The WCML’s curves necessitated tilting trains to increase overall line speed. Before nationalisation, railway companies fought to run the London to Scotland route faster than the other, driving technological development and higher speeds, creating legends in the process: the East Coast’s Flying Scotsman, which broke the 100mph barrier, and the West Coast’s Coronation, which broke its crockery in the process of braking after breaking the East Coast’s speed record (got it?). The rolling stock operated on these lines has been a long-running competition. The approach into Durham with the view of the castle and cathedral is marvellous, and the sight of the Royal Border Bridge (even if it’s not actually the border) with the excitement that the train will be crossing over it makes sitting on a window seat a must.
Over thirty miles of track runs alongside the east coast, offering superb views of the Northumberland coast, Lindisfarne, and the North Sea. Lichfield Cathedral’s triple spires are also just about visible. For fans of hills and motorways, however, the WCML is just the ticket: the Watford Gap & M1 tease Cumbria’s highlight of the Lune Gorge and M6. Just north of Lancaster, it runs close to Morecambe Bay for less than five miles. Despite its name, those boarding at Euston for seaside views will be sorely disappointed. The WCML has something to confess to you.
Rating: 6 cities out of 51 stations (but -1 arbitrary point for Euston). Euston does not bode well for any journey: just thinking about it leaves me with a general sense of dread, not the sense of wonder that King’s Cross imparts. Several stations are brilliant: Carlisle is peculiar but quaint Liverpool Lime Street is the oldest mainline terminus still in use and, just like King’s Cross, benefits hugely from revealing its facade Glasgow Central crosses Argyle Street with a great glass-walled bridge and Euston…Īh. The main trunk line runs through the cities of Lichfield, Preston, Lancaster, and Carlisle. This is the result of the route’s history, formed by amalgamation of various intercity railways and town branch lines. It runs from London to Glasgow, but also has termini in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.
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