Sock Adventures: Rannoch

I have learned that if you are going to try a train journey on the weekend, best to do it on Saturday since there are far less options on Sunday.

Last Saturday the wide open spaces of Rannoch Moor called my name. It is another stop along the amazingly scenic West Highland Line (earlier I went to Arrochar/Tarbet). I knew the Rannoch train station would be desolate at this time of year. There is a small hotel but does not open until later in the year. There is a tea room at the train station. Other than a few homes, it is open moorland. Plan done. Get up at 6:30am. Pack bag with warm clothing, snacks, water, torch (head lamp), camera. Train to Glasgow Central, walk to Glasgow Queen Street, train to Rannoch, enjoy tea and lunch, go for a walk. Either stay an hour or 7 hours and return home.

The route on the train is beautiful. As you travel farther north, you sweep through increasingly beautiful glens with snow covered hills appearing on both sides of the train. I noticed many walkers on the train with hill destinations of their own (easy to spot - waterproof gear, hardy boots, walking sticks, sparkle in their eye as they crane their necks to catch views of all the hills waiting to be explored).

View from train

The odd shapes are reflections from within the train

Three men, two dogs, and I got off at Rannoch. There were a few couples who had driven into the train station but otherwise, there was no one about. It was so quiet I felt like I should whisper.

Small building across from the train station

Tea room closed. I should have known better. Normally I have tons of food but I wasn't following my normal preparation for walks. Quick inventory of food. I would be alright to make it 7 hours if needed. Off I went along the road. I think I figured out why I love the moors in Scotland. It is the same for wheat fields that go on for miles and dense forests in the National Parks. You can really appreciate the texture and colour of the landscape when it is at such a large scale.

I followed a track towards Fort William for awhile before turning back to retrace my steps to the train station. All the while, the weather was billowing in. The hills disappeared. Light snow swirled around. It seemed to get even quieter, which didn't seem possible.

Snow in my hair

Hills disappearing

I arrived back at the train station almost 3 hours before the train. There was a couple with their granddaughter doing work on the tea room to prepare for it to open in a few weeks. They were lovely. Made me a cup of tea and offered biscuits. As we sat outside watching the snow, the woman commented that she wasn't sure she could live in a place this quiet. Her town had one bar and one small shop.

I did head out for another wee walk before coming back to await the train with an elusive man. He would never let me get too close. I had a bit of fun keeping him on his toes trying to avoid me as I walked around to keep warm:)

The train back was full of familiar faces, including the three men and two dogs. They had walked to the next train station. Everyone had red faces and crazy hair from the wind. And smiles on their faces. Lovely to see people enjoying the outdoors.

All iPhone photos this trip. My camera is a bit out of sorts at the moment.

These were not warm enough to wear on my walk but were perfect for the train....