Train Routes

A look at the important role played by Inverness Airport as a life line for the Hebridean Islands.
Inverness airport is located seven miles away from the city and is known by locals as the Dalcross site. As a destination it is the ideal way for travellers to gain access to this brilliant city and the magnificent highland region. As it is located so far north it is frequently used y tourists hoping to explore this unique and rugged region; subsequently many services offering coach tours and car hire have been placed inside Inverness Airport in order to provide tourists with a means of onward travel. The site however is not purely a gateway or tourists; it also plays an important role in keeping the Scottish islands connected with the mainland.
Ownership of the site falls with the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited Company. This company is not one of the major players in the UK air travel industry but does have an acute responsibility to service and maintain many of the airports located in the Scottish archipelago. Last year it is believed that over seven hundred thousand passengers passed through Inverness airport, the majority of which flew to destinations in the Hebrides; despite this, the use of coaches and car hire services to explore Inverness and the Highlands are still extremely popular with travellers.
As with many airports in the UK, the origins of Inverness can be traced with the military throughout the Second World War It was not until two years after the war ended that the site was utilised for civilian purposes. British European Airways, one of the precursors to British Airways were the first to use the site, setting up a route between Heathrow and Inverness. At this point in time however the costs of air travel were still huge in comparison to trains and coaches and hence the route was discontinued after poor returns were experienced. Even so, a second company, Dan-Air started routes to Manchester and Gatwick although sadly, these were also discontinued for the same reason.
BA bought out Dan-Air in 1992 and once again ran a route from Gatwick to Inverness Airport up until 1997; once again however, this route was discontinued for similar reasons to the previous two operations. This period however saw the saviour of Inverness arise; the growth of the budget airline. To the applause of locals routes to domestic destinations were once again started and even improved to sites in Europe. The European routes however failed to be truly profitable and once again it is the popularity of the London route that has been evident; mainly for residents flying to onward destinations and tourists heading north to hire a car and then tour the north of Scotland.
The purpose of Inverness airport however is not supply residents with a gateway to destinations all over the world, instead its primary function is to give islanders a link with the mainland. As a result of this purpose, the site sees many flight movements involving small to mid size aircraft that fly to a variety of Hebridean Islands. In addition to this role as a hub for the islands, Inverness Airport plays an important part in ensuring islanders receive post and supplies as well as ensuring an emergency flying paramedic service is maintained. Understandably to islanders the importance of Inverness Airport, its shops, restaurants and car hire desks is assured.
While Inverness Airport may not have had the brightest of pasts, it is assured a place in the air transportation network of the UK as major hub to the islands of the Hebrides. It is important to realise that it is both an excellent link to the north of Scotland and a vital life line for islanders.

Venturing into Geneva is well worth the trip as much for its location as its attractions. The city of Geneva is located on the western shore of Lake Geneva, with spectacular snow-capped peaks creating a majestic panorama on all sides. The old town of Geneva is set high on a hill overlooking the Rhone River. The town is composed of a series of cobbled lanes clustered around Cathedral St Pierre a well known land mark. The nearby Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest square in Geneva. Formerly a Roman forum it has now become a market place. Any itinerary should include a visit to these historical places.

Geneva’s attractions do not stop there. A trip down to the lake front will reveal its famous water fountain the Jet d`Eau. This is a giant, single jet fountain located in the middle of the bay. Many parks and bathing areas are also located on the shoreline. The splendors of the Alps can be seen by taking a boat trip. Don’t forget to also take in the Flower Clock in the English Garden, Reformation Wall and Place Neuve.

For some a sightseeing trip would not be complete without an informative look into the past and therefore a trip to a museum is a must. Geneva offers many choices. Why not start at the acclaimed Museum of Art and History. Interested in clocks? Check out the Horology Museum. Other museums include the Red Cross Museum, the Red Crescent Museum and the Voltaire Museum.

Getting to Geneva is a breeze. With so many international organizations located in Geneva, the airport is an important transport centre for Europe and many major cities worldwide. As you would expect from such an airport, it is modern and efficient, with excellent facilities. Transport into the city is reliable and frequent but not necessarily cheap. Limo services and private taxis are available and a regular mode of transport. Switzerland’s bus services are comprehensive and efficient. Actually within the city trams are an environmentally-friendly alternative.

Moving further afield, regular trains and buses run to all neighbouring countries from Geneva, with the most frequent services running to nearby France (through the Rhone valley) and Italy. Non-stop trips can be taken to Spain and UK. Swiss trains are fast and efficient but not cheap.

Many visitors may decide that renting a car will afford them a great deal of independence and of course these car rentals are easily located at the airport where with the minimum of fuss you can pick up your waiting car and head out to explore Geneva.

If you are venturing out of Geneva by car, note that Switzerland has an excellent network of roads that are generally safe and well maintained and therefore perfect for car hire transportation. Where routes are likely to wind around mountains watch out for dangerous corners and switch backs. With regard to such routes allow plenty of time for your journey. There aren’t any high speed highways. However because the scenery is generally breathtaking, travel by car at your own pace will be an extremely pleasurable way of seeing Geneva and beyond.

When hiring a car in Geneva, make sure you satisfy the requirements for the rental agreement which in Europe are usually – minimum age 21 years old, hold a valid driving licence from your country (an international licence is recommended but not compulsory) and a valid credit card for payment. Remember to look for a reputable car hire company preferably on the internet where booking is easy and convenient.

Ever since the motor vehicle became a necessity rather than a luxury, driving holidays have been popular with holidaymakers of all ages – from family breaks in the countryside to teenagers on a road trip. This year, the trend looks set to continue – especially as the current recession forces many people to downsize their holiday plans and lower oil prices mean that driving could be cheaper than flying or taking the train for larger groups of holidaymakers on their way to a local destination.

However, whether you’re planning to take your car from Manchester to Aberdeen or London to Paris (via Dover and Calais, of course), it’s crucial to check that your vehicle is in working order and fit for extensive driving trips before you embark on your holiday. This could involve a range of tasks, from getting your car serviced to checking the limits of your car insurance.

To make sure you’re well prepared for your driving holiday, write a check list so you don’t forget anything essential. For starters, it’s important to ensure that your car is in working order – it might sound obvious but there’s nothing worse than getting stuck on a quiet country road in the middle of the night, in an area you aren’t familiar with, and no help in sight. By getting your car serviced at a garage a few weeks before you leave, you’ll be able to establish whether anything is likely to go wrong and have plenty of time to get it fixed.

Next, check that your insurance is up to date and isn’t going to expire while you’re still on holiday. If you’re travelling within the UK, your car insurance is likely to be valid wherever you go. On the other hand, if you’re planning a driving holiday in Europe, it’s important to call up your insurer before leaving to check whether you will be covered.

The popularity of ferry routes like Dover to Calais in France, Harwich to Hook of Holland near Rotterdam and Holyhead to Dublin mean that driving holidays in Europe are becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers. Yet, research released in May 2009 revealed that 38 percent of drivers don’t know whether their car insurance policy covers them when driving abroad, and 18 percent wrongly think that their vehicle will be covered by their travel insurance while overseas. The specifics vary between insurers but most will only offer a few days free cover for driving in Europe – so make sure you know what options you have before leaving.

If you go on driving holidays in Europe regularly, it might be worth getting European cover included in your motor insurance policy as standard. It’s easiest to do this when it’s time to renew your policy – ask your current insurer what scope there is to increase the amount of European cover days on your insurance, or conduct a car insurance comparison online to find a cheaper rate.

Don’t forget breakdown cover either – most insurers do not offer UK breakdown assistance as part of a car insurance policy, so they’re unlikely to include European breakdown cover. With the right insurance in place – as well as a spare canister of petrol in your boot and a fully-charged mobile phone – you’ll be able to embark on your driving holiday with the peace of mind that, should anything go wrong on the road, you’re well protected.

Worthing is located on the South Coast of England, 60 miles (100km) south of London and 11 miles )16Km) west of Brighton.  It is well served by major road, rail and coach links as well as being close to several international airports.Travelling By AirThe nearest airport to Worthing is London Gatwick. Being London’s second airport, it has flights connecting to many cities all over the world as well as throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. It is 35 miles from Worthing and can be reached by road, rail or National Express coach services via Brighton & Hove.Southampton Airport is 53 miles away and has flights going mainly to UK and European destinations. There are no easy coach or rail services, so the airport is usually reached by road.Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest international airport is further away at 60 miles but offers extensive connections with major cities all around the world. If travelling by road or by National Express coach services during peak hours sufficient time should be allowed for holdups on the M25. To go by train, it is necessary to change in London and take the Heathrow Express from Paddington.Right on Worthing’s doorstep is Shoreham Airport. Although in the past, there have been services to the north of France and Channel islands, unfortunately there are currently no scheduled flights into or out of from Shoreham Airport.Travelling By TrainWorthing’s main Railway Station is a short distance from the town centre and together with its other four stations: East Worthing, West Worthing, Durrington-on-Sea and Goring-by-Sea, it is on the West Coastway line.Worthing is mainly served by Southern Railways and direct services are available to Brighton, London Victoria, London Bridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton. The journey time from London is approximately 84 minutes. First Great Western also run occasional services further afield.Travelling By BusThere are several bus companies operating services from to/from Worthing. Longer distance routes are available from National Express Coaches for example between Worthing and London Victoria Coach Station. Stagecoach is the main local bus company operating around the town and offers connections with towns along the South Coast. Other local services around Sussex are available from Brighton and Hove Buses, Compass Buses and Metro Bus.Travelling By CarThe major routes for Worthing are the A27 and A24. The A27 / A259, the main south coast routes connect to Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Hastings, Folkestone and Dover in the East and Chichester and then by the M27 to Portsmouth and Southampton to the west. The A24 runs north via Horsham and Dorking to the M25 and then by Leatherhead into London. The A23 that links Brighton & Hove to the A25 and London is in easy reach by the A27. During peak hours, there are a number of traffic hotspots with high levels of congestion, time should be allowed when travelling around Worthing on the A27 and along the coast on the A259.Travelling By FerriesNot far away is the ferry port of Newhaven from where LD Lines / Transmanche Ferries offer services to Dieppe in Northern France.