Rail/bus tour to Iona once but for seven consecutive years I spent about two weeks touring Scotland with a tent and two or three boys; and my huge German Shepherd dog. We spent much of the time around the West coast ,or zig-zagging to the far North; and we'd see a lot of Fort William. I love the area's links with the story 'Kidnapped, and the Glen Coe massacre. The West is really worth visiting, or using it as a base. Absolutely stunning.
It’s really wetting my appetite to try the Inverness to Uig on Skye with Citylink, literally on my doorstep, could even get it to Kyle and come home on the train.. have you thought about the longest journey in Scotland as a challenge, Glasgow to Uig on Skye with Citylink (then ferry over to Isle of Harris?) ??
This route is definitely on my list Walter, I’ve just got to get around to doing it. I’ve looked at accommodation though in Uig and it’s not cheap! Any recommendations, let me know.
..Hmmm..... Maybe something for my next day out of the office. Bus/train to Fort William, this bus to Oban and return bus/train back to Glasgow. OK, that's another good idea from you I will do. I have driven Oban to Fort William (rather... been a passenger in a car) both before and after they made the road 5 km shorter with Creagan Bridge. Never rated it. But the bus will be better. thanx again ! Btw That Morrisson shop in Fort William is a good shop and a lifesaver for hangry travellers. Some really good pastry there. Btw What I think about Fort William after 20 visits ? I am still undecided. It is a nice place, I guess. Never been there more than max 3 hours on every visit. PART 2: You asked for more routes like that. OK, you mentioned Glasgow to Campbelltown with return on ferry. Great tour. Glasgow to Mallaig on train is top 5 world known. Bucketlist. Also.... Glasgow to Uig with ferry to either Lochmaddy or Tarbert is a must do too. Edinburgh to St Andrews the coastal road up and back again over the hill direct route is a must do. What about Glasgow to Kirkwall, bus and ferry ? You asked for it. Now I have made you regret it. *smile*
Haha, cheers mate - some great suggestions there (I've screenshot your comment for future reference!). I will definitely do the Uig one at some point. Hopefully this year once the crowds die down after summer. Fingers crossed anyway and appreciate the info. Thanks.
Citylinks 916 Glasgow - Uig (isle of Skye) the longest stage carriage route in Britain. Absolutely stunning scenery, the whole way from Glasgow to Skye. Driven it many many times myself. Hopefully see you on it soon. Cheers for now 😉
This route is definitely on my bucket list. I’m going to try and do it later on in the year, maybe when the crowds die down! And yes, hopefully you’ll be there 👍
Have done the Glasgow to Oban City link a few times with great views. No flip down table though which is not great if you're trying to eat a sandwich and have a drink!
Now that's a stunning bus journey Mark. One I will have to add to an ever growing bucket list. I remember back in 2016, going to Inverness from Fort William on the coach too. It had some lovely views. At the time it was slightly more expensive than the train but much quicker so I took the hit rather than go back to Glasgow and up on the train. I've seen mixed reviews of the Caledonian Sleeper, not sure if I want to do it tbf. Great reaction to it. I caught Scot Rail from Glasgow to Fort William for £3.30 back in that same year. Don't think it's that cheap now! Nevertheless, still some stunning scenery on the train up. Keep up the good work and Cheers.
Cheers John, plenty of alternatives to the train up in Scotland and obviously a lot of places the train doesn't reach. Uig is a particular one I'm looking forward to trying. That is supposed to be amazing!
Hi Mark, West Coast also run own Borders Buses , Glasgow Citybus now renamed back to West Coast Moters. They also run AIR services between Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Airport that’s all I know . Bit off topic now. Head office for the Borders Buses is based at Bewrick - Upon - Tweed up at Ramparts area of Bewick near start of A1 from Berwick side to Edinburgh. Borders Buses only use Bringing People Tougher but without since and a date in slogan . Sorry for my history lesson . Good video mate. Cheers for now 🙂
Cheers mate, I have used Borders Buses - from Carlisle to Edinburgh. A four hour journey earlier this year, check it out if you haven't already seen it. I found the bus pretty good tbf. Clean and well looked after. I'd definitely try them again.
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video like always well filmed plus edited amazing you have another coach journey video on your channel i do love those types of videos me including other ones, ive saw someone on RUclips do near the exact same coach journey as you the channel name is Planes Trains Everything he done this journey but the opposite way around so he started in Oban then ended the journey in Fort William that video was great like yours its good to see both ways of the journeys route now, that coach is really good plus smart indeed the interior is pretty good Inzar coaches are really good plus unique on the shape of the front good for a 8 year old one too well kept anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark and keep up the amazing content on your channel like always its great 👍
Cheers mate, it was a good coach yes. I would be quite happy on that on a much longer journey. A good company West Coast Motors in my initial experience here. I will definitely try them again 👍
Being Irish (Republic of Ireland) myself, living 22 years in Manchester, this part of Scotland is beautiful with stunning scenery - I’d actively consider moving there if the chance ever came up ❤❤❤❤
Certainly an area of Scotland I would like to explore. I think Fort William is a good stay for a day or two, but Oban is more interesting. A lot of ferry connections departing from Oban.
Great video, Mark. It looked a very relaxing journey, and picturesque scenery going by. I've just been to Scotland, via train, and it's good to see less concrete and more green. Hope you get your laptop issues sorted soon, mate. Andy.
As a rep covering Scotland from Glasgow north I travelled from Morrisons Ft. William to Tesco Oban once a month for 8 years and saw some wonderful sights over those years like fighter jets from Lossiemouth practicing low level runs up Loch Linnhe.
That coach's colour reminds me of the colour of the buses and coaches in Brighton and Hove city east Sussex except they have a black strip instead of blue.👍
Spectacular! I've driven the route by car but it looks like the higher seats on a coach give even better views! (plus not having to concentrate on the road!) Fort William town is definitely a bit meh but it's a great location for exploring the nearby mountains.
Cheers mate. Yep, FW is a good base and using the bus is an extra option (I might try the Inverness route next time). Definitely makes a difference being on what is basically a coach as opposed to a standard bus too 👍
No. Just an average short back and sides for a bloke. Best I've ever had was in Armagh, in the chair for an hour. Felt like every hair had been cut individually at least twice. Getting there by bus is a challenge for you. Just don't try it on a Sunday when there are zero buses west of the. River Bann.
Fantastic Journey Mark weather was just perfect for you really enjoyed it try Oban to Glasgow Queen Street in the near future it'a about 4 hours by train
The scenery is certainly beautiful and looked a nice coach to travel on. Looking back I must have been on this road on route to Fort William when staying on Loch Awe side during a family holiday back in 1993 ish. Alas the weather that day (most of the week) was appalling and clearly the views were shrouded in wet mist and rain as was the rail trip to Mallaig the same day. I think the sunniest day was our visit to Glencoe which was stunning. After a school trip that year to the loverly Hartz Mountains in Germany we decided a trip to the Black Forest was in order the following year which produced much better weather.
I've stayed in Ballachulish for a week before and I kid you not, it never stopped raining!! Them's the breaks I guess. The Harz Mountains too are fantastic - I'm assuming you tried the steam trains.
Thanks for showing me the run in sunshine. When I travelled in June 2022 it was pouring with rain. Looks like the run has been upgraded since then it was a bus when I travelled but still West Coast Motors.
Last time I did that journey was about 1973 in winter. At breakfast in the hotel it started snowing heavily so my co-driver and I fitted the snow chains to the coach, only the second time I'd done that in the UK. What should have been a two hour journey to the lunch stop back then was over eight hours, most spent shoveling snow. Arrived back in London the following afternoon, long out of hours with very pissed off pax.
Retired ? Must be surely as most people wouldn’t have the time to do this every week if they were working. Would be nice if we all could all do that. Most RUclips channels that are gaining subscribers through regular uploads are by people who don’t work, as doing it part time on RUclips wont get anywhere. Anyone who can afford to do it full time will always usually make a success of it. For everyone else, if you cannot afford to invest time and money into anything, same old story in the real world, no difference. A society of haves and have nots.
No I’m not retired. Like anything, put the effort in and you’ll get the rewards. It’s hard work and requires serious commitment to grow a channel when you have a ‘regular’ job. But post regularly, engage with your viewers, put out decent quality, consistent content and yes you may well get somewhere. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it though.
I have spent 5 days in Fort William on a coach holiday and I enjoyed it as we went to Inverness, Oban . I also used the towns swimming pool which very nice and could walk to it from the hotel. We also had a trip to Malaig and the scenery was spectacular.
Yes Simon, imo,there’s lots to do ‘around’ Fort William if you can get around. Oban is more suited to arriving by public transport as it’s quite compact and everything’s central to you (train, bus and ferries of course).
This is an area of Scotland which I long wanted to visit and indeed the bus I believe can offer beter value for money, time and scenery. Great report. However I do believe that you might not be able to buy the ticket that close to departure time in summer as the demand gets higher and there's a chance that either Citylink or West Coast Motors services may get filled up quickly
Yes totally different scenario in the summer I suspect. This is one of the reasons I do prefer travelling I Out of season in many respects. OK the weather isn’t always great but took a chance and it paid off. No midges this time of year either!
@@LetsMakeaTrip its open to Non Teslas as well! Better option than the Charge Place Scotland ones next to it. We did a Scottish Highland holiday with a Model Y back in October! But you will need a CPS card and account if you wish to venture further north. But im sure you know this!
Try the coach from Oban to Lochgilphead. Scenery just as good, road really narrow. Stunning. Lovely vid of country I'm very familiar with, alas I'm 5,000 miles away now. Thanks a lot!
Hi Mark, another great trip report. One of my favourite areas. We stay at the caravan site in Ballachulish when we’re up there, right on the edge of Loch Leven (pronounced Leeven) and overlooks the bridge. It’s a beautiful part of the world and great for exploring Glencoe. Hope to see you in the other Leven in Fife when our railway reopens in June. Kind regards as always. Blair.
Cheers Blair. I stayed in Ballachulish myself once, in a house. It rained all week! I think I got lucky with the weather tbh and yes, I’ll keep my eye out for that new railway. Thanks 😊👍
😮 wow u hit the nail right on the head mark lm not Scottish but what a beautiful country I did this trip in the late 70s in a campervan West coast and East the Scottish people don't even know what they have it's heaven 🙏✅ anyway my friend I hope you got your Apple laptop God bless you for these wonderful 🎥 I just hope you are going to the island of Skye IV never been all the best John 😊😊
Cheers John. Yes it is lovely -west coast and east they are two very different coastlines. I’ve managed to sort most of my tech probs this week so hopefully normal service is resumed 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip I am hoping to be up late spring early summer. Place I cannot get tired of. I mind my first trip up from Kersland Drive on the 976. Powerful
I spent a week in Oban 20 or more years ago. I remember Connel Bridge. As you said, it's a tidal river. Passing over it in the morning the tide is flowing one way, in the afternoon it; flows back in the opposite direct. It's obvious really, but the first time I saw it, I was impressed. One day I was on Connel Bridge looking at the river, I saw a whirlpool in the Falls of Lora, caused by the tidal race. Again, it's something I never forgot. Near Oban, is the third largest whirlpool in the world, at Corryvreckan. I'm now 75, I've never seen a whirlpool since, it was fascinating.
Corey reckon yes I had heard of them before. I found it all quite fascinating really. Not sure I’d want to be in a boat going through them though! A lovely part of the world all-in-all 😊
Corey reckon yes I had heard of them before. I found it all quite fascinating really. Not sure I’d want to be in a boat going through them though! A lovely part of the world all-in-all 😊
A two finger wave to the sleeper carriages 😂
Oh tell ya what you really think 😂
I try and inject a bit of comedy when I can 😂 cheers mate 😊
Absolutely an overpriced non sleeper railway journey if you have booked the very expensive cabin or the budget seat only option. Probably the road journey is more comfortable even if the roads have potholes ! The Scot rail trains normal old ex BR trains also have heating issues , so much so they call, it the glacier express cold train journeys in the winter cold inside as well!
I think the 156 trains have also been "refurbished" with ironing board seats.
I usually do one night in FW. Stay at Premier Inn near to Morrisons. Always seems to coincide with Scotland beating England at rugby. Was there 10 days ago
Yes the Premier Inn is a bit handier than the Travelodge and in Oban, well everything is extremely compact which I love about the place 👍
Great video Mark ! Thank you for using the word "stance " for the bus station - I grew up using the word - where I live now they've heard off it ! - hope the tourist board pays your fare !
Cheers. I’ve only learnt about the stance from doing videos like this up in Scotland tbh. I don’t get paid to do these videos. Apart from the odd sponsorship I think is relevant and worth doing, everything is self-funded and hopefully all my costs are then covered by ad revenue.
Lovely video Mark of a beautiful part of Scotland. I was a wee boy of maybe 12 when, on a family holiday to Mallaig, we crossed the Connel Bridge. I remember the Falls of Lora fascinated me. You could see them as you crossed. They are a tidal race and as such occur at particular times according to the tides themselves. I also have a vague memory that the railway tracks were still in situ but with wooden sleepers placed to take up the spaces between the lines. This allowed our car to cross rather bumpily from South Connel to North Connel. We were heading to the Fort and Ballachullish. The ferry had a very long queue so we took the long way round Loch Leven via Kinlochleven and on to Fort William itself. Don't worry about the Scottish / Gaelic place names and how to say them; you are much better than many. If in doubt, just ask the locals. Leven by-the-way is pronounced Lee-ven, or even Lee-vin. (I will need to read that again !!!!!) . On another note, Highland Airways fly between Oban and the Isle of Coll; often with children attending the High School in Oban. I may be wrong but they may stay in Oban Monday to Friday.
Thanks for the comment. I bet Connel Bridge was really interesting when it was ‘dual purpose’ so to speak. And the water underneath - not sure if I caught it on a good day or not tbh? It is a lovely part of the world though yep and travelling by public transport this time instead of driving, I think I was able to appreciate it a bit more. Cheers 😊👍
Yes they call a bus stop 🚏 a stance in Scotland.Another very scenic one in west Scotland is Glasgow to Campbeltown.West Coast also own Borders Buses that run in the area south of Edinburgh and a few internal services in England like Berwick to Holy Island infact i think that they have taken over the former Travelsure services in Northumberland so must get down as far as Alnwick.
Interesting. Yes I learnt about the ‘stance’ thing in Aberdeen a while back. Borders Buses you may have seen my vid on the Carlisle to Edinburgh bus. That was a great little journey, cheap too for a 4 hour bus ride! I must try the Berwick route at some point
"Could you spend a week in Fort William?" I chose to 8 years ago and every day is a blessing. "Shall I go up into the mountains or sit on the beach all day?" My life 😅
That’s a great dilemma to have! Hopefully I’ll have the same one day!
Am off to Oban tomorrow, by train though. Anyone else thought Mark said "WSB" when I realised it was "double USB"! 😄
Ahhh. I wondered what a WSB was! Thanks for the explanation.
Stunning West Coast scenery Mark, fantastic commentary to, I've done that journey many times, never gets tired , thanks bud 👍
Cheers mate. My first time on public transport, I enjoyed it more than driving tbh 👍
Irizar coaches on public services, they seem good to run but anywhere else they dont work
Fort William is looking very tired these days but you can't beat the surrounding scenery, This particular trip is one of our favourites, we've spent many a happy holiday around here (and probably heading back again in August :))
Yes the scenery around the town rather than the town itself for me - I agree. A great base though. Have a nice time 😊
And you are one of favourites travel bloggers too.
Can’t beat our variation of miniature versions landscape of perhaps Norway or Canada
I've not seen much of Norway buy I did once spend two weeks in British Columbia, and it was awesome, spectacular, majestic... and very samey! You travel miles along straight wide valleys, with the same forests, with the same peaks, hey it IS awesome but now I understand why people rave about Scottish scenery, they actually mean it, they'd not on drugs!
Place name correction list :D since you asked.
Loch Leven - Leevan, Ballachulish is spot on, Appin spot on, in fact everything else pretty much spot on its Ton not Town for Campbeltown but that's splitting hairs. The bay at Connel sounded a bit off as you said in as three words just whack them together ardmucknish
Ahhh,you're going to my hometown!!! I've never used the bus to Fort William from here,always gone by car,or to Crianlarich by train and changed there.
Fort William ok for a couple days the real beauty the Isle of Skye.
Yes Gazza, like I said the surrounding areas are beautiful. Town itself, not so sure tbh.
Very scenic run,but not as stunning scenery as Fort William to Uig,and I did that journey recently on 23 plate Irizar tri axle,which did from Glasgow all way to Uig,then hour there,and right back to Glasgow,was great but long day,I did it on 3 explorer pass,recommend if got the time to use it,it’s really good value,just 60,for 3 days unlimited Scottish Citylink travel on it’s network.
The Fort seems a lot better these days than the rowdy place I remember 30 years ago! A pity the bypass acts as a barrier between town and loch.
Jimmy Stewart swung from a gibbet.... It's a Wonderful Life?! 😉
You mentioned pronunciation. A Scottish gentleman I met on holiday once suggested it was CAMPBELLTON, i.e. as if the 'W' wasn't there. Maybe one of our Scottish friends could confirm!
Oh that’s interesting yes. If I go there, I’ll research it first because I’ll definitely get comments if I say it wrong! Cheers Dave 👍
A future travel suggestion: the Skye bus, Inverness to Portree, you get Loch Ness, Glenshee, Loch Duich, Skye obviously.
It's 'leeve-en', almost like 'leaving'' not 'lev-en' like 'heaven'.
Love living in oban, this area is beautiful . At 5.27 is the enterence to where they hung james of the glens of the appin murders remains .
I am very jealous. Loved my trip to Oban!
Probably one of the best places in the UK to be a bus driver.
Fort William is possibly the ugliest place in the Highlands and for once we can't blame 1960's planners; the High Street was built with such that the backs of the buildings face Loch Linnhe, a really poor use of the location.
That’s a good point Colin I hadn’t thought of it like that but you’re absolutely right. And it all seems a bit detached from the loch with the road in between.
Hi. good vodeo, tell your friend, Loch Leven is pronouced, Loch Leaven. thanks for asking.
Cheers mate 👍
On the departure board at Fort William bus station there was a 09.15 service to Uig, arrive 13.50. I suspect that connects with the Cal Mac ferry to Tarbert on Harris, which I did on a cycle tour many years ago. Now that would be a good bus/ferry journey.
Yes I think it does Alan. I've looked into it and you get the ferry across for an epic journey. I will hopefully do it before the end of the year.
So beautiful. One of my favourites too. I lived there for a small part of my childhood. Great memories. We’re planning on going to Oban on our next visit. :)
I’d love to live up there. Must’ve been fantastic!
I used to do this journey in reverse from Oban to Fort William for work it was amazing almost every corner you turn is like a scene from a postcard, was also good to see many of the places I had to go for work in this video, brilliant
Thank you Charles. Yes I think that sums it up nicely. Around every corner seemed to get better and better. Not a bad place to be working I bet 👍
Sixty years ago did the Oban/Fort William journey, Ballachulish had a ferry in those days the weather was so hot in Oban couldn't walk barefoot on the beach ,Happy Days great holiday with my parents.
Glad it brought back memories Peter. I bet there used to be big queues for that ferry in the summer. You must have had amazing weather for that trip!
I drove 40 American's around Scotland a few months ago on a coach tour of Ireland and Scotland.....Oban, Mull were two of our stops then a few others b4 returning to Dublin ...Great tour..
Those kind of days must be the 'I love my job' days!
NIce video, but you should show the map. Would be very helpful.
There is a map at the start of most of my videos. It’s not detailed but plots the route which is what most people want to see.
You should have continued past Oban, best scenery was ahead of you.
I have limited time atm Suzanne unfortunately. Next time though 😊
No I would not stay in Fort William for too long I prefer Oban .
Me too. Very compact, everything in the centre within 5 mins walk (if that) and great connectivity too 👍
Such breathtaking scenery ....looks like somewhere else to add to the future `places to visit`...
Oh I definitely recommend it and Oban is great for connectivity. Ferry trips in-particular 👍
Have u tried Inverness to thurso breathtaking jj
On the train John yes, it was absolutely fantastic. My video is on he channel probably about a year old now 👍
I've driven the same trip and it's stunning. Even better, it was after several hours of torrential rain, so there were numerous short-lived waterfalls pouring hundreds of feet from some of the mountains, which was spectacular. 😊
Fantastic. I spent a week in Ballachulish once and it NEVER stopped raining! Great part of the world though 👍
Another great video Mark. The scenery and the reflections of the sky in some of the lochs were epic. 👍
Cheers Simon. I think I got a bit lucky with the weather but yet, loved the scenery.
915 Citylink - Glasgow to Uig (Isle of Skye)
Yes, it’s been recommended several times 👍
What a fantastic trip that was Mark, like you said the scenery was breathtaking ! Didn't go much on the fact they left his body hanging for 18 months from that bridge !! Did you stay in Oban, if so where ?
Cheers Andy. I did stay in Oban - 3 nights at the Royal Hotel. Dinner, B&B - £135 = total bargain for solo travellers and definitely recommended 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip that's a fantastic bargain Mark, nice one mate :)
This is also a very useful route because it connects the two forks of the wonderful West Highland Line together. Along with the equally useful bus links from Fort William to Inverness and Kyle/Portree/Uig, it's included in the Spirit of Scotland travel pass which has replaced the Freedom of Scotland, still a good bargain even though CalMac have stopped including free travel on their ferries. (Probably they need all the money they can get after the debacle of the 2 new ferries).
What a wonderful trip. Thanks, I really enjoyed it.
Cheers Paul and thanks for commenting.
Thanks for another great video.
I passed through Oban on a Rail/bus tour to Iona once but for seven consecutive years I spent about two weeks touring Scotland with a tent and two or three boys; and my huge German Shepherd dog. We spent much of the time around the West coast ,or zig-zagging to the far North; and we'd see a lot of Fort William.
I love the area's links with the story 'Kidnapped, and the Glen Coe massacre. The West is really worth visiting, or using it as a base. Absolutely stunning.
Bet you didn't know there is a bowling alley in Fort William 😂. It was interesting playing a game with ski coats on in the winter 😂
It’s really wetting my appetite to try the Inverness to Uig on Skye with Citylink, literally on my doorstep, could even get it to Kyle and come home on the train.. have you thought about the longest journey in Scotland as a challenge, Glasgow to Uig on Skye with Citylink (then ferry over to Isle of Harris?) ??
This route is definitely on my list Walter, I’ve just got to get around to doing it. I’ve looked at accommodation though in Uig and it’s not cheap! Any recommendations, let me know.
There was a Scottish Youth Hostel in Uig, unfortunately Skye becoming so popular it’s eye watering expensive I will ask around
@@walterfillingham cheers mate! dm me on twitter if you find anything as I might miss it on here. Appreciate it
Definitely enjoyed it! Seen others do the Fort William - Inverness one but never done it myself (yet!) so ...
Nor me. Plenty of time to try that one out too 👍
Thats better - non of this overseas nonsense, nice cold, cloudy UK.
Can’t be beaten! 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip Lands End > John O' Groats in the summer?
Great video, Mark 👏
Cheers Richard, thanks for giving it a watch 😊
ALWAYS NICE TO SEE SCOTTISH SCENERY...
And travel in it too. Cheers Kevin!😊👍
..Hmmm..... Maybe something for my next day out of the office. Bus/train to Fort William, this bus to Oban and return bus/train back to Glasgow. OK, that's another good idea from you I will do. I have driven Oban to Fort William (rather... been a passenger in a car) both before and after they made the road 5 km shorter with Creagan Bridge. Never rated it. But the bus will be better. thanx again ! Btw That Morrisson shop in Fort William is a good shop and a lifesaver for hangry travellers. Some really good pastry there. Btw What I think about Fort William after 20 visits ? I am still undecided. It is a nice place, I guess. Never been there more than max 3 hours on every visit. PART 2: You asked for more routes like that. OK, you mentioned Glasgow to Campbelltown with return on ferry. Great tour. Glasgow to Mallaig on train is top 5 world known. Bucketlist. Also.... Glasgow to Uig with ferry to either Lochmaddy or Tarbert is a must do too. Edinburgh to St Andrews the coastal road up and back again over the hill direct route is a must do. What about Glasgow to Kirkwall, bus and ferry ? You asked for it. Now I have made you regret it. *smile*
Haha, cheers mate - some great suggestions there (I've screenshot your comment for future reference!). I will definitely do the Uig one at some point. Hopefully this year once the crowds die down after summer. Fingers crossed anyway and appreciate the info. Thanks.
Citylinks 916 Glasgow - Uig (isle of Skye) the longest stage carriage route in Britain. Absolutely stunning scenery, the whole way from Glasgow to Skye. Driven it many many times myself. Hopefully see you on it soon. Cheers for now 😉
This route is definitely on my bucket list. I’m going to try and do it later on in the year, maybe when the crowds die down! And yes, hopefully you’ll be there 👍
You’d love the 926, a long route indeed.
Lochgilphead to Campbeltown section is amazing Mark.
Noted! Cheers Freddy 😊👍
Have done the Glasgow to Oban City link a few times with great views. No flip down table though which is not great if you're trying to eat a sandwich and have a drink!
Cheers Jim, the railway line was good (never done that before) 👍
Now that's a stunning bus journey Mark. One I will have to add to an ever growing bucket list.
I remember back in 2016, going to Inverness from Fort William on the coach too. It had some lovely views. At the time it was slightly more expensive than the train but much quicker so I took the hit rather than go back to Glasgow and up on the train.
I've seen mixed reviews of the Caledonian Sleeper, not sure if I want to do it tbf. Great reaction to it. I caught Scot Rail from Glasgow to Fort William for £3.30 back in that same year. Don't think it's that cheap now! Nevertheless, still some stunning scenery on the train up. Keep up the good work and Cheers.
Cheers John, plenty of alternatives to the train up in Scotland and obviously a lot of places the train doesn't reach. Uig is a particular one I'm looking forward to trying. That is supposed to be amazing!
Hi Mark,
West Coast also run own Borders Buses , Glasgow Citybus now renamed back to West Coast Moters. They also run AIR services between Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Airport that’s all I know .
Bit off topic now.
Head office for the Borders Buses is based at Bewrick - Upon - Tweed up at Ramparts area of Bewick near start of A1 from
Berwick side to Edinburgh.
Borders Buses only use Bringing People Tougher but without since and a date in slogan .
Sorry for my history lesson .
Good video mate.
Cheers for now 🙂
Cheers mate, I have used Borders Buses - from Carlisle to Edinburgh. A four hour journey earlier this year, check it out if you haven't already seen it. I found the bus pretty good tbf. Clean and well looked after. I'd definitely try them again.
New subscriber, very well produced video with beautiful scenery. Thank you.
Thanks mate and welcome aboard. I have even better scenery for you this week I hope! 😊
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video like always well filmed plus edited amazing you have another coach journey video on your channel i do love those types of videos me including other ones, ive saw someone on RUclips do near the exact same coach journey as you the channel name is Planes Trains Everything he done this journey but the opposite way around so he started in Oban then ended the journey in Fort William that video was great like yours its good to see both ways of the journeys route now, that coach is really good plus smart indeed the interior is pretty good Inzar coaches are really good plus unique on the shape of the front good for a 8 year old one too well kept anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark and keep up the amazing content on your channel like always its great 👍
Cheers mate, it was a good coach yes. I would be quite happy on that on a much longer journey. A good company West Coast Motors in my initial experience here. I will definitely try them again 👍
Hi Mark, great blog and wonderful scenery, very informative and enjoyable.👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers Michael and thanks for leaving a comment 😊
Being Irish (Republic of Ireland) myself, living 22 years in Manchester, this part of Scotland is beautiful with stunning scenery - I’d actively consider moving there if the chance ever came up ❤❤❤❤
So would I Michael. Just love the scenery and transport options.
Certainly an area of Scotland I would like to explore. I think Fort William is a good stay for a day or two, but Oban is more interesting. A lot of ferry connections departing from Oban.
I agree. There’s a lot more in Oban itself I think.
Great video, Mark. It looked a very relaxing journey, and picturesque scenery going by. I've just been to Scotland, via train, and it's good to see less concrete and more green. Hope you get your laptop issues sorted soon, mate. Andy.
Less concrete and more green is a great way of putting it. I'm getting there with the tech - a much less stressful week this one! Cheers Andy.
As a rep covering Scotland from Glasgow north I travelled from Morrisons Ft. William to Tesco Oban once a month for 8 years and saw some wonderful sights over those years like fighter jets from Lossiemouth practicing low level runs up Loch Linnhe.
We get that a bit in North Wales with the ‘Mach Loop’ - amazing sight being above the aircraft as they fly down the valleys 👍
That coach's colour reminds me of the colour of the buses and coaches in Brighton and Hove city east Sussex except they have a black strip instead of blue.👍
I haven’t tried Brighton for buses. London to Brighton may be something for the future though 😊👍
Spectacular! I've driven the route by car but it looks like the higher seats on a coach give even better views! (plus not having to concentrate on the road!) Fort William town is definitely a bit meh but it's a great location for exploring the nearby mountains.
Cheers mate. Yep, FW is a good base and using the bus is an extra option (I might try the Inverness route next time). Definitely makes a difference being on what is basically a coach as opposed to a standard bus too 👍
Great vid lovely scenery, north coast 500 ? Don’t think there’s a bus route 😮
Tbh Mick, I haven't actually looked. I wonder if it is possible to do the 500 on buses?
I've had my hair cut in Oban.
Is it a better cut than anywhere else though?
No. Just an average short back and sides for a bloke. Best I've ever had was in Armagh, in the chair for an hour. Felt like every hair had been cut individually at least twice. Getting there by bus is a challenge for you. Just don't try it on a Sunday when there are zero buses west of the. River Bann.
Absolutely love the piano music
I normally choose it to fit these kind of ‘scenic’ vids. I do think it works quite well most f the time. Cheers 😊
Fantastic Journey Mark weather was just perfect for you really enjoyed it try Oban to Glasgow Queen Street in the near future it'a about 4 hours by train
It was great weather I agree. I do go back on the train but the weather on that day was grim. Nice route though.
The scenery is certainly beautiful and looked a nice coach to travel on. Looking back I must have been on this road on route to Fort William when staying on Loch Awe side during a family holiday back in 1993 ish. Alas the weather that day (most of the week) was appalling and clearly the views were shrouded in wet mist and rain as was the rail trip to Mallaig the same day. I think the sunniest day was our visit to Glencoe which was stunning. After a school trip that year to the loverly Hartz Mountains in Germany we decided a trip to the Black Forest was in order the following year which produced much better weather.
I've stayed in Ballachulish for a week before and I kid you not, it never stopped raining!! Them's the breaks I guess. The Harz Mountains too are fantastic - I'm assuming you tried the steam trains.
Thanks for showing me the run in sunshine. When I travelled in June 2022 it was pouring with rain. Looks like the run has been upgraded since then it was a bus when I travelled but still West Coast Motors.
Cheers Paul. I would've taken a bus but was delighted to have the Irizar!
Last time I did that journey was about 1973 in winter. At breakfast in the hotel it started snowing heavily so my co-driver and I fitted the snow chains to the coach, only the second time I'd done that in the UK. What should have been a two hour journey to the lunch stop back then was over eight hours, most spent shoveling snow. Arrived back in London the following afternoon, long out of hours with very pissed off pax.
Yes the passengers must've been peed off but I hope they appreciated the effort you both put in trying to get them round and getting them home safely.
Retired ? Must be surely as most people wouldn’t have the time to do this every week if they were working. Would be nice if we all could all do that. Most RUclips channels that are gaining subscribers through regular uploads are by people who don’t work, as doing it part time on RUclips wont get anywhere. Anyone who can afford to do it full time will always usually make a success of it. For everyone else, if you cannot afford to invest time and money into anything, same old story in the real world, no difference. A society of haves and have nots.
No I’m not retired. Like anything, put the effort in and you’ll get the rewards. It’s hard work and requires serious commitment to grow a channel when you have a ‘regular’ job. But post regularly, engage with your viewers, put out decent quality, consistent content and yes you may well get somewhere. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it though.
Always worth booking in advance, services can be rammed. 🎸🥃🤘
Yes I bet it’s much busier in the summer
I have spent 5 days in Fort William on a coach holiday and I enjoyed it as we went to Inverness, Oban .
I also used the towns swimming pool which very nice and could walk to it from the hotel. We also had a trip to Malaig and the scenery was spectacular.
Yes Simon, imo,there’s lots to do ‘around’ Fort William if you can get around. Oban is more suited to arriving by public transport as it’s quite compact and everything’s central to you (train, bus and ferries of course).
I'll be spending a few days in Fort William later this month.
Enjoy Alan. Plenty of stuff to do in the area 👍
This is an area of Scotland which I long wanted to visit and indeed the bus I believe can offer beter value for money, time and scenery. Great report. However I do believe that you might not be able to buy the ticket that close to departure time in summer as the demand gets higher and there's a chance that either Citylink or West Coast Motors services may get filled up quickly
Yes totally different scenario in the summer I suspect. This is one of the reasons I do prefer travelling I
Out of season in many respects. OK the weather isn’t always great but took a chance and it paid off. No midges this time of year either!
Stunning scenery and top marks on the pronunciation. Great work as always mate.
Cheers mate. I haven’t had many complaints about the place names this time so I must’ve done ok 😂
A great journey very scenic and enjoyable, thank you and stay safe.
Cheers Simon, thanks as always for commenting. I loved the journey though I did get a bit lucky with the weather.
Loch Leven is pronounced Loch Leeven!
Thanks Mark absolutely fabulous video 😊
Thanks for watching James and leaving a comment. Much appreciated 😊
Very picturesque on what looked a beautiful day.
I got lucky with the weather for the time of year yes 😊👍
Fabulous ! like you I have only driven the route before .
So much nicer to relax, look around and appreciate the views. Definitely recommend it.
made that drive a couple of years ago, part of a great trip to Scotland
I love this part of the world 👍
Loved it! Great ride, great views, great vid 👍
Cheers mate, plenty more bus routes to try up here too. Fancy Uig one day?
@@LetsMakeaTrip Most definitely. I had planned to go on to Uig the day I went to Kyle of Lochalsh... but Storm Babet put paid to that one!
Excellent really enjoyed the commentary also.
Cheers Willie and I appreciate you taking the time to comment 😊👍
See you next week
Lovely trip whilst eating my lunch. It was still on my mind when I threw the remnants in the bin followed by my fork 😅
I hope it was worth it Linda! 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip It certainly was 🤣
I’ve used those Tesla Superchargers in Fort William multiple times!
They look posh! Good to see the facility’s there though. I’ve just given my ev up but hoping to get a new one in the next few months 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip its open to Non Teslas as well! Better option than the Charge Place Scotland ones next to it. We did a Scottish Highland holiday with a Model Y back in October! But you will need a CPS card and account if you wish to venture further north. But im sure you know this!
Another great video, and very scenic.
Cheers and thanks for the comment 😊👍
Lovely breath taking scenery
It’s fantastic scenery isn’t it 😊
I loved Oban when I visited there
Lots to do, very compact. I thought it was great 👍
There are some beautiful skies there!
There are - big sky country up here and I've got some even better ones coming this week!
I love to get the bus to Uig.
I'm definitely up for that trip as many have suggested it. Cheers.
Beautiful scenery
It is Peter. Definitely recommend a visit.
What a great video and commentary. Thank you. 😊
Try the coach from Oban to Lochgilphead. Scenery just as good, road really narrow. Stunning. Lovely vid of country I'm very familiar with, alas I'm 5,000 miles away now. Thanks a lot!
Thanks Anne. I will certainly make a note of this along with others suggestions. There’s no shortage of scenic routes to do by the looks of it! 😊
Hi Mark, another great trip report. One of my favourite areas. We stay at the caravan site in Ballachulish when we’re up there, right on the edge of Loch Leven (pronounced Leeven) and overlooks the bridge. It’s a beautiful part of the world and great for exploring Glencoe. Hope to see you in the other Leven in Fife when our railway reopens in June. Kind regards as always. Blair.
Cheers Blair. I stayed in Ballachulish myself once, in a house. It rained all week! I think I got lucky with the weather tbh and yes, I’ll keep my eye out for that new railway. Thanks 😊👍
😮 wow u hit the nail right on the head mark lm not Scottish but what a beautiful country I did this trip in the late 70s in a campervan West coast and East the Scottish people don't even know what they have it's heaven 🙏✅ anyway my friend I hope you got your Apple laptop God bless you for these wonderful 🎥 I just hope you are going to the island of Skye IV never been all the best John 😊😊
Cheers John. Yes it is lovely -west coast and east they are two very different coastlines. I’ve managed to sort most of my tech probs this week so hopefully normal service is resumed 😊👍
I was at FTW not long ago and absolutely going to return to Oban too
My first time actually staying in Oban. Loved it. I will be back 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip I am hoping to be up late spring early summer. Place I cannot get tired of. I mind my first trip up from Kersland Drive on the 976. Powerful
I spent a week in Oban 20 or more years ago. I remember Connel Bridge. As you said, it's a tidal river. Passing over it in the morning the tide is flowing one way, in the afternoon it; flows back in the opposite direct. It's obvious really, but the first time I saw it, I was impressed. One day I was on Connel Bridge looking at the river, I saw a whirlpool in the Falls of Lora, caused by the tidal race. Again, it's something I never forgot. Near Oban, is the third largest whirlpool in the world, at Corryvreckan. I'm now 75, I've never seen a whirlpool since, it was fascinating.
Corey reckon yes I had heard of them before. I found it all quite fascinating really. Not sure I’d want to be in a boat going through them though! A lovely part of the world all-in-all 😊
Corey reckon yes I had heard of them before. I found it all quite fascinating really. Not sure I’d want to be in a boat going through them though! A lovely part of the world all-in-all 😊
That looks like a great run. Many thanks!
It was a pleasure doing it 😊👍