We will be traveling from London to Scotland by train on Tuesday September 29th for our first time. Our destination is Airdrie between Glasgow and Edinburgh so it makes no difference which side of England we travel. Our ultimate destination for the trip will be Ireland so this will be a one-way journey. We will be traveling during the day. Which route would be the most scenic?
Posted by
Yorkshire
1198 posts
west coast, passes thru Lune Gorge, on edge of lake district, and up and over Beattock summit
Posted by
Green Bay
20031 posts
I think the connections are better from Edinburgh. From Glasgow you need to transfer to Queen Street station by bus. Its cheaper by Edinburgh as well.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I think via Glasgow you need to change stations - Central to Queen St. Is this correct Glaswegians ??
I like the border country scenery (around Berwick upon Tweed) on the east coast line.
Almost no difference with timings - 5hrs 15min or so.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1639 posts
Airdrie is part of Glasgow's commuter belt, but you will have to change between Central and Queen Street stations. Going via Edinburgh will mean the change is at the same station.
Though, now being nosy, why Airdrie?
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
On the east coast main line, you get a terrific view of Durham, and the coast either side of the border is wonderful. I think it's the more scenic route. The west coast does have some good bits, but also more ugly ones.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
If you have the opportunity do both. We traveled NB London to Edinburgh on the East coast train, then coach to Glasgow. From Ft William we took the train back to Glasgow then continued south to Oxenholme and the Lake District. Retuned to London by train on the West route.
In both cases the scenery was better than from the air.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I like the East coast trip. The view of York Minster and the one of Durham is really good. I also like the scenery near Berwick.
But, all that said if it were me, I'd go with schedule and cost over the different coasts as you will likely enjoy either.
Pam
Posted by
OP
8 posts
We like those who want to know more. My grandfather, Hugh Boyd Graham was born in Airdrie in 1891. Many of his ancestors are buried there. I just want to walk the streets where he grew up. Their home is not there any more, but Motherwell street is.
Looks like we will take the train to Edinburgh. Thanks everyone for the help.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1639 posts
Ah, that explains it. Now I owe a colleague £5.
You would probably be better staying in Glasgow or Edinburgh though, and visit Airdrie as a day trip. Airdrie is probably not the best place in Scotland to stay as an international tourist.