Wow, this does get complicated!

I'm not really desperate to go anywhere in a 150, as that is all that runs on my local line (except when a 153 is stuck on the front or rear) just trying to find the cheapest way to get onto the area covered by the Rover ticket.

This "any permitted route" clause is complicated, as none of the options I've looked at show the route via Birmingham. One was even via Droitwich & Bromsgrove.

I've been careful with more than one ticket for "one train" journeys in the past, as I thought the train had to stop at the stations referred to by the tickets. You live & learn.

One thing in my favour is a senior railcard, which probably also explains why I'm trying for the cheapest option.

Thanks, Chris. There's always somebody who can come up with solutions that I can't think of!

You're from Nailsea, I see. Used to live on Old Church Road before all those new estates were built, surrounded by fields in those days. Changed a lot since 1971, I'm sure!

You're a star. I didn't think of checking beyond Ashchurch for times of Off Peak tickets.

Thanks very much.

Edit - changed prices to times

Lucky isn't my middle name, if anybody got caught out - it would be me.

I've even looked at the timetable after May 22nd & the departure time is still 08.57.

You'd think there would be an exception when the choice of trains is so limited, as it is basically only a 2-hourly service.

Anyway, I've worked out that getting the 08.57 will get me to Taunton in reasonable time to catch a bus to Bishop's Lydeard station for a trip to Minehead & back. That's one day planned!

Thanks for replies.

Off-Peak Day Return tickets are not valid on the 08.57 from Worcester to Ashchurch (next station). Difference in price between Off-Peak & Anytime Return is just 5p (^4.70 and ^4.75)

So the only option from where I live is Cradley Heath to Ashchurch anytime return at ^9.05 instead of ^5.55 Cradley Heath to Worcester return. Extra cost is ^3.50, so save money by cutting back on cups of tea during the day! Surprising how expensive just a few minutes can be!

Looks like it is still a practical proposition for a couple of good days out during the 7 day period.

Living up in the Midlands, this Rover seemed worth a couple of days out. Could get to Worcester for just over a fiver on a local ticket, but the most suitable train then leaves Worcester at 08.57, which is before the Rover start time of 09.00, the next not until 11.06.

Is there anything in the "small print" about the ticket being valid on the 08.57 off Worcester Shrub Hill? If not, it's not really worth me buying it.