I think this is due to a perverse interpretation of the National Routeing Guide, where the computer seems to decide that the only appropriate Routeing Point for Whitehaven for this journey is one from which there is no service to Whitehaven on Sundays.
That shouldn't happen and I will raise the issue with ATOC. Meanwhile, I suggest the following work-round. Some, but not all, train companies' web sites will sell Advance Single tickets for Peterborough - Workington via Carlisle on Sundays.
Taking Sunday 20 May as an example, at the time of writing some Standard Advance tickets are available on the 1015 Peterborough - Workington at £30.70 each (or £45.75 First Class) by booking with
East Coast, but there are fewer than 4 Adult tickets available in each class at these prices.
You may save money by clicking on
1/3 off Group Travel on the
Special Offers part of the
East Coast home page. Then click on
Book now through this link. This reduces the price for 4 Standard Advance tickets on the 1015 on Sunday 20 May from a total of £147 to £104.20.
You may also need to experiment with the East Coast site for the particular Sunday in May when you wish to travel. If you find that tickets are available, but that there are fewer than 4 Adult tickets at the lowest price in both classes, you may find that the cheapest way for your party to travel together is in First Class, with some buying the cheapest First Advance tickets and the others the cheapest Standard Advance tickets and paying the £15 Weekend First supplement on the Peterborough - Newcastle train.
Buying these Peterborough - Workington tickets, together with 4 Anytime Day Singles Workington - Whitehaven at £2.30 each, will allow you travel:
- 1015 Peterborough - Newcastle 1236
- 1310 Newcastle - Carlisle 1438
- 1500 Carlisle - 1547 Workington 1549 - Whitehaven 1610.