November 07, 2008

In 1980, Michael Palin traveled by train from London to the Kyle of Lochalsh. His trip was recorded for the BBC television series Great Railway Journeys of the World.

It was the first of many travel documentaries for Palin. It's available for purchase from the BBC shop, or you can preview it on YouTube. If you have an hour to spare this weekend, it's well worth it: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

  • Looks like a good watch, and something I've never come across before. I'll have to give this some attention over the weekend. Thanks, roryk! So, is this the official 2nd Palin thread?
  • Sounds like an amazing trip. Just crossing the Forth would be a blast for me.
  • I wonder if any of the steam locomotives are still in service.
  • Neat post, roryk! I've recently been watching reruns of Palin's Himalaya series our local Knowledge Network. His travelogues are among the best on the tube, IMO. Plain's got a nifty website too.
  • I've watched several of these and they were highly entertaining. Of course, it helps that I am a big Michael Palin fan.
  • Thanks, roryk. Good stuff.
  • The kids have actually enjoyed watching them, while I chuckle at some of the witty commentary... good stuff!
  • I saw the second half of this recently on one of the BBC channels. I was sufficiently impressed with it to seek out the first half. Very glad people enjoyed it.