Bikes on trains

[derrick]

We are looking to do a coast to coast, starting Morecambe going across to Saltburn, but looking online to book trains, but northen rail seem to be the only train line that goes to Morecombe and only take two bikes per train, but there are four of us going, any ideas?

 

[PaulSB]

I've used Northern Rail on many occasions, though only once on this route, and never had to book or had a problem getting on the train.

My main use was commuting in and out of Manchester at peak periods but never had an issue.

Pretty rubbish trains though!!

You will find Transpennine Express also stops at Morecambe though it obviously depends on your starting point. Again no issue with bikes with this company even at peak commute times.

Much nicer trains.

 

[Soltydog]

Whereabouts you planning to get on the Morecambe train? When I did the WOTR we got the train at Leeds, I was with another & there were another 2 cyclists waiting to get on. Luckily we picked the right end when waiting for train to arrive, but the other couple got on at the opposite end without any issues. The trains that normally run that line will accomodate 4 bikes, but its at the guard's discretion

 

[anyuser]

Didn't have any trouble on Northern earlier this year from Newcastle to Carlisle. At one point there were 8 bikes on my end of the train and the guard didn't mind.

 

[tiermat]

Plenty of trains to Lancaster and Morecambe is just three or four miles from there.Theres a cyclepath from Lancaster called the Morecambe greenway..about 3 -4miles

This is what we did on the WoTR. If going, initially, by TPE, the change at Lancaster (and the ensuing 5 miles by train) cost a whopping, IIRC, £20!!!

The route from Lancaster Station to Morecambe is flat as a flat thing, wide and lovely, on the whole.

 

[John the Monkey]

IME, Northern are fairly pragmatic - don't block the aisle, and they're normally ok. On the trains I get, it helps to "top and tail" the bikes so they take up less space - for the same reason, don't put the one with massive wide MTB bars in first.

Stacked properly, we can get 6 in on my train before they encroach on the aisle.

 

[derrick]

Whereabouts y, but its at the guard's discretion

We are starting of from London

 

[G3CWI]

Northern Rail are always very easy-going with bikes when I have used them. Unless the train is full I doubt that you will have a problem. They don't take bike bookings I seem to recall.

 

[Soltydog]

We are starting of from London

You won't be getting on the Morecambe train there though I believe that Lancaster is on West Coast mail line so you'll be going via there from London. As someone posted earlier there is a cycle track from Lancaster & its a real easy ride into Morecambe. You are usually ok on Northern trains, but some guards will stick to the 2 bikes per train rule

 

[annedonnelly]

Didn't have any trouble on Northern earlier this year from Newcastle to Carlisle. At one point there were 8 bikes on my end of the train and the guard didn't mind.

One of the conductors told me he'd allowed 14 on that train one time

 

[andym]

If you're starting from London, a train from Euston to Lancaster and then bike to Morecombe seems like the easiest option. (Assuming that what people say about the cycleway is true).

According to Virgin Trains they have room for 4 bikes per train (but only two tandems). You have to book the spaces (which of course gives you the reassurance of knowing that you have the spaces booked). More information, including how to book here:

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/trains/assisted-travel-luggage-bikes/

(Although you should be able to book bike spaces online using eastcoast.co.uk (and the websites of some other train companies including first Great Western).

 

[derrick]

Got it all sorted. Trains and bikes all booked. Just hope the weather stays good. ;-)
Thanks for the replies.