Sleeper Trains, Greggs Missions, and Extra Time
Today’s final blog comes from Team Yellow, who brought us all the way from the sleeper train in mainland Europe back to our home soil in Altrincham.
Croissants, Cabins & Skit Magic
Waking up on a night train is always an experience, especially when the breakfast menu is a little light on the calories!
Despite having little sleep & food, to pass the time the team turned their cabin into a production set for a hilarious video. Every time a leader knocked on the door, it opened to reveal a completely new world inside. Ranging from an emergency surgery to a king being anointed, to an intense fitness bootcamp, a nature documentary, a Mormon service, and a rap concert!
“We woke up in a slow moving sleeper train to a filling breakfast of a small croissant and a bottle of water. We were then forced to think up a somewhat funny skit on no sleep- the results speak for themselves…”
Brussels, Eurostar & The Greggs Mission
The team navigated their transfer in Brussels and hopped aboard the Eurostar back to the UK. Once back on British soil, the Explorers had one vital priority.
“We then hopped off the train in Brussels and quickly grabbed some more substantial food before getting on the Eurostar with some hassle. Once arriving in St Pancras we finally got some civilised food with a quick group mission to Greggs.”
Nothing welcomes you back to the UK quite like a sausage roll! From there, it was a hot trek across London to Euston station for the train north.
“We then endured London and the heat to walk down to Euston and straight onto the train to our northern homeland.”
One Last Interrail Plot Twist
Just when everyone thought the travel logistics were finished, the leaders pulled off one final strategic manoeuvre.
“One final twist in the tail due to a late running train and horrendous M60 traffic that the leaders decided to use the Interrail ticket one last time and take the train all the way to Altrincham.”
Talk about getting full value from an Interrail pass!
And that’s a wrap on the Altrincham Explorers’ Summer 2026 Interrail Expedition!
Over 11 days, 27 Explorers and Leaders travelled over 2,100 miles across Europe, taking on mountain hikes, via ferratas, canyoning, lake swims, and international campfires.
A massive, heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible adult leaders. Without their endless dedication, patience, and meticulous planning, an epic 2,100-mile adventure like this wouldn’t be possible.
Huge thanks to everyone who checked back daily to follow their journey. Until the next big adventure! 🎒🏕️
