Thanks Slowcoach!! This is a huge help.

For what is worth, I will give a few hints for those venturing to England for the first time. I will not clam that I know everything, or for that matter, much of anything.

The rail system, even after 15 years of using it is still largely a mystery to me. I know booking in advance is the best way to insure that you won't have to cash in your life savings for a simple few hours ride. I've had the best luck with the rail passes, which can only be purchased before you leave home. They are for a number of trips within a set period of time. There are several options on rides, and time they encompass. They are good for the airport shuttles.

There are few universal truths about any mode of public transportation.
1) It will be full to overflowing.
2) Someone will be sitting in the seat you have reserved.
3) Do not assume anything. Weekends are when construction is performed, so you could end up on a bus for part of your journey.
4) The English people are kind and courteous, but on public transportation it is every man for themselves, and especially when traveling to a match.

The trick to enjoying your holiday is to look at these minor inconviences as part of the adventure. Just be flexible.

One time when departing the train in St. Bees, I went to the wrong end of the train to exit. The damn door would not open, and the train was about to depart. The resulting sprint to the other end of the car, carrying full gear, probably resulted in several injuries to those seated on the aisles.

My several C2C walks have been among the highlights of my life. If you don't mind I'll share a few other experiences at a later date.

Some rail passes can be booked at the station immediately before you purchase your tickets, assuming that you have photo ID. This can be obtained at a photobooth at most stations. I bought my senior railcard like this, although I needed proof of age (which, looking at my age-worn features, is pretty obvious).

I would assume that most railcards can be obtained in a similar way.

The rail pass that seems to be the best deal for those traveling into Britain is the flexipass, which would give you 4 days travel within a 2 month period for about 200 pounds sterling. British citizens are not eligible to purchase this particular pass. First class is quite a bit more, and no big advantage. On some trains the treatrment is indeed first class, while on others the only advantage is less crowding. I don't know if better deals can be found by taking your chance after arrival, but that is the great gamble.

I would imagine (without checking) that it would be possible to do the Coast to Coast related journeys far cheaper than £200 by simply buying the tickets in advance (within 12 weeks of travel).


I can't really imagine that an advanced ticket between Manchester and St Bees or Scarborough and Manchester would cost £100 each.

Just checked on the internet

Manchester Airport to St Bees on a May Monday .....£11 single
Scarborough to Manchester Airport on May Friday ... £17:50 single


Can't really do much better I would have thought.

Seems like really good prices. My problem has always been having go through Gatwick or Heathrow, because the deals on airfare were so much better, then getting to St. Bees through Euston Station. This is further complicated by never knowing how late the flight may be, or how long in getting baggage. Never much of a problem with customs. This all makes it difficult to buy advance tickets. I suppose there is not much logic to a flexipass if the train trips are short. Anyway, thanks for the info. I only hope that the old body (and the economy) will allow me to do another C2C.

Those prices are a shock! I bought our train tickets from Manchester to St Bee's; $155 for the both of us.
Scarborough to Manchester; $68 for the both of us.

Those are American Dollars, not GBP but still! I feel like I've been robbed!!!

I know the feeling all too well!

I feel like I've been robbed!!! [/quote]


Welcome to England!