(2005 version)
There are hourly trains in all four directions at Shotton on weekdays, Unfortunately most connections between them involve an arrival-departure interval of around half an hour and with the best will in the world, it is difficult for us to recommend any part of Shotton Station as a place to spend 30 minutes of otherwise perfectly good lifetime. We have repeatedly asked Arriva Trains Wales to address the issue of connections at Shotton with little reward so far. We do, however, have an excellent connection outward for day-trippers from Bidston at just the right time on Sundays and although there is the normal "slack" coming back, this does at least reduce the chance of being left stranded at Shotton by a late-running train from Llandudno. There is a very good summer Sunday out from the south end of the Borderlands Line with outward and return connections both being quite convenient. Hallelujah! As for the rest of the week, over 100 trains pass through Shotton every day. All of those on the upper line stop there but fewer than half of the others do so. In fact it is almost a rule that if a main line train is there at the right time to provide a good connection to Merseyside or Wrexham, it rushes uselessly straight through... Click here for timetables of recommended Sunday connections. * * * * * * * P.S. Although Shotton Station itself is less than salubrious, the high level part does have the advantage - while you are kicking your heels between trains - of being sandwiched between a pub and a Chinese takeaway! |
