MrCub
Member
I've just had a weekend trip from London to Exeter. I'd never done the West of England line so I decide to bite the bullet and I booked to go with South West Trains. I was a little apprehensive of the needlessly lengthy journey time compared to the route from Paddington, but the fare was cheap. I was also worried that a 159 might be uncomfortable and overcrowded.
I was pleasantly surprised, however. Both the outward and return journeys were really good. The 159s were comfortable; the seats rivalled other operators' long distance seating. The refreshment trolley was a bit average but the coffee wasn't that bad and it wasn't amazingly important. We sped along nicely, through some very attractive parts of the West of England, stopping at some lovely stations. The train had nine coaches and this was quite sufficient.
So, this makes me ask.... what other journeys have you made which surpassed expectations? What have you enjoyed more than you thought you would?
For example, I have also recently done Cardiff to Chester on the 'dinner' express, in first class... I was hoping it would be good but it was even better than I thought.
So... over to you...
I was pleasantly surprised, however. Both the outward and return journeys were really good. The 159s were comfortable; the seats rivalled other operators' long distance seating. The refreshment trolley was a bit average but the coffee wasn't that bad and it wasn't amazingly important. We sped along nicely, through some very attractive parts of the West of England, stopping at some lovely stations. The train had nine coaches and this was quite sufficient.
So, this makes me ask.... what other journeys have you made which surpassed expectations? What have you enjoyed more than you thought you would?
For example, I have also recently done Cardiff to Chester on the 'dinner' express, in first class... I was hoping it would be good but it was even better than I thought.
So... over to you...
. Bonus diversions via Corby over Harringworth Viaduct.