Cooden Beach to Leamington Spa

[steadmane]

Good afternoon,
I recently purchased the above Super Off Peak Return and rather than travel via the normal Cooden Beach to Victoria train I decided to change at Warrior Square and travel up to Charing Cross thus negating the need to change on the London Underground to get to Marylebone. The prices for this journey are the same regardless of what station you start from between Hastings and Eastbourne, however, although accepted by the ticket inspector, I got an extended look at my ticket on the train and a "What is Cooden Beach? I don't think you can travel this way" from the gate inspector at Charing Cross.

As far as I can work out, it's a perfectly legal route but I wouldn't know how to argue it, if I was questioned.

Thanks !

 

[Eagle]

It must be legal, as it's the shortest route. I'm surprised that the barrier inspector hadn't seen it before as the Hastings line seems to me the natural way to travel from Bexhill to London.

 

[SickyNicky]

The route via Warrior Square and Charing Cross is the shortest route. The shortest route is always valid provided your ticket route doesn't restrict it - you don't need to consult the routeing guide at all.

 

[steadmane]

Thanks. For future reference does this mean I could travel from Eastbourne to London Charing Cross via Warrior Square on an Any Permitted Route ticket?
Where is the cut-off where you are forced to travel on the Victoria line? I am sorry but I am no expert in the routeing guide.

To be honest I was more concerned by the gate guard at Charing Cross not the ticket inspector on the train.

Thanks again.

 

[bb21]

I don't think you can travel via St Leonards Warrior Square on an Eastbourne - London Terminals ticket. It is not the shortest route, nor is it a mapped route.