Cornwall to Scotland

[ACE1888]

Looking at going from Penzance to Glasgow return, and then do all lines (Is there an all line Rover just for Scotland?), which would the best way to go, routes etc (would be via London I expect, no 9 hours+ on a vomit comet) Any help greatly received on this one...or would it just be cheaper to get a week's 'All Line Rover' covering everywhere??? Around October time this year by the way

 

[D841 Roebuck]

There is a Freedom of Scotland ticket available for 8 days, or 4 in 8 days. As these are valid north of Carlisle or Berwick, you may be better off booking to either of these stations.

If you wish to avoid pendolini (fast and reliable, but claustrophobic) you could get an HST to Plymouth or Exeter, and change to a Cross Country HST.

 

[142094]

XC Advances are normally quite pricy, and the cheapest always seem to sell out rather quickly, so it might be wise to book separate advances on FGW to Paddington, then either Virgin/East Coast from Euston or King's Cross respectively. You could then book the advances to Carlisle or Berwick as advised above, and use the Freedom of Scotland ticket from there onwards.

 

[LexyBoy]

You should be able to pick up cheap Advances on FGW to Paddington no problem - London to Scotland can be a bit more tricky but looking at quiet times you should get some decent fares. Be sure to look at EC's offerings as there can be good fares available to Glasgow at the expense of a longer journey - either on one of their direct services or changing at Edinburgh. Personally I prefer an EC HST or 225 over a Pendolino too.

On both legs you're likely to be able to go in First for quite a reasonable extra (especially with Virgin IME).

If you can find a decent price on one of the XC HST services though, then that should be a pleasant and easy journey - they look rather nice!

The Freedom of Scotland as suggested above.

 

[SickyNicky]

Remember that if you're booking a ticket to Berwick and then using a Freedom of Scotland 7 day or 4 in 8 day rover, your train doesn't have to stop at Berwick - you can use the combination of tickets on a non-stop service.

Not much use with an advance, but if you're using walk-up tickets it could be useful.