Understanding tickets from Worcester to Stroud

[py_megapixel]

Looking at BR Fares there are two different Off Peak Return fares from Worcester to Stroud, set by GWR and CrossCountry, and routed "NOT VIA BIRMINGHAM" and "VIA CHELTENHAM" respectively.

To my mind, every route anyone would reasonably from Worcester to Stroud goes via Cheltenham, and doesn't go via Birmingham. So what is the actual difference in the route validity of these two tickets?

 

[JonathanH]

The 'via Cheltenham' fare was once valid via Birmingham, being priced by CrossCountry at the same fare as a return from Stroud to Birmingham via Cheltenham.

The not via Birmingham fare is much cheaper and priced by GWR to go direct.

 

[Watershed]

Nothing in this particular case. However there are other journeys where a double back via Birmingham is permitted, provided the fare isn't routed "not via Birmingham".

 

[py_megapixel]

Thanks both for the information.