If I were to get from somewhere to somewhere and take my bike, the
last thing I would do would be to use the train.
I've done it a couple of times, but no more. The hassle just isn't worth it.
I went up to Edinburgh with my Mercian and luckilly the train started off in Plymouth so I was first on. Had I got on in Bristol or Birmingham, there would have been no room at all. I'd booked, no doubt other people hadn't as it was a commuter train for most of the journey. Good job I was first on!
Also, I took the train down to Redruth with Mercian. Again I was first on at Plymouth, but it was a commuter train again and if I'd tried to get on only two stops later, it would have been packed solid in the bike stowage. I was seriously worried about my precious Mercian.
Coming back in the afternoon, the train had left Penzance and I only just managed to get on.
I sent my Raleigh Chopper and Trailer to Wick by pallet, then followed on by train. As I was riding JOGLE for charity, the transport firm did it for free. Had I needed to pay, it would have been about £100. They provided the pallet, a friend and I wrapped it up, and the transport firm picked it up and took it north. I collected it at Wick Airport. I would do this again, even with my Mercian if the need arises.
Other than that, a hire car is the next best thing ............. but trains and a bike? No way!
Mick F. Cornwall