Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
Having arrived on my overnight sleeper from Orkney and quick morning walking tour of Aberdeen I now had my train reservation to Stirling at 9.44am. As this is an express intercity train that runs every other hour this time I also had a window seat reservation. I did have a seat reservation on my Edinburgh-Inverness train but that train ended up being cancelled and those that could board were herded into sold out overcrowded Glasgow-Inverness trains at Stirling where I had to stand for half of the journey
I had an hour to wait before my train so was watching the rush hour commuters arriving or rushing to their departing trains
My train was not that busy and this time the reserved seats were marked with cards. This was not going to be like my ordeal from Edinburgh as now I didnt trust the reliability of Scotrail.
Despite having a reserved seat it was entirely covered in filth same with the other seats. I'm not sure how often or how well these trains get deep cleaned in their quick turnaround at terminal stations.
The view was scenic and uneventful except for the last few stops where a group of men drinking sat around me and were using their betting apps.
After all the clear skies the dreaded rain cloud reared its ugly head as we pulled into Stirling. The station was empty compared to my hour layover a few days back waiting to get on the Glasgow-Inverness train when my Edinburgh-Inverness train had been cancelled.
The hotel was almost across from the station but I had gone the wrong way and had to check my map and booking again before going back. I pressed the button to be let in
After trying a few times and waiting a lady in her bathrobe and slippers opened the door. This was unexpected, the photos and reviews had seemed reliable.
She was quick to charge my credit card before I went to the room so I was hoping it would be ok as the hotel seemed a bit rougher then I was imagining. The room itself was quite nice overlooking the back street but there was only one shared bathroom for all the rooms.
I was only there for one night and would be out for most of the day. I would describe this as an "upscale hostel" and I didnt hear many other guests during my stay.
2025-05-23