[CheekyBandit]

planning to travel via Cambridge (and likely breaking journey there).

Permitted?

My own research suggests that it is likely but I need a second opinion to be sure in case some nasty RPI working for or on behalf of First Crapital Connect tries to slap a penalty fares notice on me I need some form of defence.

[island]

Origin and destination are both routeing points, so no fares check needed.

OP requests travel via London, so disregarding the other mapped options (MW, MW+BP+SY).

Doncaster to London Group maps are EE, EE+WA, ER, ER+SH+SY, SY.

[London Group to Farnborough Group maps are CS+WR, WX, but not relevant for the question.]

ER is the map you need, allowing you to come down the ECML to Peterborough, change and go to Cambridge, then either proceed to Kings Cross via Hitchin or to Liverpool Street (which would seem to avoid FCC altogether), and then carry on across to Waterloo to pick up a Farnborough service. You could also change at Hitchin for Cambridge, in which case you would have to proceed to Liverpool Street as you would otherwise be doubling-back.

[yorkie]

Originally Posted by CheekyBandit

My own research suggests that it is likely but I need a second opinion to be sure in case some nasty RPI working for or on behalf of First Crapital Connect tries to slap a penalty fares notice on me I need some form of defence.

You cannot be penalty fared for being off route, and you are not off route anyway. If anyone from FCC gives you hassle, ensure you get their names as I am fed up of FCC disregarding the Conditions of Carriage, I will forward the details to an FCC manager for it to be investigated.

Don't pay anything, if they force you into giving your details for an Unpaid Fare Notice, do that and we can appeal it later, but don't hand over any cash or a card.

Also ask them to confirm what the National Rail Conditions of Carriage states about "the route you may take" and ask them if they can confirm what routes are permitted in the Routeing Guide. If they try to PF you, the chances are they may not have even heard of it. Some RPIs do seem to take pleasure in 'questioning' people, I would certainly like the chance to question them about their lack of knowledge...

[All Line Rover]

Originally Posted by yorkie

Also ask them to confirm what the National Rail Conditions of Carriage states about "the route you may take"

Ooo I've never noticed that! Thanks. That's another line of defence before showing any fussy guard/TM/RPI the Routing Guide. It's best to show the Routing Guide as little in possible in my opinion.