Views on 13 year old granddaughter travelling on train alone from Yorkshire to Cornwall !!!e

I agree with you but then I am a great worrier as far as grandchildren are concerned. Would she need to change trains?

Interesting question Seredipity. Fifty years ago, I don’t expect anyone would have been concerned about this. We are now much more aware of potential risks posed by other adults, especially adults who’ve been drinking. It always surprises me that alcohol is sold on trains.

To ge more constructive, a lot depends on the 13 year old. If she’s sensible, has a mobile phone and a first class ticket, maybe it’s ok

the parents know her best.
it's their call.

Thank you for your replies, Greenfinch no, she wouldn't need to change ( I dont think )

Yes she would have a phone with her Iam64 as for the first class, I am not 100% on that.

Yes and that I agree welbeck, I suppose its me being older and wiser and reading all that goes on day in and day out.

I agree with you ....... but!

i would be surprised if that is a direct, no changes, route.
wouldn't rule it out myself. so many variables.

I hope suggesting first doesn’t make me sounds elitist. It can be quieter (she says having travelled first half a dozen times in her life )

If she is confident and keeps in touch by phone during the journey I would not see a problem.

I assume she goes out alone, to me it is the same but will be sitting on a train.

welbeck

i would be surprised if that is a direct, no changes, route.
wouldn't rule it out myself. so many variables.

My mum travels york to Plymouth to visit my aunt ...thats a regular service...maybe that train goes on into Cornwall further still

welbeck

the parents know her best.
it's their call.

I agree.

The parents can put an app on her phone to track where she is.

Why is she making this journey by herself? Does she have to cross London? That could be the most worrying part.

What time and what day of the week is another consideration.

Callistemon21

welbeck

the parents know her best.
it's their call.

I agree.

The parents can put an app on her phone to track where she is.

Why is she making this journey by herself? Does she have to cross London? That could be the most worrying part.

Locator on WhatsApp will do that

NO !

The train is direct without changes from Sheffield to Penzance. It takes about 10 hours so it is a very slow journey.

We have a similar dilemma. DGD wants, and is dearly wanted, to help look after her small cousins in Scotland. She would need to change trains once. Her parents are unhappy about it. She is 15.
DD did that same journey aged 12 and managed though not without problems because of a delayed train in winter. Luckily the staff spotted her, put her in 1st class and phoned me from the train to explain about the delay.

You want to help them to be independent but of course we don't want them to be frightened.

True times have changed for the worse but what can we do other than cage our DGC.
There is a direct line from York to Truro and technology devices can keep track of her.
Her parents think she is capable and they should know her capabilities.

I would be worried sick but as grandparents we have no say in such matters.

Like Grammaretto I am all for children learning to be independent but this would be a no no from me. Thirteen year olds have varying degrees of maturity but I think this is a step too far. I am also taking into account the unrest on railway services at the moment and the possibility of delays.

Ahhhh never thought of the app on her phone... good one.

THANK YOU X

I think if it’s straight through and she’s met at the other end she ll be fine but maybe bored stiff
She ll be safer just sitting on a train than wandering round the city with school friends
Nowadays there’s no closed carriages so she ll be in sight of everybody so not really anything could happen to her on the train
If she’s confident and sensible she ll be fine

I would be concerned but her parents know her best. The trouble with trains is that you can never totally rely on them to get anywhere on time. What if there’s a cancellation or the train is halted then a bus replacement.
My ex husband asked for our son, then 14, to travel from Wiltshire to North London. Changes. Were London Paddington, on the tube to Kings Cross the overground for two stops. I said no, please meet him at Paddington which he did. Unbeknown to me the return journey he just put him on the train in North London and he made his way to Wiltshire. My. Son did well and grew in confidence the more he did the journey, although it terrified me each time. He had a mobile which was good and at that time was over 6 foot so looked older. He now has travelled the world. For my daughter I don’t think I would have been happy at that age. There’s a difference between boys and girls and how safe they maybe. It shouldn’t be that way but there is. Untimely does your GD feel happy doing it? Maybe offer to go with her and travel back straight away. It’s a long journey if she’s not done it before.

My DGD2 went on a train from Frome to Exeter last summer and changed trains there and went to Penzance where she was met by her friends mother. She was 14 at the time.

She id very young to do this journey , 10 hours is very long time . If it were my GD I would be worried. Is a massive undertaking even is it is a trouble free journey. She is probably not aware of how she will feel on such a long journey alone. Her parents know her best and it is their decision. However my gut instinct is to say no !

I’m surprised that so many say no. if she can go on a bus or train to school alone then I don’t see a problem. it’s just a longer more boring journey. My youngest DS went on trains alone to central London twice a week from the age of 11.

This question is one of those "boiling the kettle" moments. At the time, your heart says "never". But it has to happen sometime.

From 13, I used to take the train from my school in Cheshire down to London and out to the Airport to fly home. My House Mistress even advised me to wear my uniform as people would "keep an eye on me". Not something I think we would suggest these days