Great Western Coffee Shop

Hi folks, am expecting a call from the RUH with an appointment for a scan some time today, I have just had a look on FGWs site for train/bus times, (being unable to drive at present,) and the journey looks reasonable and the service frequent (I wish they'd hurry up and ring with a time!).

I had a look on Google maps to see whether there was a station closer to RUH than Bath Spa, but then it occurred to me the train from Trowbridge might not be a 'stopper' anyway; I see there's an 'Oldfield Park' station, but because I'm not familiar with the area I don't know whether that's the Melksham side of Bath or not.  If anyone has any useful tips for the journey, that would be helpful!  The price for a return ticket, with a Senior railcard was ^5.20. Someone might know differently.   Thanks in anticipation!

I would suggest arriving at the RUH (Royal United Hospital, Bath) by bus rather than by train ... there's a service every 10 minutes from Bath bus / train station - routes 14 and 714 - see http://www.ruh.nhs.uk/finding/bus.asp?menu_id=5 - which has details including the special Wiltshire connection bus.

It's about a mile and a half from Bath Spa main (railway) station which is right beside the bus station, and about a mile from Oldfield Park station.

Probably a trip not to make on the TransWilts;  if you're in Melksham on the 271 / 272 / x72 routes, just change buses in Bath.   If you're close to the 234 / x34  :D - probably take those to Trowbridge during the day where they call near the station, then train to Bath.

Thanks grahame, however, I couldn't manage a bus to Bath at the moment, being still only two weeks post-op knee replacement.  I went into Melksham by bus yesterday, and just the 1 mile journey bumping into town made my knee very sore!  I had thought the train would be more comfortable, despite having to change at Trowbridge.  Thanks for the information, anyway. 

I agree, very much easier by bus from Bath Spa station, Bath PlusBus is worth getting, ^2.30 with senior railcard and will save you a bit on the bus (and you can explore Bath by bus all day if you are that way inclined).

Rather than rattling around in a bus, I'd suggest approaching Link, quite frankly

It's a door-to-door service staffed by volunteers with cars and although there is no fare, they do ask for a donation. 07979 129052 is the number to call in Melksham
- or visit their website  http://www.wiltshirelink.org.uk

Oh, I wish I'd logged back on a bit earlier!  I didn't think about Melksham Link.  The trouble with the bus/train plan is that I'm going to be about 15 mins. late for the appointment RUH have given me. (Will have already missed the 13.13 to Bath now).  Oh well, I shall know next time.  Thanks for that, Phil.

Thank you all for your help.  Alan, I should be able to use my Seniors bus pass and not pay at all on the bus part of the journey?