The new story celebrates how easily the imagination can be unlocked through travel, as recent research by GTR shows two in five (42%) of UK adults believe travel ignites creativity. What’s more, 7 in 10 of us (71%) are inspired by the scenery we pass through while on a train journey.
Nathan drew inspiration from his recent 90-minute journey across the network, from London Blackfriars to Brighton and then to Lewes. Experiencing memorable sightseeing and activities, from Brighton beach, Palace Pier and the iconic fish & chip shop, The Regency, to speeding through stunning countryside to Lewes Castle & Museum – all of which is brought to life and illustrated through an exciting, fictional tale.
His story, “Clouds”, follows 11-year-old Oscar, a ‘cloud walker’, whose head is quite literally in the clouds. When his obsession with trains distracts him at the wrong moment, he misses the cloud alarm and plummets down to Earth, landing with a bump at London Blackfriars station. However, what could have been a disaster instead kickstarts a one-of-a-kind adventure, one that unfolds not in the clouds but on the tracks.
Along the way, he discovers the magic of the railway, the kindness of fellow passengers, the thrill of new places, and the unexpected adventures you can only find on a train journey. With every stop, Oscar discovers something new. The research from the train company supports this, finding that young people (51%) are more than twice as likely to be inspired by fellow passengers while on a train journey than those aged 35+ (20%).
His journey proves that, whether soaring in the sky or sitting by the train window, the joy of travel can lie in the stories you collect along the way.
Reflecting on his journey, Nathan Bryon, commented:
“There’s something so special about being on a train. You see the world differently, meet people you wouldn’t otherwise, and let your imagination run free. That’s exactly what I wanted to capture with Oscar’s adventure in “Clouds.”
The launch also coincides with the release of the rail company’s new value ads, which spotlight the incredible value and experiences across the Thameslink and Southern networks.
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, added: “We love how Nathan has turned a journey on our trains into such a joyful story. Whether it’s Brighton, Lewes, or anywhere across our network, we want every journey to be about more than just getting from A to B; it’s about the little moments you remember long after you’ve stepped off the train.”
Everyone can read “Clouds” for free on GTR station screens, train screens, social media channels. Similarly, readers of Departures magazine can also enjoy an excerpt in its December issue.
What’s more, if you’re in search of something to listen to on your next train journey (or elsewhere), audiobook fans can now listen to a limited, special edition of Nathan’s story by heading to Spotify – search “Clouds”.
