Chiltern there and back...

Slightly later than normal run down to London Marylebone on Wednesday: using the 0852 from Birmingham Snow Hill rather than my usual 0812 train.

Both trains are of course commuter-heavy on arrival at Snow Hill. As with the 812, there is no problem getting a table seat after Moor Street and from there on it was a reasonably quiet environment in which to work. Bacon rolls offered from the catering trolley straight away, and another opportunity to buy refreshments after Leamington. Good run too meant a slighty early arrival into Marylebone (just over two hours from Snow Hill).

Coming back, I joined the 1700 Clubman just in time to get one of the last seats (to be fair to Chiltern, there had been a Twitter alert that the train would have only three rather than four coaches). So, lots of muttering around me from those whose later arrival meant standing to Banbury (the first stop). Once past Banbury of course, seats were to be had, and after Warwick Parkway, the train was relatively quiet...

Another good run meant arrival in Snow Hill in just over two hours once more. Another good value Chiltern experience (£33 return); funny, however, how the return journey always feels longer!