Great Western Coffee Shop

Hi All,

On the BBC they have an article about Flam

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29379678

Had me thinking about my journeys my favourite views in

Europe   Dresden to Prague

Uk         Chester to Bangor

What are your's to get some ideas for next year

Basset

Wow..!

In a couple of years you'll be able to do (outskirts of) Portishead to Severn Beach - two passes at the Avon Gorge, the Seven Hills of Bristol and the Severn Estuary. No fjords, but not bad.

I travelled on the Flam railway earlier this year.  It is magnificent, mainly because of all the waterfalls.  If you ever do a Norwegian cruise which visits Flam (Flaam) book the trip well in advance as it sells out quickly.

Chester to Bangor? I don't remember it being particularly scenic compared to some of the other lines in Wales. In north Wales, I seem to remember the Conwy Valley line (including part of Llandudno - Llandudno Junc.) was better. In mid-Wales, the Cambrian lines (particularly the Cambrian Coast, which is one of my favorites) have some good views and there are a few good vistas (though fewer, shorter, and further between) in south Wales. It is so long since I've been overseas that I can't really comment on overseas railways.

OK get ready to laugh :)

Mine would be Newport to Ebbw vale when it is available. I know either end isn't particularly scenic (understatement) but lovely views in between.

Don't forget that it is an amazing  ten years since the Severn Beach line made its way into the distinguished annals of Thomas Cooks Great  European Railway journeys ! Must be one the few lines yet to be graced by Mr Portaloos presence !

I have indeed compared the Severn Beach Line west of Clifton Down with a ride through the bend in the Rhine Gorge in Germany. A travelling companion, who will remain anonymous, scoffed. I wasn't chuffed, I can tell you.

In all seriousness, I think we have some contenders for 'most beautiful' in the UK, but it's probably the scale that we can't equal.

Went on the Flambannen on my honeymoon and it was good. 

They stopped partway near a waterfall between two tunnels and you all pile out onto a small platform to take pictures etc.

Then this "mystical" music starts and a woman in a long flowing dress (with wetsuit underneath I imagine and hopefully some kind of safety line) starts dancing half way up the waterfall.

Me and Mrs Tim got the giggles.  All I could think of was the bit about "farcical aquatic ceremonies" from Monty Python and the holy grail  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOTKA0aGI0   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOTKA0aGI0)