Berkhamsted's Crystal Palace confuses Transport for London

What's the best way to get across the capital to Crystal Palace? Via Berkhamsted, if Transport for London is to be believed. 

The Back Bytes blog reports on the case of confused Londoner Andy Smith, who attempted to use TfL's journey planner to get to Crystal Palace town centre in the south of the capital. 

He was surprised to be given a route via Berkhamsted station - 34.3 miles away from where he actually wanted to be.

TfL claimed it would be a seven-minute walk from Berkhamsted station to his destination. Google Maps estimates the stroll to last a more realistic 11 hours 32 minutes - taking in the picturesque A5.

And the reason for the confusion? TfL was directing him to Berkhamsted's very own Crystal Palace - the canal side pub. Perhaps its route planners were feeling a little thirsty that day.

Andy politely pointed out the error to TfL so it could amend its database. A spokesman replied: 'It would be best for one to search for Crystal Palace as a station rather than a place of interest, and follow directions from Crystal Palace station.'

Of course. But at the very least, they should correct one thing - you'd be travelling at a snail's pace if it took seven whole minute to get from Berkhamsted station to sipping a pint at the Crystal.