All Line Rover: must-see destinations?

[whole diary]

[Brucey]

Ahhh...the forth rail bridge gets my vote...I can still remember the sound of trains going over it. Although in this modern age it may be more dramatic standing underneath it rather than in the double glazed comfort of the train itself

Indeed, standing underneath it is a great experience.  I have never been over the bridge on a train, but think that'll be a priority when I rejig the plan.

[BerkshireBugsy]

Ahhh...the forth rail bridge gets my vote...I can still remember the sound of trains going over it. Although in this modern age it may be more dramatic standing underneath it rather than in the double glazed comfort of the train itself

Indeed, standing underneath it is a great experience.  I have never been over the bridge on a train, but think that'll be a priority when I rejig the plan.

I have done both. From memory if you want to stand under the bridge the northern side gives you a much better view. I wonder how long it would take to build something like that in the 21st century - what with elf and safety and all that!

[Brucey]

I have (almost) decided there is too much to fit into 7 days.  Therefore I am considering either 2x 7 days or 1x 14 day rover.

14 days is much more cost effective, but it means two weeks away from home in one block (Cambridge isn't exactly the most easily accessible place to use as a base when exploring the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)).  It's a shame they don't offer 'x in x days' products, like the regional rovers, to allow for short breaks (to explore or rest) during a longer trip.

[BerkshireBugsy]

I have (almost) decided there is too much to fit into 7 days.  Therefore I am considering either 2x 7 days or 1x 14 day rover.

14 days is much more cost effective, but it means two weeks away from home in one block (Cambridge isn't exactly the most easily accessible place to use as a base when exploring the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)).  It's a shame they don't offer 'x in x days' products, like the regional rovers, to allow for short breaks (to explore or rest) during a longer trip.

From a tracking perspective I don't know how x in x days would work - but then (for one thing) I don't know the limitations or capabilities of the gatelines.

[Brucey]

I have (almost) decided there is too much to fit into 7 days.  Therefore I am considering either 2x 7 days or 1x 14 day rover.

14 days is much more cost effective, but it means two weeks away from home in one block (Cambridge isn't exactly the most easily accessible place to use as a base when exploring the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)).  It's a shame they don't offer 'x in x days' products, like the regional rovers, to allow for short breaks (to explore or rest) during a longer trip.

From a tracking perspective I don't know how x in x days would work - but then (for one thing) I don't know the limitations or capabilities of the gatelines.

The local products (e.g. Freedom of Severn and Solent, or Freedom of South West) have a separate coupon with boxes printed.  These boxes are to be completed with the day and month before starting travel that day.  They seem to work reasonably well, although some staff are not aware of the requirement for the boxes coupon!

Here's an example:


(As an aside, that use ticket above from five years ago shows how ludicrous the fares system is.  A FOSS^▸ (Freedom of Severn & Solent Rover) rover was considerably cheaper than 4x open returns from Cosham to Bristol.)

[ellendune]

I have done both. From memory if you want to stand under the bridge the northern side gives you a much better view. I wonder how long it would take to build something like that in the 21st century - what with elf and safety and all that!

I think you just need to look slightly to the East to a small project being carried out by Transport Scotland.  The new Queensferry crossing is on track for completion later this year - so the answer is 5 years.  However, its health and safety record is somewhat blemished.  

[LiskeardRich]

(As an aside, that use ticket above from five years ago shows how ludicrous the fares system is.  A FOSS^▸ (Freedom of Severn & Solent Rover) rover was considerably cheaper than 4x open returns from Cosham to Bristol.)

Another such example - a 3 in 7 freedom of Southwest is cheaper than a return from most Cornwall locations to Portsmouth and possibly Cardiff (I cant remember if Cardiff is in the FOSW^▸ (Freedom of (the) South West Rover))

[Rhydgaled]

I cant remember if Cardiff is in the FOSW^▸ (Freedom of (the) South West Rover)

Looking at the Freedom Of South West rover validity map, it is. I'm intending to use the 8-in-15 day version to explore Devon & Cornwall, I just hope the ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) guard at Whitland is able to issue it along with the return from Whitland to Cardiff I'll be needing to reach the rover area. Don't know if I'm going to need a seperate return from Crediton to Okehampton though, as that line isn't on the rover map. I may need some anytime singles too for pre-9am travel.

[chrisr_75]

Ahhh...the forth rail bridge gets my vote...I can still remember the sound of trains going over it. Although in this modern age it may be more dramatic standing underneath it rather than in the double glazed comfort of the train itself

Indeed, standing underneath it is a great experience.  I have never been over the bridge on a train, but think that'll be a priority when I rejig the plan.

I have done both. From memory if you want to stand under the bridge the northern side gives you a much better view. I wonder how long it would take to build something like that in the 21st century - what with elf and safety and all that!

The second Severn crossing has just celebrated its 20th anniversary - it took a little over 4 years to construct - bear in mind the fact it is built on an estuary with one of the largest tidal ranges on the planet to complicate things. The project was completed on time, on budget and with no fatalities, the latter being an enviable record in comparison with the Forth Bridge - you might like to make fun of 'elf and safety', but proper attention to safe working practices DOES save lives and prevent injuries.

[LiskeardRich]

I cant remember if Cardiff is in the FOSW^▸ (Freedom of (the) South West Rover)

Looking at the Freedom Of South West rover validity map, it is. I'm intending to use the 8-in-15 day version to explore Devon & Cornwall, I just hope the ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) guard at Whitland is able to issue it along with the return from Whitland to Cardiff I'll be needing to reach the rover area. Don't know if I'm going to need a seperate return from Crediton to Okehampton though, as that line isn't on the rover map. I may need some anytime singles too for pre-9am travel.

I've picked up a brand new updated Gwr ranger and rover tickets this morning and Okehampton has a dotted green line for both FOSW and FOD&C. Green dotted line means according to the index valid summer Sunday's only.

[smokey]

Invest a little more & fly up to Inverness on a cheapie....saves a day on the rover getting there/back

Reckon it be far better to Book a Berth on the Cally Sleepers than fly!

Why fly when you have paid for a Rover?

PS Settle to Carlisle is shut between Appleby and Carisle.

Reckon Ryde PH to Shanklin is a must.

[bobm]

I have done both. From memory if you want to stand under the bridge the northern side gives you a much better view. I wonder how long it would take to build something like that in the 21st century's - what with elf and safety and all that!

I think you just need to look slightly to the East to a small project being carried out by Transport Scotland.  The new Queensferry crossing is on track for completion later this year - so the answer is 5 years.  However, its health and safety record is somewhat blemished.  

Here's the new crossing behind the existing road bridge as seen from the "proper" bridge yesterday. 


You can also take a cruise which takes you under the bridge which I did last year and is well worth it.

[BerkshireBugsy]

I have done both. From memory if you want to stand under the bridge the northern side gives you a much better view. I wonder how long it would take to build something like that in the 21st century's - what with elf and safety and all that!

I think you just need to look slightly to the East to a small project being carried out by Transport Scotland.  The new Queensferry crossing is on track for completion later this year - so the answer is 5 years.  However, its health and safety record is somewhat blemished.  

Here's the new crossing behind the existing road bridge as seen from the "proper" bridge yesterday. 


You can also take a cruise which takes you under the bridge which I did last year and is well worth it.

East ? I thought the most easterly bridge was the Forth Rail bridge...maybe my geography is wrong!

[ellendune]

East ? I thought the most easterly bridge was the Forth Rail bridge...maybe my geography is wrong!

No it was my geography that was wrong. It had been a long day!

[ChrisB]

Invest a little more & fly up to Inverness on a cheapie....saves a day on the rover getting there/back

Reckon it be far better to Book a Berth on the Cally Sleepers than fly!

Why fly when you have paid for a Rover?

Coz you save time usage on the Rover (it can start once you are in Scotland) - PLUS you still have to pay for a berth on the sleeper (not included in the rover price) which pretty much equates to the price of the flight most times.