Train From Holyhead To Elgin

[horseshoes]

We need to go to Forres near Elgin next September, and would love to go by train, but I don't have the first idea of cost or indeed how we'd have to stage it. I tried to google it but it keeps coming up with Elgin to Holyhead. I believe we would have to get a train to Glasgow then to Aberdeen, but don't really know. I'd really appreciate ANY help. Thank you.

[Captain2]

I know I've picked a random date (timetable doesn't yet go to September) but it seems feasible, albeit long, tedious and expensive.

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/HHD/ELG/160514/0900/dep

[Buenchico]

That's a hell of a long journey! (Around 10 hours, changing at Crewe, Haymarket and Aberdeen outbound and possibly at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Warrington Bank Quay on the way back). It's £157 return but, by purchasing two single 'Advance' tickets you could probably do it for a total of around £105.50.

Search here for your journey details but you'll need to leave it until later to book because 'Advance' tickets are currently only be sold for travel up until mid-June:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

[MichaelZZ]

Try this: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
As a rough guide, you'll need to change 3 times with a total journey time of 10 hours.The single fare is ~£150 (£100 with a Railcard)
Hope this helps.

[MichaelZZ]

Sorry Chris, a few seconds too slow!

[Buenchico]

I also note the 'we' in your post. You might find it useful to purchase a 'Two Together' railcard. Alternatively, if you're over 60, consider Senior Railcards or, if you'll have children with you, a Family Railcard:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/46540.aspx
(Most Railcards can be purchased cheaper using Tesco Clubcard deals. Senior Railcards are offered at discounts by some local councils).

[SeaJayPea]

Just had a quick look on The Trainline, based on leaving next Wednesday.

They it's in 4 stages:

Holyhead - Crewe

Crewe - Edinburgh Haymarket

Edinburgh - Aberdeen

Aberdeen - Elgin

Leave at 08:55 arrive 18:55

Off peak return £168.50.

I'm sure you'd be able to get it a bit cheaper nearer the time.

[Buenchico]

>>>Sorry Chris, a few seconds too slow!

But you beat me to mentioning Railcards, MZZ ;-)

[Buenchico]

>>>Just had a quick look on The Trainline

Be extremely wary of using any booking site other than that of National Rail or those of rail operating companies. They often charge booking fees and they're rather too good at making major mistakes, such as issuing tickets which aren't valid for travel! (I used to run a railway station. We had loads of problems with tickets issued by the dreaded Trainline). The only independent ticketing service that might be worth considering is RedSpottedHanky.com. You can use Tesco Clubcard points to purchase half price tickets with them (and they don't charge a booking fee either).

[horseshoes]

Wow thank you all SO much. There are some great pointers here. I'll certainly get on to getting a railcard, plus we have both JUST turned 60 so that might help too.

[mushroom25]

forres has its own station........

:-)

[horseshoes]

I thought it might Mushroom, but I wasn't sure; thank you:-)

[jeffa]

You mention Holyhead as the start of your journey. Does that mean that you're travelling there by ferry first?

[horseshoes]

No Jeffa, the train will come from Holyhead but we will board at Bangor, on the mainland. It's always called the Holyhead train.

[jeffa]

I understand that you want to go by train, but it seems like a hell of a journey! If it were me, I'd drive from Bangor to Manchester Airport, fly to Aberdeen, and then hire a car.

[horseshoes]

HATE flying Jeffa. I've only flown twice in my life; once in 1974 and then last May, and I almost chickened out at the last minute. I am, however, flying again in May arggggh. Already I'm dreading it.

[mushroom25]

if it comes to that, at 457miles, it's driveable in under 8 hours.

if you don't fancy doing it all in one go, here's a nice hotel at about the halfway point.
http://www.ab-hotel.com/

[horseshoes]

Aw thanks Mushroom. That looks lovely. We're still considering going by car as an option, especially as now, we'll have sister in law and her fiance with us. The chaps can share the driving.

[2sp_]

Just a thought, but it might be quicker/cheaper to go from Glasgow to Inverness, Inverness to Forres.

[horseshoes]

Oh decisions, decisions! I really appreciate all your replies and suggestions. x

[2sp_]

Forres is closer to Inverness than Aberdeen. :-)