I absolutely love the view from the train on the way along the coast in the North East of England.  Even on a stormy day (which it was), the view is wonderful (although taking photographs from a seat window is particularly challenging, so I hope the seat shadows and light will be excused, this is not meant to be a “quality photography” post, but an “ooh.. look at that!” post).

From Edinburgh Waverley station one gets a wonderful view of Calton Hill and Calton Gaol; enormous crenellated buildings on huge rocks loom which above the station and gradually give way to the townscape of the city (look out for the Meadowbank Stadium and its velodrome whilst heading out East).  As you pass on towards Dunbar one sees the beautiful red pantile roofs and dark stone buildings (typical of the Lothian and Borders townscape).  Dunbar station has a lovely mosaic stating the name of the station, made from pebbles which are painted white, just incase you don’t know where you are. I don’t know any other station which has an official railway typefaced sign directing you to a wishing well either!

Onward south, one is greeted with wonderful views of the coast, at times the track clings to the cliffs so one can get a peek into the secretive coves and bays of the borders with that distinctive red rock tinge.

Southern Scotland coast from the train

When one reaches Berwick one passes through the site of Berwick Castle and crosses the great Royal Border Bridge designed by Robert Stephenson.   You can see the “old bridge” (1611) and the “new bridge” (1928):

Berwick-upon-Tweed from the train on a rainy day, old and new bridges

On a fine day, keep an eye out for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the very top of Warkworth Castle (it was too stormy on my visit, as you will see from this):

North East England coast from train (near Berwick-upon-Tweed)

Onwards again, Alnmouth comes into view with its colourful houses facing out towards the railway and the view of the harbour sands.

Alnmouth from the train on a rainy day, but still beautiful!

In Newcastle you zoom past the Byker Wall and past the old castle, with fine views of the Sage and the Millennium Bridge.

Newcastle from the train

Don’t forget to wave at Antony Gormley’s the Angel of the North!

The Angel of the North from the train, on a rainy day

To Durham… home of truly spectacular views, taking in a the cathedral and castle- it’s not every day you pass a World Heritage Site on your train journey (infact Edinburgh Old and New Towns to Durham Castle and Cathedral could be called the World Heritage route).

Durham World Heritage Site from the train on a rainy day