Latest news with #Campbeltown
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Britain's railway deserts revealed: Map shows which UK towns are furthest from their local train station as some face two-hour long journey to reach their nearest platform
From seaside resorts to market towns surrounded by beautiful countryside, they are among Britain's most picturesque locations. But if you fancy a visit and don't have a car, you can probably forget about it – as these spots are also some of the country's worst-connected areas by rail. MailOnline has looked at the towns furthest away from stations - finding that Campbeltown, the UK's cheapest seaside location for buying a house, comes top. Further popular coastal locations in South West England such as Minehead and Bude are also more than 20 miles away from stations, as is Hay-on-Wye in Wales. Elsewhere, other towns do have stations but the services are so infrequent that they are often deserted - with Denton near Manchester being the UK's least-used. And the winding nature of some rural routes in Scotland and Wales means towns in areas connected by rail are still much quicker to travel between by car. Here is a look at where in the UK could be defined as a 'railway desert': Furthest towns from stations The UK's most remote town for rail travel is Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, which is 87 miles or more than two hours' drive away from the nearest station at Oban. The setting hit the headlines this week for being the UK's cheapest seaside town, with research by Lloyds Bank finding it would cost a buyer an average of £103,000. Campbeltown is also a rare example of a UK location that has never been connected to the country's main rail network, even before the Beeching cuts of the 1960s. All it has ever had was a station on a light railway network to nearby Machrihanish between 1906 and 1934, although it does have an airport given its remote setting. While Scotland has several scenic rural lines serving hamlets, some bigger towns lack a station. These include Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, which is 35 miles from the nearest stop at Inverurie. Nearby Peterhead is 31 miles from the same station. The town in England furthest from a station is thought to be Bude in Cornwall, at 29 miles from Okehampton. Minehead in Somerset follows, at 24 miles from Taunton station. Another popular but hard-to-reach town by rail is Hay-on-Wye in Powys, which is 21 miles from the nearest stop at Hereford on the other side of the England/Wales border. Other destinations far from train stations include Middleton-in-Teesdale in County Durham, which is 21 miles from the nearest stop at Bishop Auckland. Hawick in the Scottish Borders is 17 miles from Tweedbank station; while Keswick in Cumbria is 17 miles from Penrith station. Meanwhile Hunstanton in Norfolk is 16 miles from King's Lynn station; and Louth in Lincolnshire is 15 miles from Market Rasen station. Least-used stations While the above locations have no station at all, other parts of the country remain badly-connected despite trains still operating through them due to their infrequency. For example, Denton in Greater Manchester was Britain's least-used railway station in 2023/24 with 54 entries and exits. It is on the line between Stockport and Stalybridge, which was built to take trains to Leeds but saw its timetable cut in the 1990s after services were re-routed. Denton is served by two Northern trains per week – one in each direction – which are both on Saturday mornings. A train to Stockport departs at 8.42am, while a service to Stalybridge leaves at 9.04am. Railway stations are often kept open despite being rarely used because it is easier to arrange for a train to stop infrequently than obtain permission for closure. In second place was Shippea Hill in Cambridgeshire with 70 entries and exits, while Ince & Elton in Cheshire was third with 86; and Polesworth in Warwickshire fourth with 118. Reddish South in Greater Manchester came fifth with 128; Coombe Junction Halt in Cornwall was sixth with 140; and Chapelton in Devon with 186. Completing the top ten were Clifton in Greater Manchester with 202; Elton & Orston in Nottinghamshire with 212 and Kildonan in the Highlands with 240. Estimates of entries and exits are published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and are largely based on ticket sales, with the latest set being released last November. Worst performing stations Another metric for looking at the UK's worst areas for train connections is to consider performance over the past six months, as ranked by the website On Time Trains. This puts Ynyswen station in South Wales top of the pile, followed by Lockerbie in Scotland in second, then Penrith and Oxenholme in Cumbria in third and fourth. Also in the top ten are Kearsley and Blackrod in Greater Manchester; Chilworth in Surrey; Baglan and Llansamlet in South Wales; and Dolwyddelan in North Wales. However, many of these stations are rural with a low service frequencies, and so their performance figures can be skewed by a relatively small number of cancellations. A further measure to consider is therefore the worst performing stations out of the top 500 busiest stations, which puts Deansgate in Manchester at the top. Many of the others in the top ten are in the North West - including Lancaster in second, Warrington Bank Quay in third and Manchester Oxford Road in fifth. Also on the list are Tamworth, Macclesfield, Bolton, Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford – with Mill Hill Broadway in North West London completing the set. Narrowing this down to the top 100 busiest stations, the worst performing are Manchester Oxford Road, Milton Keynes Central, City Thameslink in London, Manchester Piccadilly and York. Also in that top ten are Coventry, St Albans, Bath Spa, Leicester and Sheffield. Other anomalies Some locations are connected to major stations by train, but the journey can take significantly longer than by car given the slow pace of services. For example, Inverness to Wick on the Far North line in Scotland takes just over four-and-half hours by train, compared to about two hours and 20 minutes by road. Others include Shrewsbury to Pwhelli in Wales which is nearly four hours by train but again about two hours and 20 minutes by road. Another example is Middlesbrough to Whitby in North Yorkshire which is over one-and-a-half hours by train but 50 minutes by car. And in South Wales, if you want to get from Swansea to Aberystwyth by rail it will take more than five hours going via Shrewsbury - or just over two hours by car. And the largest town in Britain that cannot be reached by train is believed to be Gosport in Hampshire, after the station was closed to passengers in 1953. The town is however only five miles away from Fareham station, and is linked to nearby Portsmouth via the Gosport Ferry which takes about four minutes.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We live in the cheapest seaside town in the UK - it's in the middle of nowhere and it rains all the time - but we love it
It's a town so adored by locals that Paul McCartney dedicated his hit song to it in 1977. Located along the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland - 140 miles from Glasgow -Campbeltown sits on the coast and largely inspired The Beatles star's famous folk number 'Mull of Kintyre', which topped the UK charts for nine weeks straight. McCartney owned High Park Farm just outside the town and, like many of the 4,500 residents still living there today, loved the area for its idyllic setting and quieter way of life. Campbeltown made new headlines this week when it was named the cheapest coastal region to buy a property in the whole of the UK - much to the surprise of its adoring residents. The average home in the area is just £103,078, research by Lloyds Bank found, compared to the £965,708 you'd have to fork out to buy in Sandbanks, Dorset, the most expensive seaside town. Audrey Jopson, who moved to Campbeltown seven years ago to experience its small town charm, told MailOnline: 'It's lovely. It's peaceful, quiet, and everybody's friendly.' One shop owner, who was born in the town, said: 'It's just a different way of life. It's so relaxed, so beautiful; the beaches, walks, fresh air, the whole atmosphere of Campbeltown is lovely. 'It's a beautiful place to live. I don't understand [why it's cheap] because the properties are beautiful, absolutely stunning.' The shop owner travels between Edinburgh and Campbeltown and rents his seaside home of 30 years as an AirBnb - a phenomenon becoming ever more common within seaside towns across the UK as holidaymakers flock to the coast to escape city life. Emilia McMillan, proprietor at estate agent Kintyre Property Co., said the growing number of holiday lets in Campbeltown are making it harder for locals to rent. 'The properties are great, especially for those who are looking to invest, Buy To Let, it's very good return,' she said. 'Holiday lets are very good return, because quite a lot is happening although it's a small town, in the summer especially. 'Flats are ranging from £30,000, even less, to £60-70,000; it depends on the area, the condition and the size of it.' Ms McMillan added: 'The actual houses are very popular; unfortunately there is a shortage of those, for renters, because there are quite a lot of people buying to put them through AirBnb, so that's creating a shortage of housing. '[So it's difficult] maybe not to buy but to rent.' Containing two primary schools, one high school, a police station, Post Office, health centre, leisure centre, churches, several pubs, cafes and a vets, the town arguably has everything one would need to happily live there forever. Additionally, the area even boasts the tiny Campbeltown Airport, which offers twice-a-day, 17-seat flights to Glasgow taking just 45 minutes - by far the quickest way to travel to the nearest major city. But for the younger members of the town, settling there for the rest of their lives seems unlikely given the limited career and social opportunities. Millie West, 19, who runs second hand shop Campbeltown Supplies with her family, adores Campbeltown but has dreams to one day go off to college. 'I've lived here for nearly 18 years. I really like that it's a lot quieter, because in the bigger areas there's a lot more violence and everything. Here, you kind of know everybody, at least by face, so you know what's happening. 'Also, everyone kind of flocks together. Here we did all this on our own. Everyone helping out, everyone chipping in, everyone helping each other, it's a really good community for that. 'Obviously with it being so small, you can walk about a lot so it's not always that you need a car to get here, a car to get there.' Ms West said the nightlife is 'decent' for youngsters, with a few pubs and a DJ night on Saturdays. 'There are a couple of pubs that people tend to flock to, like The Feather and The Commercial,' she said. 'Because you can get the DJs in there on a Saturday night in The Feathers, and there's a pool table and everything in The Comms.' Information signs at Linda's memorial garden in Campbeltown, which explain what she did for the town and its surrounding areas On whether she wants to stay in Campbeltown forever, Ms West said: 'Probably not, but while I'm young I'm enjoying my time here. 'Eventually, hopefully, I'll go off to college or something because I've not done that yet. 'But it's something in the pages for me - I'm not quite there yet - but hopefully, eventually, I'll get there, and I'll be able to do my own things, and get a job that I'm wanting to do. Obviously I'm wanting to do this [run the shop]; it was my idea.' Ms West said it is possible youngsters will be able to buy houses one day, but it's made harder by the limited job opportunities in the area. 'It kind of depends what kind of job you're wanting to do [...] because there's not an awful lot of jobs around here,' she said. The teenager said it rains a lot but 'you get used to it' quickly. Like Ms West, 22-year-old Demi has lived in Campbeltown her whole life and works in the town's sweet shop. 'I think because you're used to it, if you were to come back, you'd probably see there're a lot more things to do in Glasgow, or wherever else, but it's good. Everybody knows everybody as well.' On whether she will leave Campbeltown, Demi said: 'I don't think so. I did think about it for uni when I wanted to go. I stayed. I was going to but I decided not to. 'I don't think I would cope with the business of a different setting. 'There're two primary schools in the town, and there's one high school. There are not too many people you wouldn't know.' Considering whether she will buy a house in the town one day, Demi said: 'Eventually yeah. I'm still living at home right now just saving, but hopefully a wee flat or something.' Despite its small size, Campbeltown was dubbed the 'Whisky Capital of the World' during the 19th Century due to its role as a major whisky production centre. At its peak, the town boasted more than 30 active distilleries, with three still operating there today. But perhaps what the town is most famous for is its links to The Beatles star McCartney, who bought High Park Farm just outside Campbeltown in 1966, marking his first home with his then wife, Linda. Before Linda's tragic death from breast cancer in 1998, the couple were married for three decades and had three children together, sharing a love for Campbeltown and its surrounding areas. Seven years after his public split from The Beatles, McCartney released 'Mull of Kintyre' in 1977 with his new rock band, Wings. The song details McCartney's 'desire is always to be here, Oh, Mull of Kintyre' and expresses his love for the area's 'dark distant mountains with valleys of green'. The hit's music video features McCartney, Linda and co-founder of Wings Denny Laine, strolling through the peninsula's hills. The clip also famously features The Campbeltown Pipe Band, made up of seven pipers and seven drummers, most of whom remain in Kintyre today. McCartney and his first wife were so devoted to the area that a memorial garden for Linda stands in Campbeltown's centre today, featuring a statue of Linda holding a lamb. Eunice Crook, a trustee at Campbeltown Heritage Centre, is an expert on the town's history - having been born there - and recently moved back after years away ever since attending university. Mrs Crook said she was not surprised to see Campbeltown offered the greatest value for money on properties and described it as a 'great place to live'. 'My husband and I were living in Glasgow [...], we spent a lot of time overseas, and then after Covid we decided that we needed to get out of Glasgow. 'We were looking around and Campbeltown was one of the places on our list, and it turned out that the right house came up here and we absolutely love it; we haven't regretted at all coming back.' Mrs Crook added: 'It's a nice community, it's a nice place to live. Although it's 140 miles from Glasgow, because it's the largest town for miles around, you've got the health centre, the leisure centre, we've got good connections. We've got everything you need. 'Given our age we wanted to be able to walk to a shop basically. We bought the house. Because I'm essentially local, and my sisters still lived here, I knew you could get good value for money in Campbeltown. And there are a lot of very nice properties.' Kenny McMillan, a 70-year-old mechanic who has lived in Campbeltown his whole life, said the cheap property prices are a reflection of the low wages offered to workers in the area. 'We've lost a lot of people as they go to university, colleges, and their jobs are not here to come back to,' he said. '[Property prices] are reflected in the wages. It's an attraction for people to come here and retire.' He added: 'I like the remoteness because I go to Glasgow a lot. We don't have the same problems you have in the cities.' Meanwhile, others were not born in Campbeltown and flocked to the area more recently for its offer of a quieter life. Ali Nash, 32, who runs a barber shop in the town centre, made the move from Liverpool to Campbeltown last year, and said he has bought his own house. 'It's a quiet town so a safe town,' he said. 'Liverpool is a busy town; it's better for the young but here is a quieter town, for safety.' Recent research by Lloyds found that Rothesay, on Bute, was the second least expensive seaside town in Scotland to buy a property, with an average of £111,764, followed by Millport, in Cumbrae, where the average cost was £114,008 and the Bute village of Port Bannatyne close behind with £115,421.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cheapest coastal town near you revealed including ‘hidden gem' crowned the ‘whisky capital' of the world
BRITS sick of the hustle and bustle should look no further than an affordable coastal town once crowned the 'whisky capital' of the world. With a population of just 4,500, Campbeltown in Scotland, might be the perfect spot for those craving fresh air and a slower pace of life. You can expect to start your days with a walk along West Port beach, taking in the striking views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant mountains. And in the evening you need look no further than the Black Sheep Pub to enjoy a quiet pint and some food with a seafront view. This idyllic region is also soaked in history and culture. It is best known for whisky distillation and at one point had 34 distilleries, crowning it the 'whisky capital' of the world. Today, just three remain, including the beloved Glen Scotia brand, which was crowned 'World's Best Single Cask Single Malt' at World Whiskies Awards 2023. And if you are craving a picturesque life in a coastal town, don't expect to pay a fortune. That's because the area has been named as the cheapest coastal region to buy a property across the whole of the UK. New research by Lloyds found homes in the area cost an average of £103,078 – down 11% in the past year. That's also nearly £300k less than the average asking price for homes in April. Those searching for a balance between city and sea life should consider Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in the North East of England. This sleepy seaside town is just a 32-minute drive from Newcastle. Weekends here could be spent at the much-loved 18-hole golf club that offers stunning views of the beach. You could also treat yourself to a cheeky Indian meal at the Shaj Tandoori, which has gotten over 271 "excellent" reviews on Trip Advisor. A home here costs around £132,863, but the price is up 51% on the last five years. That's compared to the £310,918 you would be expected to pay for a home in Whitley Bay, the most expensive seaside town in the North East. Fleetwood and Blackpool have also been named as other affordable hotpots for a seaside home, with prices coming in at £146,338 and £146,764 respectively. DOWN SOUTH Those fantasising about a quiet life by the sea down south may find a home in East Cowes, a small town in the Isle of Wight. Your evenings could be filled with walks along the town's sea front, and enjoying some top rated fish and chips at the lifeboat pub. And those who are looking to soak up some more culture could head to Osborne House. This a former royal residence designed in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo Homes here cost £239,605, which is over £200,000 cheaper than the national average cost of a detached home in the UK. It's also significantly cheaper than Lymington, which is located in the New Forest and is the priciest area in the South to buy a house. Homes here cost, £608,253 but could go for up to £1,150,000 depending on where you are looking. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages, Lloyds, said that those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, can find some "hidden gems". She explained: "In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market. "At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price." 3 3 3
