Avanti alternative- 22nd December

[Skiddaw]

Hi All,

Am due to travel back from Euston to Penrith on Sunday 22nd. Obviously, I'll keep an eye on the release of the revised stike action timetable to see what's running but I'm exploring alternatives (really don't want to cancel my long anticipated weekend with my best friend if I can possibly avoid it). I'll be passing through Reading en route to London and whilst I usually avoid the XC route as I would a rabid dog, I'm thinking it's my only viable alternative (through to Manchester, then pick up a TPE onward to Penrith). Obviously, standard class will be bursting at the seams (I think I could well be lucky to force my way onto the train at all, even from Reading) so I'm wondering about booking 1st class (it isn't too horrendous price-wise with my recently aquired 'old bag' railcard). My question is, is it likely that there will be a 1st class coach and if so, am I likely to be able to book a seat this close to the date? It seems to be showing as available on National Rail Enquiries but I can't really go for it until I know for sure what's happening with the Euston-Penrith timetable (which apparently won't be announced until Saturday). I was thinking of aiming for the 10.15 train from Reading (I can't realistically get to Reading before 9.30 that morning).

Any suggestions/opinion/alternative options welcome....

 

[pwharley]

If you're desperate to avoid XC, use Chiltern Marylebone-Birmingham Moor Street, LNWR Birmingham New Street-Crewe, Northern Crewe-Manchester Piccadilly and then TPE to Penrith.

 

[Bletchleyite]

One slightly oddball option that isn't XC might be Kings Cross to Leeds then Leeds to Langwathby if your mate can pick you up from there, it's only a few miles from Penrith (though a bit far to walk). LNER will be busy, but an advantage of it is that you can do standalone reservations on their website and app so you could book a seat now (just enter 0 as the ticket number) and get a Super Off Peak Single later provided the entire service that day hasn't sold out (or from a booking office). (Leeds is not subject to the fare increase "trial").

That bit of Northern should be (relatively) OK as it's worked from the east who have committed Sundays.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2024 ==

If you're desperate to avoid XC, use Chiltern Marylebone-Birmingham Moor Street, LNWR Birmingham New Street-Crewe, Northern Crewe-Manchester Piccadilly and then TPE to Penrith.

One has to plan for no service at all on Northern West on Sundays at the moment (I am unconvinced the emergency timetable will be a cut enough to work on 29th) - I was going to suggest Chiltern to Brum, WMT to Liverpool, Northern to Preston then TPE (though the latter is likely to be utterly heaving) but the lack of Northern service and total unreliability of the TPE Liverpools (which are cancelled at the drop of a hat) put me off that suggestion.

 

[Skiddaw]

Thanks Both.

Bletchleyite, I'll be on my way home (Penrith) rather than on the way to see friend (who lives in Berkshire). I did consider the Leeds-Langwathby alternative (Mr S could pick me up from there- as you say, it's just up the road from us) and I shall explore that in more detail.

I'll look at the other alternatives too. It won't be the first time I've bailed out at Preston (Mr S is very good at rescuing me!)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Dec 2024 ==

Update- have booked KC- Leeds- Langwathby for my return journey. Very reasonably priced! Good suggestion- thanks all for the input. Feel much happier now.