A Macclesfield (MAC) to Retford (RET) Off Peak Return (SVR) is £30.80.
You can split the journey up to make it cheaper by buying a combination of tickets, especially for a day ticket as Off Peak Day (CDR) fares are cheaper than SVR fares. I recommend the Avantix Traveller NFM05 program for this as it's easier than using ticket booking sites.
MAC-SPT CDR £4.20 (Virgin Trains Only) or £5.50 (Any Permitted)
SPT-RET SVR £22.10
Total = £26.30
Not a great saving but I reckon alternative splits can bring this down.
I looked at splitting again at Sheffield but this was more expensive than a Sheffield-Retford, due to no CDR being available between Sheffield & Retford (only SDR).
You
may be able to save money by buying a Stockport - Doncaster advance ticket on TPE, and then going via the ECML to Retford. This used to be very infrequent but it is much better now thanks to Hull Trains (DON - RET SDR is £8.30 which can be bought on board). If you have a 16-25 railcard then advance fares are half price so this is more likely to be cheaper for a holder of such a railcard. This only works if you can tie yourself to a specific train. I doubt the saving will be worth it though due to the loss of flexibility in case of delays or a change of travel plans. The TPE booking site is here
http://www.buytickets.tpexpress.co.uk/
