14 Day All Line Rover Itineraries

[JordR]

Hi all,

I'm having an initial look at doing a first class 14 day All Line Rover, are there any interesting model itineraries maintained by anyone that could be used as a starting point for planning?

 

[deltic14]

I have done several ALR's since I turned 60 and got my senior railcard. Planning is everything. I start by writing a list of what I fancy doing. This can be any or all of the following general headings:

1. bashing certain classes (68's on the Chiltern, 67's on the Manchester to Cardiff routes and this year my last 4 class 158 sets),
2. experiences (eg all the way KX to Inverness in first class, GWR Pullman dining),
3. heritage railways (I did the Bure Valley Railway for the first time this summer) and
4. specific routes (I did Wick and Thurso again this summer last time I did it it was behind a 37/4)

Having got a list of what you want to achieve you can then group them together and this helps plan where you are going to need overnight stays or using overnight trains (TPE, Night Riviera, or Caledonian Sleeper services. I assume you are starting from Leeds not a million miles from me.

Some cracking day / two day out I have done are:
Wakefield - KX - Euston - Liverpool - Newcastle - Wakefield in a day all in first class.
Wakefield - Birmingham New St - Moor St - Marylebone then overnight to Aberdeen.
Dewsbury - Manchester - Cardiff - Paddington then overnight Penzance.

It really is down to what you really want to do / experience.

First class opens up access to First Class Lounges and an endless supplies of tea and coffee water and biscuits. FYI the Aberdeen lounge has showers as well. Very useful if arriving as a seated passenger on the Caledonian Sleeper. The Avanti lounges often have a wider range of things to eat.

I usually book a few nights accommodation to save returning home to frequently. I have used the LSE halls of residence in London (there are several) as a relatively cheap B and B but these are only available when the students aren't there.

You also need to be aware of the time restrictions at certain London terminals with certain train companies. It was so annoying that there was a class 91 Leeds to KX service which arrived at 09:59 - one minute before validity...

Enjoy the planning. RTT will be your best friend. Have a plan B in case Mr and Mrs C Up put in an appearance.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Enjoy. I shall watch this thread with interest. I am also planning one now I am retired and have a senior rail card. Some super ideas from @deltic14 . I will be certainly be viewing electrification works that are in progress and doing the Lizzie/elizabeth line.

 

[mrcheek]

Ive done numerous all line rovers over the years.

I strongly recommend going First Class. Worth it to guarantee a seat on longer distance journeys.

After that it depends what you like doing.

Interesting scenery? rare haulage? maximum mileage?