How far North can you get, only using local trains?

In the UK, each service is given a train identification indicator or "headcode" (as they used to be displayed at the end of the train). The indicator is 4 characters, with the first character being a number that indicates the type of train. A "1" indicates this is an express passenger service, whilst a "2" indicates that this is a local or stopping train.
So the challenge is, how far North can you get in a day, if you only travel by "Twos".
Here's the rules:
+ you can start on the first train of the morning out of any station
+ you must travel only on trains with a "2" headcode
+ you must always leave the station you arrived at - no other forms of transport are allowed, including walking between stations
I won't leave any more details here... you'll have to watch the video to see how I get on and where I go and on which trains.
As I say at the end, this was the best I've come up with, but I'm happy to hear from you if you think there's another route that can gain more lattitude than I managed.
finally, I have to add a huge thanks to ‪@travelling_turtle‬ , who's previous exploits have given me the inspiration to try my own challenge. I'm sure if he'd done it, it would have been called #Two24

[@davidcronan4072]

I do wish the railway companies would show the headcodes on timetables and departure boards, as they do in mainland Europe. That extra bit of information can be useful sometimes when searching for your train.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. I know exactly what you mean! Thanks for watching 👍

[@josephturner7569]

I suggested that 40 years ago as a guard.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@josephturner7569 I'm sure there'll be a meeting scheduled some time soon to discuss the suggestion 🤣

[@LemoncloudGT]

I think Elizabeth line shows the head code

[@davidcronan4072]

I also think that Eurostar show the train numbers on their timetables.

[@TheSpotify95]

16:10 177 km/h, nice! I think the Class 360s that we have at EMR are 177km/h capable, though those trains would not be suitable for this challenge because, being a commuter service out of London, their headcode begins with 1, and not 2.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I have a possible new 2s challenge- so do watch this space! Thanks so much for watching and taking an interest in these daft things 👍

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Wow that's very enjoyable. Lots to see and hear about including the trains. You've left all the other rail travel guys in the dust.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

High praise indeed. You are very kind. Thank you 👍

[@travelling_turtle]

Brilliant idea, brilliantly executed! Well done. Just glad you didn't have to grapple with the existential question of whether you could use a class 9 train or not - at my local station, the all-station Thameslinks are class 9s, but go to Euston and the class 9s are Avanti intercities to Scotland...!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes. Others have commented the same. But it wasn't a "not 1s" challenge it was "only 2s" so the question never really came up. I may try this again on a different route, but not until the mornings/nights get a lot lighter. Thank you for watching and for the kind comment. Coming from the master of the genre I feel it is high praise indeed 👍

[@G5BTB5G]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels On RTT 9s are shown as Express Passenger so same status as 1s

[@seanharris8390]

Really enjoyed that video, impressive how far you can get. Reminds me of a similar(ish) trip I did a few years back - Penzance to Wick using 15x Sprinter units only. Did it in just over four days, I think it is still possible but may take a lot longer.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Yes, I thought I might get more of them on my trip too. But the 158 to Carlisle was fine. So pleased i made it to Leeds.

[@AbsoluteTVYT]

This is a really complex challenge... You've got stopping Thameslink service with 9-headcodes and Pendolinos which are 9s as well, meanwhile stopping Southern services from London (skipping the metro stations) are all 1s as well. I genuinely don't think I could do this - all my trains are Southern 1s or Thameslink 9s!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it was really tricky. The challenge is there, but I do wonder if it can be beaten coming up from your part of the country as there are so few 2s Thanks for watching 👍

[@pendolino_pete4621]

Some of those ScotRail services from Carlisle go as far as Glasgow. There you could change for a 2*** service to Edinburgh and head up the East of Scotland, or go to Mallaig via Fort William!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Certainly one way of beating my latitude gain may be to start further north in the morning so you can get much further into Scotland before you run out of trains for the day. But I may leave that to someone else! Thank you for watching 👍

[@staffordstation1997]

However they are class 1's when the extend to Glasgow

[@michaeljohnson9421]

That Deacon Blue poster at Bristol Parkway is a local landmark now. It's been there for about 3 years!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha - you know I did think it looked a bit dated. Good spot! Thanks for watching 👍

[@s_grib]

Travelling up and down the country on split tickets, I can relate to the anxiety around the crewe/Manchester area 😂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes. The anxiety on this one was not made up for the telly. I really felt the whole challenge hinged on Northern/TPE and their penchant for delay and cancellation - but I got lucky! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Garethness]

This is a fun little challenge

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Yes it was. Though it proved tiring at the end. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@samuelwhite92]

This appeared on my homepage and I throughly enjoyed it, now subscribed

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you very much! 👍 There's lots more on the channel too... although they aren't all daft challenges like this one 😄

[@WETiLAMBY]

to be fair the fact this is possible shows how remarkably interconnected the whole rail network is, however whilst the total ticket price is cheaper than what you would pay using express, I'm not sure it warrants the amount of time it took, since a coach can do it 6 hours quicker for £40 less than what was paid here

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha yes! I can see no logical reason for taking this route unless you are doing a challenge like mine or you just love riding on trains to and from odd places. As you say, if you really need to get there and not part with too much money, then I suspect the coach will be the way to do it. Thanks you for watching and commenting 👍

[@felixblazer4640]

Thursday and Friday just gone, i spend traveling around Leeds and i had so much fun, it was my first time on class 185s and the Nova 1s as well, i was super surprised that the 185s are more comfortable than TPEs 802 fleet. The slightly worse ride quality is definitely worth the much better seat quality.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I totally agree 👍 Thanks for watching 👍

[@curlew1000]

Well down. A good challenge. I too like the 185 units, far better than 1the 187.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, very kind of you. The 185s were a very pleasant surprise. Best wishes 👍

[@enricomonti156]

I travelled many times on the line between Leeds and Skipton and once I even did a return journey between Skipton and Carlisle, then onwards to Annan. A journey on the Settle to Carlisle railway in the morning is just amazing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is lovely and I plan do a proper video of the line on a nice day. With maybe a walk around Ribblehead too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@JoeTW67]

You went past my local station, Skipton!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

And it was all too brief... so i will be back! Thanks for watching 👍

[@craiglogistics2092]

Well done for getting so far using only local trains John, that was certainly an epic journey

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You're tellin' me! I was pretty tired on that last run to Dumfries. But hey, it worked! Thanks for watching 👍

[@actuallyneon]

I never knew how train headcodes worked, interesting to learn about the 2s!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are welcome! Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@user-dw3tw8tw6u]

Loving the video’s. Really fun to watch!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, that's really nice to hear. And thank you very much for watching 👍

[@martinbradshaw7877]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. As a Bristolian by birth and resident of Worcester I really like that section. But the whole video was highly entertaining. Thank you

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it was nice to be forced onto some routes by the rules and Worcester was certainly a bonus for me too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@cliffyoung4612]

That was excellent. Well done.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. And thanks for watching 👍

[@Timstravels01]

What a great challenge and as always a fabulous watch! I love all the info you provide.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim. It was a long day and an even longer edit! Best wises to you and Mrs Travels ❤️

[@Sim0nTrains]

The Rail Adventure between point A to point B via all those changes was epic, really enjoyed watching it.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Simon. I enjoyed planning, recording and editing it. But I couldn't do one every week! 👍

[@eam1955]

this man always entertains..thank you johnny

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

...I do my best 😃 Thanks for watching 👍

[@creationinmotion4124]

I've really enjoyed your journey 😊 well done 👏

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much for saying so. And thanks for watching 👍

[@bryanarchibald2856]

That was a brilliant video, what a fantastic idea for a challenge, well done

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@soundhobo]

Well done 👏👏👏 I enjoyed your journey 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you! And thanks for watching 👍

[@johnmartin4650]

Thank you…..glad you filmed it

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are most welcome. I'm glad you watched it! 👍

[@andrewholloway231]

What a great video... I enjoyed this.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. I really enjoyed the challenge 👍

[@dorsettyke]

Great video! Very interesting 👍 Thank you 🙂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DanLoudShirts]

Nice concept and well-executed!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Dan 👍

[@TheUncleGrant]

Wow, Another great Challenge Johnny. And you did it !! Well done. I enjoyed the entire journey as you took us through some of my favorite stations. I also love the way you seamlessly merge to video... 👌Looking forward to your next Challenge.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, you are very kind. Keep watching them and I'll keep making them! 👍

[@Streetprofit]

johny the amount of hard work you putting i wish u best and may you have lot of subscribers and views

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, that is very nice of you to say. Thank you for watching these daft videos 😉. 👍

[@horsehollerer]

Brilliant idea and execution. Well played!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, you are very kind to say so. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewsparks8838]

John, another really well put together video. You made the challenging journey really interesting and informative. Thank you. I'm looking forward to the next video.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Very nice of you to say so. Thank you for watching 👍

[@Eric_Hunt194]

New to your channel, this was a great idea for a video. The "New Model Army" reference convinced me to hit the subscribe button. Very Jago Hazzard-esque! I’ve also done the "Galton Bridge Shuffle", in my case in order to get to Bordesley for a football match.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha! I do like to slip a few like that in here and there... you might like this one... Dublin to Belfast - let's boldly go where I've not been before kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXrYnXuujsiEpNU Thanks so much for watching and subscribing. It is very much appreciated 👍

[@arob802]

Great video. Very enjoyable watch.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you and thanks for watching too 👍

[@liamahern1931]

Excellent video, I really enjoyed that. It was a nice change to see train travel at a more sedate pace and stations that don't often appear in travel vlogs.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Actually that's how it felt doing it too. A bit of slow travel every now and again isn't such a bad thing. Thanks for watching and for the kind comment. 👍

[@marcocura295]

Stumbled across your channel quite by accident and very glad I did. Super video. You have a new subscriber. 👍🏼

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank so much for coming along on the journey. New ones every week, but you've got lots of old ones to catch up on 😉

[@ampersand.]

That must`ve taken loads of planning! We were quite exhausted by the end of it :D Have a great weekend.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

"we wre exhausted at the end of it" - then imagine how I felt! That shot that I took the following morning replaces a voice to camera thing I did when I actually arrived the night before. I realised the following morning I was pretty incoherent 🤣

[@James-el2kj]

Fantastic video. So glad you went through Skipton as I now live there. I love doing the Settle to Carlisle line it’s got some breathtaking scenery but you obviously need to do it in the day time haha 😂.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. I just couldn't fit it in as I returned home, but I will do it. With a break to walk under the viaduct at Ribblehead i reckon too Thanks for watching 👍

[@johnledingham852]

First time I've been on your channel. I enjoyed the concept, and the journey, and your casually presented commentary. I'm a seventy six years young train buff in Queensland, Australia, and simply love train videos from around the world. Especially from the UK however as that is the birthplace of rail travel. As well as the birthplace of cricket, football, and Devonshire Teas. (chortle) I'm now a subscriber.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm pleased you enjoyed the video, so do please dip into the back catalogue too as there's lots more to choose from! Thanks for watching this one and subscribing 👍

[@paulduggan2]

What an absolutely wonderful journey, I’m so glad I found this video (& channel), this has made my day. Thank you, I really really enjoyed 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much for finding me. Yes, there's lots more on the channel as I'll soon be hitting 100 uploads so do dip in! In the meantime, thanks for loving this one. Comments like this keep me going to making another. 👍

[@paulduggan2]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Well, with 100 uploads, a fresh cuppa, and an extra hour in bed this morning, there’s no better time to start watching 😆 Thank you

[@walterfillingham]

Well done, what an achievement and such a great idea

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Walter! I made it out of Inverness on the No10 bus to Aberdeen in the end. A great weekend of American football was had by all. Best wishes 👍

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Great challenge and a great video! Well done getting over the border. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for watching such a long video and sticking with it till the end 👍

[@peterlockhart8997]

What a thoughely enjoyable video.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much for saying so, and thank you for watching 👍

[@andrewmulley5222]

Great video , really enjoyed that and quite an accomplishment

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. It did feel that way when I arrived into Dumfries after 16 hours! Thank for watching 👍

[@robbiephillipstravelsofple4790]

Great video and challenge really enjoyed it

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@user-gt2ud2gw9e]

Well done. There's also a major hidden benefit which you may have omitted to mention in your video. I'll explain - I have done similar across Europe, and I should point out - not just for "railway enthuiast challenges". Local rail lines (and especially in Europe) lead you through a completely different hidden world of scenery with local activities and culture. Whistle-stop tourist-carrying expresses like TGV and ICE mostly have their own totally un-eventful purpose built tracks. Your chances of meeting locals are zero - no-one gets on, and no-one gets off en route. They're either tourists or business people in such a hurry that certainly excludes wanting to talk to the likes of you and me.! They certainly won't have the remotest clue about any local info. you would like to know about the towns and villages you're seeing and passing through. You won't see them anyway - they're all screened off by endless cuttings, tunnels or high walls, along tracks that run as straight as a bullet. All Eurpean countries have excellent maps with every single station, but you will need to do your timetabling in advance. I got across to Romania (with about 7 countries to cross through). Generally, the more remote the line - the more beautiful. You will have experiences and memories that will last a life-time.!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

A very good point. I love riding Eurostar, TGV, ICE and the like, but my fondest memories are of the clickety clack through the countryside of my own or many foreign lands. 👍

[@AndrewG1989]

Sounds like a massive challenge. Or experience to ride on local trains across the UK. Awesome.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@liamburke1741]

Superb video. What a great challenge. Well done 👏👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you... and thanks for watching 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

Thank you for sharing this amazing video,

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! It was a long hard day for sure!

[@ozgirl45]

This was a clever idea and a great video! It is so nice to experience every-day train travel on smaller trains (and the lovely countryside and charming stations you went through) rather than express services. Those local lines seem to provide a needed service even if there isn’t always lot of customers.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. And yes, I was very pleased the way the challenge forced me to see some things I would have missed on the fast train. Thanks for watching 👍

[@neville132bbk]

Well done, that man--really enjoyed that trip on Mon Oct 23rd in NZ :-) I compliment you on the sharp quality of the images and the fact that you did not make you narration something of a speed-listening test, as some otherwise interesting speakers do. The farthest north I've been is on ...Aug 18th 2016, Scotrail from Cupar to Dundee... and farthest west,, Bristol Temple Meads, from Yeovil.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Good feedback to know the speaking pace was about right 👍 Thank you for watching from over here in the Uk 👍

[@geoffreystevens663]

Great fun, thank you

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks ! And thanks for watching 👍

[@TheOracle65]

Great travelog video Johnny! Being a southwesterner myself and travelling all over England and Wales for work I've travelled many of these routes but never on "local" 2 trains. Impressive work sir!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Like you I had travelled many of these lines, but wizzed through on express. It was a nice change to take the slow train and take in the intermediate stations. Thank you for watching and for the kind words 👍

[@lovefive5733]

A fantastic video, Thank you for uploading this amazing video 😊😊😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No worries. There is a sequel in the planning stages...

[@matthewodwyer3615]

Your best work yet I reckon but it must have been exhausting by the end! I will definitely try and beat that next Spring/Summer when time and funds allow.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Please do accept and maybe even beat my score. The challenge is there to be beaten! Thank you for the kind words. It was exhausting. The words I recorded when I arrived into Dumfries were the stammering waffles of a very tired man... hence the second take the following morning 😉

[@thetflthree]

Very interesting concept, and a great watch! Earned a like from me. ~ Daniel

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Daniel. I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching 👍

[@aviator3926]

Very interesting video, I'm quite surprised everything worked to time! I wouldn't have guessed you can reach Scotland from Devon in one day on class 2s. Wonderful video, thank you!

[@felixblazer4640]

I thought it was impossible but... I stand corrected.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was a lucky run. I had some cheat trains in Lancs and Yorks in case the 2s got cancelled or delayed. In the end I didn't need them! Thanks for watching 👍

[@lordgemini2376]

Amazing video!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Why thank you, your lordship! Much appreciated and thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewlong6438]

Great video plus an interesting concept of only using the type 2 services. You will need to repeat exercise starting on south coast near Brighton and going via London to the north.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. Not sure I can face another just yet! Thanks for watching 👍

[@stevemee6640]

Great journey and thanks for the kind words about the 185s. They may not be as swish as the Novas but so much more homely. :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I was surprised to find the 185s were the nicest ride of the day Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@andrewhowe555]

Great and really enjoyable video! Love your channel and content, really inspiring to get out and travel. I wonder how far south you can go? I’m amazed that you can (just about) get to Scotland. Keep up the great work 🚂👋👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

If i can inspire you to get out and about then that is wonderful to hear! Ah yes. Maybe #two24south could be the next challenge... but not during the winter though! Thanks again for the kind words and thank you for watching 👍

[@user-mm8vh3wj2i]

Nice video! I did a similar trip in 2022 but from Penzance to Thurso in four days. Back then they were running covid timetable so it was possible to get a local from Manchester to Preston an than to Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast Line all using “Twos”. The only two places where I had to bend the rule were from Carlisle to Kilmarnock where I took an express but stopped at all stations, and from Stirling to Inverness where I skipped a few stops in order to get my final train to Thurso. Glad to see someone also doing this kind of challenge♥!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. I'm also glad to hear that someone else is daft enough to do this kind of thing. Incidentally I rode the Far North line to Thurso and Wick last week, so that trip will be on the channel soon. Thanks for watching and sharing your memories of your trip 👍

[@aldo4319]

Some suburban services on the Southern area come off of branches where they stop all stations then run fast to London but are listed as class 1, other longer distance semi-fasts with less stops can be class 2

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Then maybe there's a route up round London on 2s? Thanks for watching 👍

[@memediatek]

​@@JohnnyHooverTravels2M99 takes you from Selhurst to Hemel Hempstead via Shepherds Bush, Willesden Junction, and Watford Junction

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@memediatek I'll keep that one in mind... 👍

[@TB76Returns]

It will be nice to do the Settle and Carlisle line! Skipton is in fact my local station, only a short walk from my house! Now could you see how far north you can get only with Express Passenger trains?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes def doing S&C properly. Wrt express trains (and buses) I think Geoff Marshall managed Lands End to John o Groats in a day!

[@TheSpotify95]

Adding this to my favorites. Thanks for uploading, I like these sorts of challenge videos where you try and see what you can do using certain restrictions etc. I wonder if you'd have changed for the delayed train and therefore got into Manchester earlier, would you have made any improvement? As it seemed like you were very time limited once you'd crossed the border into Scotland, and the lack of trains late at night were what stopped you from getting further (e.g. into Glasgow, etc). Also, this is the sort of thing I'd love to do, but sadly not possible where I live. At my local EMR station, the only trains are 1-headcoded and not 2s.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for all that. You are right that the quick change at Stoke would not have helped the final destination, but it would have avoided some tight connections, that in this occasion i managed to make anyway! That Leeds to Carlisle didn't offer many other options...

[@chrishartley1210]

I remember taking a similar trip from Exeter to Huddersfield and it took roughly the same amount of time, except most of my trains were supposed to be 1s. I had missed the last direct train to Leeds by 30 seconds so it had to be Exeter-Bristol-Birmingham-Crewe-Huddersfield. A long wait in Birmingham meant that it took over 6 hours to Crewe. No problem, it's not far from Crewe to Huddersfield, no more changes and just a 45 minute wait for the train from Shrewsbury. Except that the line from Crewe to Stockport was electrified so it had to have an electric loco. Connecting it up caused some of the brake or steam lines to blow. Only about an hour delay while that was fixed and off to Stockport. Where the loco had to change back to diesel, and more blown brake/steam lines. 2 hours sitting in the darkness at Stockport while it was fixed again. No more dramas and I finally arrived in Huddersfield at about 3:45 am. This was about 40 years ago so no mobile phones to let anyone know what was happening. Can't thank my brother enough for sitting in the cold at Huddersfield for 4 hours waiting to pick me up.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That sounds like one hell of a trip and well done your brother for waiting! Thanks for sharing your memories, it is much appreciated. And thanks for watching too 👍

[@john07973]

Well done you got a long way. That croissant sounded good 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

The croissant was lovely. Harts is a must if you are changing at Bristol (and have the time) Thanks for watching 👍

[@sueweston502]

Great video. As a canalophile I was fascinated with the number of navigations you crossed or travelled alongside. Also I'm planning some bus trips with my new oldiwonks bus pass. I'll look at how far I could replicate your trip using local buses as expressed / coaches etc don't accept passes. Thrilled to see @travelling_turtle commenting. You two guys are both inspirational!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I know what you mean about the canals. As I passed through those industrial heartlands there were so many! My wife and I love walking the canals. Both rural and urban ones give you such a different view and, of course, they are pretty flat! ...and shhh, don't mention it to anyone but I was pleased the turtle 🐢 saw fit to comment- obvs he was a bit of an inspiration for this challenge 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@marke9699]

an amazing, but long trip

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, i would agree having done it! Btw, "All By Twos - Go East" will be released in July, so watch out for that! Thanks for watching this one 👍

[@s.williams3214]

I always prefer taking the train on the east coast it is way more beautiful and scenic in my opinion. The borders are lovely up near Berwick

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it's a lovely run. But sadly no way up on 2s. But I've been that way on the channel before and no doubt will do so again. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@VVellieMan]

Great video as always, you really stretched your legs (metaphorically) with this one. Loved the New Model Army pun btw...😃

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Excellent that at least one person got that little gag 😃 Thanks for watching another 👍

[@garybroadhurst3548]

Thanks so much for this - I love this kind of challenge. I'd have thought this must take LOADS of research but actually, once you realise you MUST do Settle to Carlisle then it becomes a lot simpler. I DO think I've found something better though - just! You could start in Weymouth which is 50.61 degrees north instead of Exmouth with is 50.62. You could also stay in bed 47 minutes longer. 2V54 Weymouth 06:38 Gloucester 10:02 2E55 Gloucester 10:29 Worcester FS 11:20 2D55 Worcester FS 11:40 SGB 12:36 2W26 SGB 12:49 Wolverhampton 13:06 Then proceed as your trip, with the wait in Wolverhampton shortened to just 20 minutes. Having said that, I can't find your 2K52 from Wolverhampton in the current timetable (January 2024) so it looks like this trip is no longer possible. And what a shame there isn't a late night service from Dumfries to Glasgow - you miss the last one by 15 minutes. Well done though - VERY inspiring!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Absolutely loving this comment. Weymouth is indeed a sneaky way of starting a tiny bit further south... good shout! I may try this again in a year or two. So let's hope the timetable is kind when I do! Thanks for watching and for some great ideas 👍

[@railscotuk]

If he’d got off at stoke he might’ve got to Glasgow

[@matthewsmatters]

Knew you’d be aiming for the Dumfries (or Glasgow) ScotRail stopper. Amazing!!! Would love to contrast what you paid for the stopping trains and the Ranger ticket, though, with a comparable into city faire. Thanks for the great content.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! I do say at the very end what I would have paid if I'd just walk d up at Exmouth and bought a ticket to Dumfries. It would have been a little more, but A LOT quicker! Thanks for watching 👍

[@matthewsmatters]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I’ve always wondered how far it would be possible to get in a day starting from either Penzance or Thurso. Maybe Thurso - penzance would be too simple, with the longest XC. As for the costing, I must’ve missed this bit. Thank you for letting me know.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@matthewsmatters I think Geoff Marshall has a video where they go from Lands End to John o Groats on busses and trains on the longest day and they do complete the whole thing!

[@randomroveruk6715]

Wow, that was some journey! You must have a lot of stamina. A great idea though.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! The tank was empty at Dumfries though... Thank you for watching 👍

[@terryleggett]

Great idea this. If you got to Glasgow Central from Carlisle via Kilmarnock, would it count to go down to the low level platforms at Central, you could then get a Class 2 to Dalmuir to pick up a Class 2 all the way to Mallaig, obviously not in a day but it can be done. Bet you were very tired when you got to Dumfries.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Good shout!. I'm definitely going to try this again using a different route to see if I can better it! Although it will have to wait until light mornings/nights. There's been some good ideas posted and I'm a sucker for a challenge. wrt to being tired... yeah. I tried to record something to camera when I got in but could only manage a garbled stream of nonsense - hence catching the following morning! Thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@Kulla1berg]

Impressived how far you could get I didn’t expect that you could reach Scotland Interesting to see how the landscape changed and you should make a video of the shuttle in Stourbridge junction

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it was interesting to see the country slowly changing. Also it was interesting to here the different voices as you moved north. Best wishes 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh... Stourbridge does sound like one that would be a monday bonus!

[@lorenzohermoso1085]

Ha, does it always rain on your movies? I’m 4 minutes in and it’s looking pretty damp. This is the third I’ve watched after I chanced upon your Cadiz Bay Tranvía film. The other was Ribblehead with dog and friend. Great work, thanks.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks you that's kind of you to say. I'm so pleased you found the channel and i hope you enjoy watching some of the sunnier videos. Here's a good sunny one! The Douro Valley line | Put it on your bucket list! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWfUg31mgbdneJo

[@mikepowell2776]

Great video, great trip! Surprised by the cost, too. Nice to see my local station mentioned in dispatches (Damn and Cursley.) Small point; the last train looked suspiciously like a 150, not a 156 as in caption. Second small point; Gloucester’s platforms are continuous (following without a break) not contiguous (sharing a common border - although I suppose they do that too.)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was def a 156 - I just double checked a photo I took of it. It was 156 456. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@mikepowell2776]

You’re right, of course. My error. 156-456, clearly visible in final train shot. And, again of course, you travelled on it. I ought to watch when I’m awake. Excellent video, mind.

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video with some stunning scenery!! Such a complex challenge with lots of planning involved. If you had changed onto the train that was running late and would have got you into Manchester earlier, would you have got any further than Dumfries. Can I ask what the logo is on your coat and hat please. Hope all is well, take care and hope you have a great weekend.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I'm not sure it would have got me further, because of the Leeds-Carlisle train. But I would have definitely had less concerns about any delays getting to Leeds! The logo is Exeter Falcons flag American football 🏈 . They are the team I play for! Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching 👍

[@petermichaelgreen]

BTW when changing trains at manchester picadilly use the overbridge to avoid tangling with ticket barriers.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah yes. Very good shout. I'd forgotten that, which is especially dumb as some of my vids have shots taken from that very bridge! Doh! Thanks for watching 👍

[@simonpilk]

The 197 in the bay platform at Gloucester was a crew training run

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Yes, someone else in the comments mentioned it too. Thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@lewiss626]

Really good video. In theory you could do penzance to wick on just stoppers altho I believe you could only go via Carlisle as i dont believe there is any class 2 trains further then Newcastle towards Scotland.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. Theory and practice are different things though. I don't think there is any way of doing it in a day. But thanks for watching! 👍

[@stevecooksley]

Bravo sir, what a great challenge. I'm not a rail enthusiast by any means but I like the look of staying for a couple of days in one of the station cottages at Ribblehead and doing the Settle to Carlisle line that way. Have you ever done that?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha! Funny you say that, but I noticed the converted station buildings on the way and I was also thinking a weekend in one would be fun! Thanks for watching 👍

[@JeSuisRene]

That was a very interesting video, thank you! It’s inspired me to look into something similar albeit from London, given that I am a Londoner. I’ve managed to find a route to get me from London (Liverpool Street, my most convenient London terminus) to Glasgow (Central). I will have a look into whether getting to Edinburgh is possible, and a route from (London) Liverpool Street to Liverpool Lime Street.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, get out there and enjoy some travels! Thanks for watching 👍

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

Well Done JH GT journey etc.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! And thanks for watching it 👍

[@tomalexander7211]

I think you could probably get further north if you started more centrally than Devon. Maybe in London? Get an earlier train to Carlisle and then get the Carlisle - Glasgow train. Plenty of routes north from Glasgow, depending on what time you arrive.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Nice idea. But its the headcodes that could mess you up. I waited for 50min at Wolverhampton for a "2". Long waits can eat up the time. Mind you 2Y09 leaves Euston for Birmingham at 05:35 and gets you in at 08:14, so that is a pretty good gain to start you off... I'll leave you to work out the rest! Thanks for watching 👍

[@joe_dodman]

Worcester's layout is an interesting one, trains using WOS use p1 wheras trains which avoid use p2

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is. I tried to explain a bit in the vid, but vague waving of hands probably didn't quite do it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@stevebrooks6144]

Great video, love to try something like this, unfortunately it would take a 40 mile drive before I could even catch a train

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. Pleased you enjoyed it. Between you and me, I'm recording a follow up next week... so look out for that one coming soon! Best wishes to you 👍

[@Mick526]

I'd love to know how much this epic train ride cost! Fair play, 15+ hours on a train is some commitment to a challenge.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I say at the end. Just under £80! And yes, by the end I was fading a bit! Thanks for watching 👍

[@godders7964]

Excellent effort. Can you do the fastest way to get home in any train?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha! As it turned out I was up North for a few days using the NW ranger ticket some more... and then the cheapest route home was Chester-Newport-Bristol-Exeter. Most definitely NOT the quickest way home! Thanks for watching and for the kind comment 👍

[@maqueexxtv7241]

Hiya, new to channel and love these kind of videos (that's +1 subscriber haha), however your trudge through the Black country seemed a bit unnecessary. Did you ever consider taking the 0644 train all the way through to Cardiff, then on to a TfW service (albeit probably 150) to Manchester Piccadilly from there? By my calculations it would've arrived 90 minutes than from your planned route, according to todays timetable on RTT.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Firstly thanks for the kind comment and for watching the video. I'm not sure about the south Wales to Manchester services? Are they not all coded as "1"s?

[@maqueexxtv7241]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels That may be true, the poor quality of service and the use of 2-car 150s in my mind makes it a ‘local’ service. I double checked on RTT and somehow i completely overlooked that. After all it is the theme of the video! Was Exmouth the ideal starting point in terms of headcodes or geographically a good place start? Either way it would be nice to explore other start (and theoretical end) locations i.e in Kent, where i would like think there are more more frequent services that are classed as local trains.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@maqueexxtv7241 i started at Exmouth because i live close by and I think it is possibly the best place to start. Though yes, I invite everyone to see if there is a better start point

[@owenyowenface]

This looks great! Just wondering though,are you looking at heading north in the shortest route posable or are you prepared to take diversions to the east & west as long as the end destination is north of your starting point? If you are then the one day ranger tickets might be to your liking.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

The overall distance travelled was not a limitation. The rule was just taking trains coded 2. Hence there were enforced wiggles - but they were fun! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@ShalomBrother]

Nice to see Slaithwaite pronounced properly 😂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes. But only because I may have pronounced it incorrectly in a previous video and was kindly corrected! Thanks for watching 👍

[@stevenmoran4060]

You can travel North of Preston via the Cumbria Coast line to Carlisle! Very scenic but it’s not quick.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I'm not sure you can. Quote me some trains and times and headcodes. There was nothing when I looked! Regardless of that, thank you so much for watching 👍

[@jazzygeofferz]

Presumably the trains heading via Preston to Carlisle and beyond are all express services with a 1 headcode.

[@modelrailpaulcee]

You should be able to travel via the Cumbrian Coast Line, although it may be only a service from Lancaster - I believe they used to show the destination as being Barrow, but continued to Carlisle - it avoided people complaining that the train to Carlisle took 3 hours!

[@sandiandgregh]

This truly was a challenge. We wondered if you’d get to Scotland! Some really nice little stations along the way. I’m always impressed by the station gardens. A random question for you as a public transit expert: is it possible to enjoy a Devon and Cornwall holiday just using trains and buses rather than renting a car?

[@PaulGodfrey]

I am not an expert but I would say "yes". Especially if you use Google Maps to plan your route in advance. There are quite a few train and bus options. If you stay at Rail Holiday in St Germans they will give you a discount for arriving by train.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Most definitely yes! Especially if you are reasonably fit so can manage the walk to/from the station. There's some cracking little bus rides and if you go in summer they can be open top too. There are also ranger tickets on both that can save you money and encourage you to "go the extra mile"

[@sandiandgregh]

Excellent news. Saving for this next holiday has started! Thanks! @@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@sandiandgregh come back anytime with specific questions when you have more firm plans.

[@sandiandgregh]

Thanks so much. We really appreciate the offer. :) @@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@terranceparsons5185]

Excellent video! I was thinking Margate north, avoiding London?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh that's a possibility. Show me the train times though! Thanks for the kind comment and for watching 👍

[@mentaldavethefirst]

Very good effort. I do think further is possible. More text here to avoid spoilers. If I drop enough lines surely the rest of the comment will be hidden by a 'show more' This really should be enough haha What extra possibilities would have opened up if you made that dash and got on the delayed train to Manchester? Does this count as being able to get further North? I don't know - it's your challenge! Its not possibly by scheduling but with good fortune it is possible! I was convinced when watching there might have been a better route round Manchester such as the Victoria to Leeds line via Rochdale/Todmorden/Halifax but didn't realise both the Colne and Cliteroe lines don't properly connect north - for commuter traffic anyway. You also get scuppered in Bradford by the no foot connection rule. You can get from Lancaster to Bare Lane on a 2 but not from Bare Lane to Oxenholme or Carlise so even if you could find a 2 route from Manchester to Lancaster to avoid going cross country to Leeds it doesn't seem like it would help so yeah, now I'm not sure it would be possible to get further - from Exmouth at least.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Love those thoughts. Great. Yeah, the challenge is always not knowing the mind of the people who code the services. There's quite a lot that go round the houses and stop everywhere that would be dead handy but... they are coded 1. Hopefully next year, when the days are longer again, I may have come up with something to beat it. But we'll have to wait for a new round of timetables! Thanks so much for watching and for engaging with this total madness/stupidity- it means a lot 👍