Matt's All line rover trip report

[furgus2]

Matt, looks like you had a pretty good day of travelling yesterday and good that you could go further north into Scotland this time. Regarding your experience on the train from Milton Keynes, I would have asked about what food was available especially as you could see that others had previously been served. It just seems wrong to me that you weren’t offered anything.

 

[Andy Pacer]

Matt, looks like you had a pretty good day of travelling yesterday and good that you could go further north into Scotland this time. Regarding your experience on the train from Milton Keynes, I would have asked about what food was available especially as you could see that others had previously been served. It just seems wrong to me that you weren’t offered anything.

I had a similar thing on a northbound LNER one evening from Peterborough, it seemed the crew had served the Kings Cross passengers and decided that was enough!

 

[m4tt]

I had a similar thing on a northbound LNER one evening from Peterborough, it seemed the crew had served the Kings Cross passengers and decided that was enough!

It seems to be hit or miss tbh… I have had some amazing hosts who have come over and introduce themselves with a menu ready to take orders, or some who just blank you

 

[Andy Pacer]

It seems to be hit or miss tbh… I have had some amazing hosts who have come over and introduce themselves with a menu ready to take orders, or some who just blank you

Yes, likewise. There used to be a "thing" where people said London crews were less friendly than the more northern crews, but perhaps that's quite a generalisation.

 

[DelayRepay]

Yes, likewise. There used to be a "thing" where people said London crews were less friendly than the more northern crews, but perhaps that's quite a generalisation.

As a northerner living in the south, I'd say it's a generalisation, but an accurate one that doesn't just apply to LNER First Class hosts!

 

[m4tt]

Yes, likewise. There used to be a "thing" where people said London crews were less friendly than the more northern crews, but perhaps that's quite a generalisation.

I’ve never not been served on an Avanti north of Preston which would support that generalisation. Could just be as there is less time between stations so they serve at every station?

 

[Andy Pacer]

I’ve never not been served on an Avanti north of Preston which would support that generalisation. Could just be as there is less time between stations so they serve at every station?

It was actually LNER I was referring to, but perhaps the same generalisation stands!

 

[xotGD]

It has occurred to me that if I did a First Class ALR I'd end up hammered on complimentary gin every day.

Best I don't do one then!

 

[furgus2]

It has occurred to me that if I did a First Class ALR I'd end up hammered on complimentary gin every day.

Best I don't do one then!

It’s definitely one of the joys of a 1st class ALR for me! Well, I won’t say hammered but I enjoy my fair share of them on LNER and Avanti.

 

[Andy Pacer]

It has occurred to me that if I did a First Class ALR I'd end up hammered on complimentary gin every day.

Best I don't do one then!

You might find you're running on the same routes day after day though to get that!

 

[BrianW]

Matt, looks like you had a pretty good day of travelling yesterday and good that you could go further north into Scotland this time. Regarding your experience on the train from Milton Keynes, I would have asked about what food was available especially as you could see that others had previously been served. It just seems wrong to me that you weren’t offered anything.

I've been enjoying reading of your journeys too- and the inputs of other forumites- no need to change anything in what you say and how you say it or when. I admire your energy, fortitude and tenacity, reinforced by your pre-planning and ability to change plans in response to 'circumstances'.

I've made extensive user of Rovers/ Rangers in recent times, but not post-Covid (I know it's not over yet, and esp as I have Long Covid now), generally making good use of Travelodge etc to extend my range and route opportunities. The strikes are not helping either nor 'events' causing trains to be cancelled or terminated short. So this thread is giving me a great time out by proxy- thank you.

I am also also struck by the range of responses you have had from staff. I feel for them with awkward, stressed and rude customers. I remain hopeful of better however; the issues are not generally the fault of the customer. Without meaning myself to be rude here, the customer is paying their wages, and staff are entitled to more support from 'above', however stressed they may be too.

Many would have given up with the complex challenges, which I can't help but feel will be restricting many in returning to the railway which we love. My son was a 'Rail Rider' back in the days of 'InterCity' if anyone remembers. Well done Matt in doing this and pressing on.

 

[m4tt]

I've been enjoying reading of your journeys too- and the inputs of other forumites- no need to change anything in what you say and how you say it or when. I admire your energy, fortitude and tenacity, reinforced by your pre-planning and ability to change plans in response to 'circumstances'.

I've made extensive user of Rovers/ Rangers in recent times, but not post-Covid (I know it's not over yet, and esp as I have Long Covid now), generally making good use of Travelodge etc to extend my range and route opportunities. The strikes are not helping either nor 'events' causing trains to be cancelled or terminated short. So this thread is giving me a great time out by proxy- thank you.

I am also also struck by the range of responses you have had from staff. I feel for them with awkward, stressed and rude customers. I remain hopeful of better however; the issues are not generally the fault of the customer. Without meaning myself to be rude here, the customer is paying their wages, and staff are entitled to more support from 'above', however stressed they may be too.

Many would have given up with the complex challenges, which I can't help but feel will be restricting many in returning to the railway which we love. My son was a 'Rail Rider' back in the days of 'InterCity' if anyone remembers. Well done Matt in doing this and pressing on.

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad to hear it gives you an idea how services are at the moment. Staff do have it very hard at the moment, I was talking to a guard i've become friendly with after having a few journeys with him, he worked 12 manchester trips in 3 days and said how exhausted he was. Luckily he had a day off the next day but I can understand how staff feel tired and burnt out at the moment

 

[Western Sunset]

Really enjoying reading about your ALR. Reminds me of the once and only time I did one; 1st - 14th August 1971.

 

[m4tt]

Monday 15th August -

Today started in Leeds on one of TPE’s Nova 3’s to Scarborough. This was the 08:27 pushed by 68 027. This was my last required TPE train type for haulage, allowing me to choose my favourite and least favourite. I will explain my choices at the end of the report. Arrival was on time at Scarborough where I left the station with the aim of getting a shot from a road alongside the station. I didn’t think about how high the fence would have been which proved difficult to overcome. The railings were just wide enough to fit the camera through and the pull out screen made it easier to see what I was photographing. Due to there being no catering on the outbound or return leg to Scarbados, I popped into the station cafe and got a cinnamon swirl which I will admit was very good.

I boarded a different set this time, pushed by 68 021. This service only shuttles between York and Scarborough instead of the planned Manchester/Liverpool which I believe has been ditched. I felt a bit uneasy as some questionable characters boarded at Seamer and were allowed to sit in first with standard tickets. I think the guard may just not have wanted any trouble. One of the things I wanted to see today was the pair of Avanti voyagers working the 13:11 service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. However no *official* connections would have got me there in time. Thankfully, the late running 11:20 TPE service to Manchester Airport was 6 minutes late, meaning I had to make it from platform 2 to 9 in under 2 minutes. I walked down into the front of standard and after a brief jog I boarded 185 108 + 185 120, getting on in the rear set. All services of more than one 185 has the first class host in the front half of the train meaning I had to disembark and rejoin at Leeds. I wish I didn’t as I went from the coach to myself to sitting next to someone in a 2, not the best decision for only a packet of crisps.

I spent around 30 minutes at Manchester, getting the Avanti voyager as well as the XC 220 side by side making for a nice shot that is unlikely to ever happen again. I took 397 002 on the 13:28 service for Glasgow Central, which took me to Preston. Unlike last time, we stopped at Bolton although I did not see anyone board.alight from the limited view I had. My next train was the 14:41 Avanti service to Glasgow with refurbished 390 123, taking me as far as Carlisle where I met again with my dad who came up via the Settle & Carlisle line. Once again first class was declassified due to overcrowding, a very common problem on all services from Euston to Glasgow. However, according to the government no one travels by trains anymore. These experiences with Avanti are similar to every trip and not in a good way. Train is busy, first is declassified, nobody arrives from standard, no food is served. We took the delayed 16:49 to Glasgow Central (390 121 in climate change livery) where our journey for the day ended. A drink was served before we even left Carlisle which made a change to previous service levels. I went for the croque monsieur, a firm favourite of mine, and some mini pretzels.

I hope you have enjoyed today's report and any questions/queries are always welcome.

 

[DelayRepay]

Another interesting report. As you're in Glasgow, are you planning to travel further into Scotland?

My next train was the 14:41 Avanti service to Glasgow with refurbished 390 123, taking me as far as Carlisle where I met again with my dad who came up via the Settle & Carlisle line. Once again first class was declassified due to overcrowding, a very common problem on all services from Euston to Glasgow.

Sorry if this has been asked before. When you're on a first ALR, do you get compensated if first class is de-classified, like you would if travelling with a normal first class ticket? And if so, how do they calculate what's due?

It is a real shame that your trip coincides with all this disruption but as a previous poster said, you don't seem to be letting it spoil things.

 

[Andy Pacer]

Sorry if this has been asked before. When you're on a first ALR, do you get compensated if first class is de-classified, like you would if travelling with a normal first class ticket? And if so, how do they calculate what's due?

That's an interesting question and one I'd never considered on my 1st class ALRs over the years so I'd definitely be interested in the answer.

 

[m4tt]

That's an interesting question and one I'd never considered on my 1st class ALRs over the years so I'd definitely be interested in the answer.

I'm not sure but I tweeted Avanti about the issue and they sent me a form for first class complaints. They don't say how you would be compensated but considering delay repay is calculated on an anytime return I hope it is the difference between a first and standard anytime return

 

[m4tt]

Another interesting report. As you're in Glasgow, are you planning to travel further into Scotland?

Maybe tomorrow, we are using Glasgow as we have 2 nighrs in a hotel which could only have the date changed rather than a refund.

 

[Techniquest]

Maybe tomorrow, we are using Glasgow as we have 2 nighrs in a hotel which could only have the date changed rather than a refund.

Have a brilliant time in Glasgow! There's plenty to do up there, depending on your interests. A good explore of the city certainly would be good fun. I don't know if the transport museum near Partick is open currently, I've not been yet but I'm assured it's worth doing.

On a trains day, a ride through the low level lines at Queen Street and Central on a 318 or 320, in a motor coach of course, is rather good fun. The SPT Subway is of course highly recommended, especially given there's new trains on the way. ScotRail also have their 153s converted into cycle trains, and while I wouldn't suggest paying the supplement within Glasgow (£10 is a lot of money, especially if you're not taking a cycle with you, on such a short journey!) then if you get the chance to have a look inside one then I'd go for it. If only to see how much tidier and nicer 153s can look!

Of course, if the option is there, a journey on a ScotRail HST would be highly recommended. I have, sadly, not yet done one with ScotRail but it is firmly on the list to do. Even if it's just as far as Stirling.

I do also recommend the 385s, I think they're great trains. Only ever done them in Standard Class, not looked at First Class on them but I would imagine they'd be nice enough. I'd certainly not complain at having one from Glasgow to Edinburgh, indeed I did Haymarket to Glasgow Central via Shotts on an express working in October 2020 on my first ever 385. There's a story to tell there, but I'm keeping hold of that for a wet day that I'm not using to plan a cycling holiday!

Back to Glasgow, it may not be your thing but there's plenty of canal towpath walks available. Kelvingrove Park, and National Cycle Network Route 754 through it is definitely recommended, and there's train/Subway options at both ends Of course, you also have the waterfront to walk along, which on a nice day is a good one to do.

I hope this helps, sorry it's a bit late to be sharing all this but if it helps make the day more interesting, or gives you ideas for next time, then it's all good Whatever you get up to, have a great time!

 

[Andy Pacer]

Have a brilliant time in Glasgow! There's plenty to do up there, depending on your interests. A good explore of the city certainly would be good fun. I don't know if the transport museum near Partick is open currently, I've not been yet but I'm assured it's worth doing.

On a trains day, a ride through the low level lines at Queen Street and Central on a 318 or 320, in a motor coach of course, is rather good fun. The SPT Subway is of course highly recommended, especially given there's new trains on the way. ScotRail also have their 153s converted into cycle trains, and while I wouldn't suggest paying the supplement within Glasgow (£10 is a lot of money, especially if you're not taking a cycle with you, on such a short journey!) then if you get the chance to have a look inside one then I'd go for it. If only to see how much tidier and nicer 153s can look!

Of course, if the option is there, a journey on a ScotRail HST would be highly recommended. I have, sadly, not yet done one with ScotRail but it is firmly on the list to do. Even if it's just as far as Stirling.

I do also recommend the 385s, I think they're great trains. Only ever done them in Standard Class, not looked at First Class on them but I would imagine they'd be nice enough. I'd certainly not complain at having one from Glasgow to Edinburgh, indeed I did Haymarket to Glasgow Central via Shotts on an express working in October 2020 on my first ever 385. There's a story to tell there, but I'm keeping hold of that for a wet day that I'm not using to plan a cycling holiday!

Back to Glasgow, it may not be your thing but there's plenty of canal towpath walks available. Kelvingrove Park, and National Cycle Network Route 754 through it is definitely recommended, and there's train/Subway options at both ends Of course, you also have the waterfront to walk along, which on a nice day is a good one to do.

I hope this helps, sorry it's a bit late to be sharing all this but if it helps make the day more interesting, or gives you ideas for next time, then it's all good Whatever you get up to, have a great time!

First Class in a 385 was good when I last did one pre covid, with a hostess and trolley too, not sure however if they have reintroduced catering as yet.

At least Scotrail are running a more substantial timetable now which will give more options, although when I did a Spirit of Scotland in June the reductions didn't hold me back.

 

[m4tt]

Tuesday 16th August -

Today started very early on LNER’s once a day service to London Kings Cross, departing at 06:48. Today’s 80X was 801 226. Coincedently, I did this journey 3 years ago this month although back then it was a 225 set. To my disappointment, I was told there was no food service until Edinburgh, something that was not an issue last time I took this service from Glasgow where I was served upon departure. I had 30 minutes at Edinburgh where I saw the Caledonian Sleeper waiting to head ECS to Polmadie depot. Once again I was left disappointed after being told they could only offer a bacon roll rather than the advertised full English as the chef would not be joining till Newcastle. It sufficed for the time being and I left the train at Berwick-upon-Tweed. My goal here was to catch services heading over the Royal Border Bridge. Having seen photos online I had high hopes but after 30 minutes of trying different spots I couldn’t find out how they got said picture. I believe they took it from the top of the castle ruins but it appears to be out of bounds. Parts of the castle are accessible and contain information boards which make for a good read. The nearby park has a beautiful garden and some stunning wildlife, I can’t recommend it enough. On top of that, the people were friendly and talkative, something we don’t get down in the south as often.

I made my way back to the station soaking wet but satisfied with my visit, ready to board 801 225 working the 10:12 to London Kings Cross. For the third time today I was let down when it came to catering. When I boarded at Berwick, I enquired about food only to be told I could not order till departure from Newcastle when the crews change, 50 minutes after departure. This would have been fine if I was going further south than Darlington but because of the short distance between these 2 stations breakfast only arrived a couple minutes before arrival. I had to leave some behind despite eating as quickly as I could. I popped into the first class lounge for a few minutes to grab some snacks before boarding TPE’s 802 208 to Newcastle. Despite seeing the host in the kitchen they never came out to check tickets or serve drinks/snacks.

I had a 35 minute wait at Newcastle, allowing me to check out the lounge. Snacks and water were provided as well as a hot drink machine. The seats were comfy and laid out in a mixture of 1s, 2s and 4s. This is a good place to wait for a train if you have time on your hands. The 12:40 service to Edinburgh Waverley operated by 801 216. My plan in Edinburgh was to see the TPE 68 set, working a test run from Warrington. However, due to a major signal failure the line was blocked between Carlisle and Carstairs causing the set to turn around and head back to base. My next objective was to see 2 of the nuclear trains passing through Carlisle, something which is usually a hard sight to plan due to the short time frame from knowing they will run to departure.

I boarded the 14:53 Pendolino to London Euston optimistic about whether I would see the first one pass around 16:30. Passengers were advised to travel via York and Manchester and change for alternative Avanti services to Euston which made the train relatively quiet. I was in coach K with the only company being 3 drivers, equally in the dark as the passengers. We departed 10 minutes late having to wait for a driver who signed the diversionary route via Shotts which took us all the way to Motherwell before coming back on ourselves through to Carstairs. It was interesting to talk to the drivers and hear how this sort of disruption affects their future diagramed services as well as general chat throughout the journey. Despite the chaos of delayed services, Food and drink was offered and if you have been reading along so far you will know what I would have got for a late lunch. I had a pepsi max as well as a lemonade. The journey was very slow with speed restrictions in place along the affected area. Nobody was too sure what system was being used but supposedly it was one in one out of the signal outage section where the driver would have to manually report their location in reference to the signals. We proceeded at around 40 miles an hour for 20ish miles before we could speed back up to 125mph. Arrival into Carlisle was 83 minutes late arriving at 17:26. Due to how severe the disruption was I abandoned any plans to stay and see the nuclear trains and instead get back to Glasgow to avoid being stranded. The driver who sat opposite also got off here and we crossed the bridge over to platform 1/2/3. We parted ways as he wanted to catch up with staff before taking an empty unit to Polmadie.

A very late 14:00 was sat on platform 1 which I only just caught, departing at 17:30 operated by 390 141. The journey only got later as we crawled through the affected area even slower this time, no faster than 20 miles an hour. The journey was uneventful and the host did not come around which I feel was acceptable due to how long the journey had been already. Arrival into Glasgow Central was just over 4 hours late and brought to an end a very disrupted day.

 

[Kite159]

All the delays and lack of service in FC.


As for Northern guards being more proactive in checking tickets compared to West Midlands, they get paid per scan so the more tickets they check the more money they get paid. They don't like passengers with paper tickets

 

[furgus2]

All the delays and lack of service in FC.

Assuming there was a host on board, I think it was wrong for there to be no refreshments offered to passengers after Carlisle. Even at normal linespeed, it’s over an hour’s journey.

 

[m4tt]

Wednesday 17th August -

Today once again started from Glasgow Central, albeit an hour later on XC’s 07:48 service, operated by 220 023 Once again we were told there would be no catering facilities available until our departure from Edinburgh. With yesterday’s signal fault now fixed we had a clean run into Waverley stopping at Motherwell and Haymarket along the 1 hour journey.

One thing I have noticed from my numerous changes at Scottish stations is people stand on both sides of the escalator. I know for sure that down in the south and London doing this will get you dirty looks and the occasional comment to move out of the way. Is this not a normal/enforced thing in Scotland?

The 35 minute connection gave me time to look around and see a variety of units including 334s, 385s, Inter7City HST as well as one of Lumo’s 803’s. I took the 09:30 LNER service down to York, operated by 801 225, one of many previous units on my travels. Due to disruption the night before causing staff to be displaced, we were only offered a limited service consisting of a bacon roll or porridge. The other option was to wait until Newcastle where staff switched over and a full breakfast would be served. I went for a bacon roll knowing it would be impossible for the new staff to know whether I had already eaten so I went for the bacon roll with ketchup. Karma got me back as the new catering team never served us, they only came around with drinks. Things got worse as my phone would no longer turn on, instead just showing a black screen with a loading circle, another reason why I prefer physical tickets. They also make for good memorabilia too in my opinion.

I waited in the first class lounge for my phone to kick back into life to no effect for a while. Thankfully the hosts were very kind and one let me use their phone to make some calls. My phone began to work again so I continued on my plan without the need to get it fixed. The 12:43 XC service took me to Leeds, formed of 220 009. Service was prompt and I received a drink and some biscuits.

My next service was a route I have not done in a long while, the Settle & Carlisle line. 158 754 did the honours and provided a comfortable seat and view out the window. A trolley service was also present which I think is the only northern service to have one? I alighted at Ribblehead where I popped into the volunteer run cafe and museum. I bought a homemade brownie which was very soft and gooey as well as a kit kat for later in the day. This excess sugar was very much needed as I walked alongside the viaduct and eventually up to the top of it on my way to blea moor signal box. I wanted to capture an image of the Carlisle - Chirk log train passing the box on its way down south. I saw a number of images online which portrayed a great shot from the west of the lines, however upon arriving I could not find access to the hill which gives a vantage point over the railway. If anyone has been to Blea Moor, any advice on how to reach it would be very welcome for future visits. I began my walk back disappointed having seen it pass whilst trying to find access to the hill. I had plenty of time before my train home which allowed me to take in the amazing views of the surrounding areas. It was one of the few times where everything had been completely silent, not a bird or the wind to be heard. I arrived back at Ribblehead in time for my return journey to Leeds, the 16:14 formed of 2x 158s, 158 851 + 158 816. The journey back down was pleasant and smooth, the 158s are very comfortable for their age although I had a set with ironing board seats on the way back which I found to be worse than the ones going north.

Another thing I have noticed and a positive one for Northern is their guards. They come through the train after every station and check tickets, always with a smile and a nice exchange of greetings. Down on my local LNWR services you are lucky to even see the guard let alone have your tickets checked. It makes Northern services feel much safer and cheerful which encourages me to travel with them much more. Anyone else had experiences like this?

Arrival into Leeds was slightly early where I boarded a very busy pair of 185s (185 132 + 185 126) to Manchester. This was a peak commuter service and it showed through the heavy loading of the service. I had made a seat reservation on the way down from Ribblehead which gave me a seat for the whole journey. The refreshments trolley made it to our coach on departure from Huddersfield due to being stuck further down the train due to overcrowding. I got a bottle of water as well as some chocolate biscuits, the usual offering from TPE.

Refurbished 390 124 took me on the penultimate leg of my journey today working the 19:15 service to London Euston. Until Stoke I had the whole of coach K to myself which made for a nice change to the usual overcrowding. Food and drink was served on departure from Stockport which was the usual Croque Monsieur with plenty of pretzels. We were held outside Lichfield due to the driver seeing kids on the line, causing me to miss my connection at Milton Keynes. As a result I stayed on through to Euston due to more services running to home. I had a 20 minute wait which allowed a visit to Avanti’s lounge for likely the last time for a while. It was nice to have it all to myself, along with the choice of food no one would take. The 21:54 formed of 350 238 + 350 126 took me home to finish the penultimate day of my journeys

 

[DelayRepay]

Another thing I have noticed and a positive one for Northern is their guards. They come through the train after every station and check tickets, always with a smile and a nice exchange of greetings. Down on my local LNWR services you are lucky to even see the guard let alone have your tickets checked. It makes Northern services feel much safer and cheerful which encourages me to travel with them much more. Anyone else had experiences like this?

Yes - LNWR is my local TOC and when I started travelling I genuinely thought the services were DOO. I regularly travel between Wolverton and Euston - probably over 100 journeys since I've moved here and my ticket has never been checked on the train. Fare evasion must be rife given many stations are not gated.

I guess that historically Northern (or their predecessors) sold more tickets on board. I think their guards are paid 2p per ticket scanned as commission now which probably encourages them to check tickets properly.

 

[Kite159]

Yes - LNWR is my local TOC and when I started travelling I genuinely thought the services were DOO. I regularly travel between Wolverton and Euston - probably over 100 journeys since I've moved here and my ticket has never been checked on the train. Fare evasion must be rife given many stations are not gated.

I guess that historically Northern (or their predecessors) sold more tickets on board. I think their guards are paid 2p per ticket scanned as commission now which probably encourages them to check tickets properly.

I believe some of the major stations on the bottom half of the WCML are gated, although some are staffed by agency workers who don't have any ticket selling equipment so the only thing they can do is ask someone to buy from the TVM.
But agreed, especially if you travel from a station with no barriers, quite easy for someone to pay when challenged or have tickets to get through the exit barriers at the other end.

 

[m4tt]

Thursday 18th August -

My final day of my trip was sadly disrupted by industrial action causing me to limit what I would be able to do today. I took the 08:47 service as far as Milton Keynes Central, in the form of a 12 car 350, 350 248 + 350 267 + 350 249. LNWR’s limited timetable actually provided a better service to my local station of Tring, with 2 northbound services an hour to Northampton compared to the usual 1. Only 2 of the usual 3 were ran to Euston though, calling all stations to Watford then fast to Euston. My connection at MK was only a minute but the 09:11 to Manchester Piccadilly was 5 late allowing a more leisurely crossing of platforms. First class was near empty, unsurprisingly, as was the rest of the train. People appeared to not want to take their chances today, despite today's services being the same as the current Avanti temporary timetable. My ticket was checked by a man in a hi-vis, presumably someone from management filling in for lost staff. No refreshments were provided on this journey. Due to a lack of signallers, we travelled via the Manchester Airport line resulting in us skipping out Stockport, something I doubt Euston-Manchester services do often.

My next journey was with Transpennine Express, on 397 003 working the 11:23 from Manchester Airport to Preston, a reduction of the usual Scotland service. To my surprise catering was on offer for this journey allowing me to get a bottle of water and some snacks. I have really come to enjoy the 397s due to their comfortable seats and large windows. I only had 5 minutes at Preston as I boarded the 12:05 back down to London Euston, operated by 390 105. Once again no food or drink was offered, although I did have the whole of coach J to myself which made up for the lack of catering. Ample padding to the timetable meant we arrived 8 minutes early into London. The first class lounge was closed so I made my way over to Kings Cross as LNER had said on twitter that it should be open. Upon asking a member of staff on the concourse he was nice enough to come up and check with me, leaving me in the lounge once it was confirmed it was open. I hung around for a bit, heading down to the platforms to see Hull Trains 802 303 arrive from Doncaster.

A brisk walk got me onto the 15:33 back to Tring formed of another triplet of 350s, 350 251 + 350 257 + 350 252. All services were 12 coaches today although it did not appear to be required. Better to overplan than underplan I guess. Our guard for the journey for sure had no experience as one, even at one point doing the announcements in French! I guess there must have been a group of tourists she was made aware of.

Today went well although I was given the false promise of catering on Avanti by their twitter team who said upon inquiring about food, “There certainly should be”.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my travels for the past 2 weeks and I would like to thank you for joining me along this trip.

Now I am not travelling 15 hours a day, I will have time to edit photos so expect some to be up within a day or so.

 

[Pep and co]

Thanks Matt. Really enjoyed your daily updates from your travels the past couple of weeks. With all the disruption around at the moment (particularly on Avanti) your tales from the tracks have been a fascinating read
I'm looking forward to seeing some of your photos when you post them.
Thanks again.

 

[DelayRepay]

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my travels for the past 2 weeks and I would like to thank you for joining me along this trip.

Thanks for sharing it with us. It's been an interesting read and I'm looking forward to more photos.

The killer question: Despite all the disruption, was it worth it? Are you starting to plan the next trip?

 

[m4tt]

The killer question: Despite all the disruption, was it worth it? Are you starting to plan the next trip?

Absolutely. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and probably ate enough food to justify the price in itself . I did almost everythingI wanted to do and due to all the disruptions my delay repay comes out to about 4/500 I believe. Well worth it imo.

I normally go out every Saturday either to London or somewhere north via the Trent Valley. Tring to Crewe is £3.50 each way if booked a week or two in advance allowing me to go pretty far if I want.

I plan in October to see LNER diversions via Hexham if they go ahead with that. When Avanti run a normal timetable, the train from Tring to Carlisle on the 06:41 is only £10 each way which is great value!