(19 Mar 2017, 7:52 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Likewise, although the North Country Rover admittedly holds less appeal to me.
The North West Rover, in my opinion, offers the most value for money as you can get to places like Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and even Leeds. The only drawback for people living in the North East is that it's only valid from Hexham onwards.
With a 16-25 Railcard, the North West Rover costs £48.85. Just over a tenner cheaper, and you seem to have quite a few more places to go to.
I think I just used the 685 service to Carlisle most of the time to avoid the 08:30am restriction, but if I ever did that one again, I'd be tempted to drive to Hexham and park at Wentworth Long Stay car park (free, all day, I think?) and pick up the same 08:24 train I mentioned before at Hexham instead (at 08:58).