Brum to 'The lakes' by train

bsicle

Does anyone know the bike policy? Does it have to be dismantled? I intend travelling from Birmingham to, say - Keswick.

rdaviesb

Shouldn't be too much of a problem. West Coast Mainline, on the Virgin Voyager has space for 4 bikes at the rear end of the train (next to the quiet coach). That'll get you to Lancaster, Oxenholme or Carisle. Then pick up a Northern train. Reservations recommended on the West Coast, but they are free.

geocycle

Virgin are fine as long as you make a reservation. I've never had a problem. Getting a train to Keswick could be a challenge as the line was dug up by Dr Beeching and is now part of the C2C! Depending where you want to go your options are riding in from Oxenholme, Penrith or Carlisle. Or changing in Lancaster for Windermere , Barrow and the west coast. You need reservations on some of these trains that come from manchester airport (Transpennine) but the northern rail ones are mainly first come first served and generally OK.

andymiller

BTW The National Rail Enquiries timetable site gives a link so you can check the train company's bike policy .