Trail centres by tr...
 

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[Closed] Trail centres by train

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Looking to try somewhere new this summer instead of Gisburn. But due to my missus having the car on most of my days off during the week I'll need to get the train.

Just wondering where to go using the train from Blackburn/Bolton.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 8:37 pm
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Just trail centres? Or some natural too?

Cannock!


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 8:58 pm
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Check out hire car prices


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:00 pm
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"Check out hire car prices"

Based on the last vaguely long distance rail journey I looked at this is good budget and cost saving advice!


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:17 pm
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Trains are often silly expensive down here in the south. Although if you can go super off peak both ways then maybe it'll be viable. You may need to book your bike onto the train in advance though.

I think I'd compare the cost with hiring a smallish van for the day that you could chuck your bike and kit in. Even if a little more expensive it'll be a damn site more convenient.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:21 pm
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There’s loads of riding around there (though not trail centres). What about train to Kendal and ride around Kentmere? Train to Penrith and ride out to Askham/Ullswater? South to Whaley Bridge/Chapel and into the Dark Peak.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:22 pm
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Look for Advance tickets, six weeks before you want to go. Sometimes, splitting a journey into multiple tickets makes it cheaper still.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:28 pm
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single person is almost always significantly cheaper by train compared to hire car.  I use both as I don't own a car

Laggan?  Train to Newtonmore?  😉  Its the only trail centre I know near a railway but not really much use to you I guess


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:32 pm
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Forgot to mention, look at the Two Together railcard for ~£30 for a year with 33% ticket discount. Check the rules, you might not have to be related, just both be on the train for ticket to be valid.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:37 pm
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Aye prefer train as I can't be bothered driving in all honesty. Train tickets I can book in advance, going to Edinburgh in March for £22.

Natural or trail centres are good, like to explore Scotland if it's possible by train.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 9:46 pm
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Natural - Windermere or Staveley, or most stations between Skipton and Kirkby Stephen.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:00 pm
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Bike Park Wales and Cwmcarn are less than a mile from train stations


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:13 pm
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Staveley or Windermere are good starting points. Or get train to Barrow and change to go up west coast to get to Ravenglass and get wild in Wasdale.

Penrith isn't a bad place to start from and gets you to some great riding after a bit of effort.

Train to Machynlleth gets you some good riding.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:17 pm
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As above, Staveley. I do hebden bridge by train on occasion too which is a great day out. Have also got onto the settle/Carlisle line. You can do a point to point ride along there, just need to get the maps out.

Check this offer out from northern rail

https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/jpress

I've done it plenty of times before, £10 for unlimited travel anywhere on northern rail routes. Might have just missed this round of vouchers, but it's worth noting for the future.

And this

https://www.communityraillancashire.co.uk/lines/dalesrail/

For the settle/Carlisle on summer Sundays


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:22 pm
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Hope Valley line stops at Marple, New Mills, Chinley, Edale, Hope, Hathersage

That should give you loads of options in the Peak District

Macc Forest is a gentle 20 min pedal to the forest


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:40 pm
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Have a look at the TfGM Wayfarer ticket:

https://www.tfgm.com/tickets-and-passes/wayfarer-adult

For £13, you can get from Bolton out to the Peak District (Hope Valley Line) eg Edale, Hope, Hathersage, Grindleford (although you can't use trains or trams before 9:30am).


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 10:43 pm
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Give them a whirl this summer on my annual leave.

Is there any maps to download routes in Staveley? Got a Garmin edge 1000.

Need to explore rivington also, lived here for 32 years and all I've done is San Marino descent oh and healey nab.


 
Posted : 04/02/2018 11:57 pm
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Wouldn't make a big trip of it, but if in the SE, Swinley is close to Martin's Herron Station. More worthwhile, Surrey Hills from Gomshall or Dorking stations with a bit of pedalling.


 
Posted : 05/02/2018 1:26 am

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