Forthcoming trip : Carlisle - Glasgow on Scotrail.

[General Zod]

Hi !
I'm travelling up to Glasgow in a few weeks and unfortunately, my trip falls during an engineering weekend. It's Virgin trains to Carlisle and then a 2hr 22min journey to Glasgow via Scotrail. I have never had the good fortune to travel on this much slower route which serves local stations and was wondering if there are any good views / junctions / disused stations / signal boxes to look out for en route ?
Full journey :

Dep : 13:12 Carlisle

13:23 Gretna Green
13:31 Annan
13:50 Dumfries
14:16 Sanquhar
14:21 Kirkconnel
14:30 New Cumnock
14:38 Auchinleck
14:57 Kilmarnock
15:01 Kilmaurs
15:06 Stewarton
15:11 Dunlop

Arr : 15:34 Glasgow Central

Thanks.

 

[Techniquest]

The only thing I can remember of interest is the coal yards in New Cumnock. Bear in mind this goes back to January 2011, when I am swear signalboxes were about, but over 4 years later things have probably changed!

 

[30907]

After Auchinleck comes Ballochmyle viaduct, the tallest in the UK and then Mauchline Jn for Ayr (freight). Dumfries and Kilmarnock stations are both nice, and K has the Barclay works (Wabtec now?) sidings after the station. Sit on the left for preference. Lots of other viaducts - use satellite view to get an overview.

 

[Bevan Price]

Not been north of Dumfries for several years, but between Carlisle and Dumfries, there are still some remains of closed stations. Signal boxes at Annan (on left**, just after station) and Dumfries (on right, north end of platform) still existed last Autumn.


(** - as viewed from northbound train, assuming you are facing forwards)

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Killie-Barrhead is a pleasant run, especially on a bright day, sitting on the left as you will travel probably offers the best views. Cannot comment for Annan-Killie alas, it's been years since I did that stretch!