I have known about the Man in Seat Sixty-One website for a while now, being a train travel aficionado, particularly when abroad. The site is an emporium of information, not just on train travel across the world, but on other novel ways of getting to, from and around the most distant lands, including ferries and buses. While it is primarily aimed at those who travel from the UK, it could be easily used by others. The information seems to be up to date and the descriptions of the sights you pass through on recommended voyages feel genuine and original. From the ferry-mounted train between southern Italy and Sicily to travelling to Australia by sea and rail (32 to 40 days), there is very little here that a traveller would not find engaging. And it doesn’t push any particular package deals or agencies, it’s barebones world public transport, and options for that little bit of extra luxury such as sleepers and dining services.

Check it out: http://www.seat61.com/

It’s been a while since I’ve made this journey on the train, and definitely not since my little survey of train journey times between Salisbury and Chippenham. And incidentally the price has gone up to £17.50 for a Saver Return.

The journey time from Salisbury to Chippenham via Bath Spa (no direct services at all) is approx. 1h13m. BUT, returning on a Sunday (as many people might), it takes over 2 hours! Also changing via Bath Spa bit with a 40 minute wait. Thankfully you can kill 40 mins at Bath during the day but honestly, this is not even viable by my reckoning and at £17.50 return, even less so.

On a weekday journey time back from Chippenham to Salisbury is reduced to 1h22 but we know there is a direct line ready and able from Salisbury to Swindon via Melksham that could do the job is under an hour.

I have finally got the attention of more people from south Wilts to join the continued TransWilts Rail Campaign and you can read more in the latest newsletter of Salisbury Campaign for Better Transport.

I am really very disappointed that I still can’t confidently recommend anyone travel from south to north Wiltshire or vice versa by rail at the moment, unless it is your only mode of travel.