TRAVEL TIPS

●The journey is part of the experience so think of things to look for (for me it’s architecture) and accept it will take you longer, but probably not as long as you think. Always take a book, pack extra food and drink, don’t rule out a taxi for the final bit to your destination, and don’t panic if things don’t turn up on time – there are always other options, and a mobile phone can get you out of all sorts of trouble.

●Folding bikes are brilliant for getting around. They can go on any train and as long as your rucksack isn’t too heavy, it’s amazing how far you can ride.

●I work for the railway and my tip is to use the National Rail Enquiries app; it’s run by the rail network so it’s accurate.

●Get news of special offers by subscribing to rail company email lists. And for all but the shortest journeys, check a split-ticket site such as

– you can often save money by chopping your journey into smaller sections (don’t worry – you won’t have to get off the train and back on again).

●Book train tickets in advance as they’re often cheaper, and get a railcard if you can for discounts on off-peak tickets

For buses, check if there are weekly tickets: if you’re doing a couple of days away walking this is cheaper than buying a return every day.

●If getting trains, try to avoid major cities: we went coastal instead of the quick route through London and it cost £92 instead of nearly £400.

●Triple check timetables! Popular walking areas can appear to have good services until you realise they don’t run Sundays or from October to Easter! If you can, speak to a real human in a ticket office about what you want to do: there can be special tickets that are difficult to find.