Great Western Coffee Shop

Looking for some advise/ recommendations for doing a freedom of the southwest 3 in 7.
Looking at my work schedule it is most likely to be August or October I do it.
I want to cover as much of the permitted network as possible in 3 consecutive days, with some cheap B&B/Travelodge style accommodation on the 2 nights.
Am I right in thinking it has a 9am restriction?
Day 1 will be starting on the 0914 from Redruth.

Can any one recommend best strategies to get the most lines covered - Is it best to head for the most North-western or eastern points first and work back towards the others?

How is best to get the most from this ticket?

I'm in early planning- I wanted to do an ALR but its outside of my budget for this year, so making the best I can within budget.

If you get to Swindon - the most easterly point - it is valid on the 08:27 to Paignton via Bristol Temple Meads.  One of a few pre- 09:00 dispensations.

Full list from FGW Website

Exceptions - any time Saturday and Sunday, and on earlier trains Monday to Friday where off-peak day returns are valid earlier. Think there are a few 'odd' exceptions like you can go Exeter to Barnstaple very early.

Just confirmed by bobm as i write!

Thanks :)

Being picky though I believe Portsmouth is slightly more easterly than Swindon.

You should be able to get to the extremities of the permitted areas (Portsmouth, Weymouth, Great Malvern, Cardiff, Swindon) in three days if you limit the branch lines you wish to travel over. I could probably draw up an itinerary that excludes the Cornish branches for example, but includes Exmouth, Barnstaple or Paignton, Severn Beach and Lymington.

Do you want maximum travelling time up to say 10pm with meal breaks away from stations, or eat on the fly with earlier finish to check in to accommodation, then eat evening meal?

I have friends/family I could crash at in both Cardiff and Portsmouth areas, to consider for overnighting, or cheap b&bs anywhere could be considered.
As I cant start until 9am a late night isn't too much of a problem. I'd prefer to eat evening between 5pm and 7pm. I would grab a sandwich meal deal from a supermarket for lunch and eat on the go.

I travel the Cornish branches frequently so not too bothered about them.
I'm playing around with itineraries but any suggestions welcome.

Well I might have a play around also. I've got an old itinerary somewhere on my PC, I'll take a look at that. Obviously there may be some minor timetable differences between now and August-October. Couple more weeks and the timetables for May-December should start appearing.

What about particular days of the week? What day would you likely start?

Weekdays, Any 3 of Monday to Friday.
I've tried to attach a PDF of my quick draft I've knocked up very quickly.

Any suggestions, feedback, or ways to improve it.

I may take a Brittany Ferries day trip on arrival in Pompey, so skipping the following day. Looking at Brittany Ferries timetable there is a 2300 departure that I may catch to Caen for a day out. Depending of course on if they have any offers available at the time.

One immediate alternative I can see is on day two. Instead of Great Malvern to Bristol Parkway then Cardiff, what about Great Malvern (1450) to Gloucester (1544), then Gloucester (1625) to Cardiff (1730) via Chepstow? Adds another line (nice scenery along the north side of the Severn estuary - sit on the left facing direction of travel!) and mileage to your trip. Then pick up your 1800 to Bristol TM.

I was trying to get the journey planner to give me that route, but it wouldn't play ball. Everything it suggested was via Bristol Parkway. Thanks

Day 1

... Salisbury 14:40, Westbury 15:09
... Westbury 15:38, Weymouth 17:10

... finish with the 22:04 Southampton to Portsmouth, which runs via Eastleigh?

On day 2 ... looks like you have time to do Bristol - Chippenham - Bristol, Bristol - Trowbridge - Bristol  or even Bristol - Chippenham - Trowbridge - Bristol to fill in some extra lines.