Spalding [SPA] to Derby [DBY] off peak return 08 Dec

[SouthStand]

Can some kind soul confirm that Peterborough - Leicester - Derby and Peterborough - Grantham - Nottingham - Derby are both valid routes? Are there any other valid routes?

Secondly, is BOJ allowed on the outward as well as the return legs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cuccir]

From Trainscanbecheaper.info

Permitted routes from SPALDING to DERBY route ANY PERMITTED
SPALDING is associated with these routeing points: PETERBOROUGH, SLEAFORD.
DERBY is part of the Derby Group.

The following are ALWAYS Permitted routes:
Any direct trains advertised from SPALDING to DERBY in the current timetable
The shortest route with a regular train service, not including walks and transfers (68.26 miles):

SPALDING
SLEAFORD
RAUCEBY
ANCASTER
BOTTESFORD
ELTON & ORSTON
ASLOCKTON
BINGHAM
RADCLIFFE ON TRT
NETHERFIELD
NOTTINGHAM
BEESTON
ATTENBOROUGH
LONG EATON
SPONDON
DERBY

The following are Permitted unless there is an easement preventing them:
Any route 71.26 miles or less (i.e. within 3 miles of the shortest route above).

Mapped routes from PETERBOROUGH to DERBY
NL
CN
Mapped routes from SLEAFORD to DERBY
EM

Via Grantham-Nottingham is fine on map NL.
Via Leicester involves doubling back between Syston and Leicester (though this is poorly indicated on the map) and is therefore not permitted

There is no break of journey restriction.(Code CG)

 

[Eagle]

Via Grantham-Nottingham is fine on map NL.
Via Leicester involves doubling back between Syston and Leicester (though this is poorly indicated on the map) and is therefore not permitted

However if you take one of the two or three EMT trains a day* that go direct from Melton to Loughborough (avoiding Leicester/Syston), then you are on a permitted route (map NL).

*in the current timetable it's the 09.30 Corby to Derby and the 21.00 Spalding to Nottingham in that direction.

 

[John @ home]

Via Leicester involves doubling back between Syston and Leicester (though this is poorly indicated on the map) and is therefore not permitted

This was discussed recently and it is evident that travel Syston - Leicester - Loughborough is not regarded as doubling back. See the last paragraph of post #10, and posts #11 and #15 in the Trianglar journey - cheapest fare? thread.

Treatment for doubling back purposes of stations with platforms on some but not all of the lines passing the station, such as Syston, is inconsistent.

 

[cuccir]

To be fair, on map NL, it doesn't look like you're doubling back (the red lines are drawn separately). Syston would be similar to Carnforth on WCML, then, I presume, in which the line passes right-by the station but as there are no platforms it can't be deemed to go through it?

It seems that you could go via Leicester, then, but it might be worth keeping in mind the possibility for having to explain yourself if challenged. Printing a copy of map NL might be useful!

 

[RJ]

National Rail Enquiries and the East Midlands Trains websites show travel via Leicester as a valid route. It's not an unreasonable route either.

 

[bb21]

Syston is not a timing point for any service except those on the Ivanhoe Line, therefore doubling back between Syston and Leicester will always be permitted on all Class 1 passenger services on the Midland Main Line and the Birmingham - Stansted Airport route on NRE.

 

[SouthStand]

Thanks for all the advice.