Cambridge to Derby, options if XC cancels

[Crithylum]

I am looking to make this journey, arriving before 11. Leaving Cambridge at 0800 to go via Leicester seems to be the best option, however Cross Country aren’t afraid of cancelling trains. If I have advance singles, would my only option be to check beforehand if the train is cancelled, and go an hour earlier if it is?
If so, would I be forced to take the booked train from Leicester, waiting an hour, or can I take an earlier train and get to Derby an hour early?

 

[Dewedin]

National Rail Conditions of Travel condition 28.3 states (with emphasis added):

Where a train service is cancelled after you have purchased your Ticket(s), we will advise you what your alternative options for travel are. In addition to the validity that your Ticket automatically entitles you to, you will normally in such circumstances be permitted to travel up to either two trains prior or two trains after the affected service, using the same operator that you are booked onto. Where services are significantly less frequent and this is not a suitable option, we will provide you with an appropriate alternative. Otherwise, you can request a full refund in accordance with Condition 30.

Therefore in the case of cancellation you should be able to take the equivalent journey starting at 06:57 and arriving at 09:30.

 

[transportphoto]

Notably a CrossCountry Only ticket is unlikely to be accepted on EMR services via Nottingham - even when combined with an EMR ticket from Leicester to Derby. XC rarely ask for ticket acceptance on this route.

 

[tumbledown]

Has it been found in practice that you can take the onward train early, though the booked one is not cancelled, as the OP asks? I'm not sure the quoted terms say that.