Tuesday 8th July 2025

There was a train back south at half six, but my plan had been to get up and explore the town before breakfast then catching the half eight train. As it turned out I slept till gone seven, so it was straight down for breakfast after getting dressed, then wandering round to the station for the train from Wick to arrive.

I grabbed a shot looking along the main road into town, then walked to the platform to join the other early travellers.

The train came in at half eight, we climbed on, waited five minutes then the engines roared, gears engaged and off we went. Best part of this trip was there was a refreshment trolley, so I had a couple of coffees and a Tunnock's Caramel Wafer to sustain me. And the last two rolls left over from the day before, hoping that they would not kill me.

As the train crosses the bogs and scrubland heading south, footpaths cross the line. I have no idea where they go, or once you're in the bogs, how you keep track of your route. Even in high summer, I could see the pools of stagnant water around the clumps of tussock grasses.

Back along the coast, there were the remains of war defences. I guess we had to show willing.

But the truth is, sure, the Wehrmacht could have landed on the sandy beaches here. But then what? The bogs can barely support an unladen man, so a soldier with weapon and pack pack, or a tiger tank, stood no chance. And even if they did, its so far from anywhere, logistics and interdiction would have been impossible without the railway.

Yes, I'll have another coffee, thank you.

Back along the coast to Tain, making good progress. I think. I mean, who knows, timetables are advisory up here rather than something to be kept too.

Its another glorious day, endless sunshine and vistas to die for. Sadly, once a view opens up, I get the phone out, unlock it, open the camera app, the view is gone. Same with videos, I have several videos of trees beside the line as the view was only a few yards.

And gone.

And soon came the monsters at Invergordon. More people got on, and there was a low hum of chat between friends.

We arrive back in Inverness, on time, and with half an hour before the next train south departs. The HST is already waiting, so might as well get on and find a seat to my liking.

Dead on time the twin engines come to life, and we head off down the Highland Main Line, and into the mountains.

Sadly, this service is going to Edinburgh, so I will have to change at Perth or Stirling to catch the Aberdeen train into Glasgow.

But until then, enjoy the sunshine and the views.

The train filled at Aviemore again, and there is a lady sitting next to me who doesn't speak.

The hundred or so miles fly by, and we are advised it is easier changing at Stirling rather than Perth, as this would not involve changing platforms.

At Stirling, half of Scotland is waiting. There are several concerts taking place, and thanks to the young American couple I learn Kendrick Lemar was playing Ibrox that evening. The guy had not heard of Ibrox "Arena" .

I did get a seat. The last in the carriage, but then two days later realised I did have a reserved seat on the train, if I'd have thought about it.

It was hot and humid on the train, just wanted now to get to Queen's Street and get off, away from people.

Of course, going to Glasgow city centre to get away from people is pretty futile.

The train pulls in, and I program "Maps" to the hotel. A ten minute walk up the steady hill.

I am all hot and bothered when I arrive, so after checking in and going to my room. I have another shower.

The room is fine, has excellent air conditioning, so lay on the bed until seven, then go down to eat in the hotel restaurant. Outside a sudden downpour has been running for shelter or putting on rain coats.

I have a beer, then order breaded haggis bites followed by burger.

The haggis was excellent, full of flavour and juicy, just don't think what it contains, of course. The burger was fine, which went down well.

Back up to the room and air conditioned heaven to watch more women's football, and then to bed at a sensible time.