RDG to CMO/FKG (Reading to Camelon/Falkirk Grahamston)

[Kuku]

Hi all,

I recently joined FGW a few days ago and remembered I had a wedding to attend and was wondering what is the best way to get there.

It shall be me, my partner and three year old travelling we all have are PRIV card and first group boxes.

We are looking to travel on 20/6 daytime or possibly 19/6 for a sleeper (pending still available)?
We shall be coming back on 22/6 pref daytime but open to sleeper again.

Regard,
Kuku

 

[reb0118]

It depends how miserable you want to be. You can get to Edinburgh & Glasgow free with First all the way if you so choose.

As an aside, I am assuming that you will not have a dependants card for your three year old? You can get one from their fourth birthday if you also apply for a FIP card (some foreign undertakings charge from four). There is a maximum fare for child priv fares of £2.00 and this allows you to book a seat too.

NB the northbound Highland Sleeper does not call at Falkirk Grahamston [FKG] so you will need to doubleback via Stirling [STG] but this is a ridiculously early arrival so I would suggest the Lowland Sleeper to Edinburgh [EDB] then a local service to Falkirk/Camelot.

The southbound Highlander does call at FKG but again it may be beneficial to pick up the Lowlander at EDB - alternatively you could head north to pick up the Highlander at Perth or Pitlochry for a more civilised departure time and a chance to sample the new lounge car menu.

 

[yorkie]

....what is the best way to get there. ...

I don't know what best means in this case for you, as it's subjective.

But as reb0118 says you can get to Glasgow/Edinburgh for free on First services (with the exception of Paddington-King's Cross, which wouldn't be walkable in your circumstances).

That's Hull Trains from London to Doncaster, then TransPennine Express from Doncaster to Manchester and Manchester to Glasgow/Edinburgh.

If "best" is actually more about comfort and minimising journey time, then your best bet would be to purchase Family Railcard and 2 x adult fam discounted Off Peak Returns plus 1 x child fam discounted Off Peak Return, and this would entitle you to 3 seat reservations. You'd have to change twice the way there but could get a direct train from Edinburgh on the way back (so only one change). http://www.brfares.com/#faredetail?orig=RDG&dest=0431&grpo=0403&rlc=FAM&rte=700&tkt=SVR

 

[Kuku]

Talking to the partner, is it possible to get 2 x Priv off peak open returns to EDB and purchase twin cabin at priv rates (oneway), if so anyone know how much they are?

Depending on price we may go the long free route

 

[reb0118]

Talking to the partner, is it possible to get 2 x Priv off peak open returns to EDB and purchase twin cabin at priv rates (oneway), if so anyone know how much they are?

Yes, that is possible. There is no priv discount on the berth supplement (I think they are about £45 ea) but you will be cheaper to get a berth inclusive advance at priv rate - there used to be two levels but I think you now just get 75% off whatever public fare is available at the time you book - you have to do these at a railway booking office and they are quota controlled.

When travelling south of day services I used to split at Doncaster. East Coast to there and Hull Trains onwards to London. That was before we got priv on off peak tickets.