Manchester - Preston via Wigan

[neonison]

As the electric Manchester - Scotland TPE services go via Wigan NW I'd expect a Manchester - Preston to be valid that way as well as via Bolton.
Is a change from Wigan Wallgate to Wigan NW also valid?
Bear in mind a smattering of Victoria services actually terminate at Wigan NW.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Unless the ticket has a route printed on it which says otherwise, a ticket from Manchester to Preston is valid on any direct service between Manchester and Preston regardless of route. So yes, this is fine on a direct train. This "direct train" rule applies throughout the network.

Don't really have time to check non-direct services but I expect it would be OK.

 

[Merseysider]

Yes, valid on that route whether it's a direct service or not.

If you want to try it out for yourself, search on National Rail Enquiries Manchester<>Preston 'via Eccles' (fast TPEs take this route) and 'avoid Eccles' (slow Northerns). Valid whichever way you go.

 

[John @ home]

Is a change from Wigan Wallgate to Wigan NW also valid?

Yes. To confirm this, use a booking site to search for Manchester Stations to Preston via Wigan Wallgate.