UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2022 – First Edition – The Railway Touring Company by LucidSynergy Ltd

The Railway Touring Company UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2022 – First Edition

Bob Green

Welcome Dear Customer, I am sure that you, like us all here at Railway Touring Company, are looking forward to 2022 and as life is slowly returning closer to normal for us all I wanted to let you know what we have planned. We have many old favourites among our 2022 steam hauled daytrips, including the Waverleys, Dorset Coast Expresses and the Cumbrian Mountain Expresses. We have a few interesting additions to our programme including The Edinburgh Flyer from Preston, The Windsor Flyer and The Atlantic Coast Express. You can travel in premier dining and enjoy the luxury of being served at your seat, first class with morning and afternoon refreshments served or in the standard class where you can bring a picnic hamper along or grab a cup of tea from the buffet car. However you decide to travel with us you will be able to sit back and relax, take in the views and embrace the atmosphere on board. We want your experience with us to be as enjoyable as ever but most importantly we want you to be safe. We have introduced measures on board ensuring that you can travel with us in confidence, so please take a look at our Travel the Safe Way guidance on our website. If you need more information or have questions relating to travelling now with our new normal my team and I are here to help so give us a call. From all of us here in King’s Lynn, as always, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you on board. Kelly Osborne Managing Director. The Railway Touring Company.

25 EST. 1997

Front cover image: Liam Barnes

UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2022 – First Edition

Day Trips Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Atlantic Coast Express

Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

The End of Southern Steam

The Valentines White Rose

The Waverley

The Cotswold Venturer

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Peaks Express

The Cheshireman

The Cumbrian Coast Express

The North Wales Coast Express

The Cheshireman

The Welsh Mountaineer

The Edinburgh Flyer

The Dorset Coast Express

The Mancunian

The West Somerset Steam Express

The Stratford Flyer

The Royal Duchy

The Windsor Flyer

The Kentish Belle

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Cotswold Venturer

The South Devon Explorer

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Buxton Spa Express

The Cheshireman

The Yorkshireman

The Swanage Belle

The Cotswold Venturer

The Coast to Coast Express

The Scarborough Flyer

Terms and Conditions UK Day Trip Information

Visit our website, railwaytouring.net for online booking or to download printable booking forms.

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 • Fax: 01553 661 800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

Bob Green

Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 22nd January 2022 Our first main line steam hauled train of 2022 starts the year off with a winter scenic day out from the north-west to the Cumbria Fells. Travelling outwards over the West Coast Main Line via Shap to Carlisle, time will be available to explore this historic border city. In the afternoon, we head southwards again, but via the highly scenic Settle & Carlisle line. This will be even more special if there is snow about to enhance the breathtaking scenery of the Pennines. Our special train will depart from Manchester Victoria at about 07:00 stopping to collect passengers at Bolton and Preston. We enjoy a fast run along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Carnforth where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg and then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. We stay in the Border City for over two hours, providing ample time to visit the castle, cathedral, museum and shops, or just to relax in one of the many fine coffee shops, restaurants or bars. We leave Carlisle and begin to climb as soon as we join the Settle & Carlisle Line, one of the best known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We stop at Appleby, for our steam locomotive to take on water. The route then climbs through Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills through to Settle before we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Blackburn, where we stop to set down passengers. We then head for Bamber Bridge and join the WCML at Farington Junction and make our way towards Bolton, where we stop to set down passengers. Shortly after 19:00, we arrive at our final destination of Manchester Victoria, and the end of a truly marvellous day.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria Bolton Preston Blackburn Carlisle

07:00 19:08 07:45 18:42 08:15 18:40* ------- 17:54 11:30 14:15

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 29th January and 26th February 2022 This trip provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton** Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

07:10 22:05 06:40 21:50 08:00 21:15 07:40 21:30 08:25 20:38 08:45 20:20 09:45 19:15 10:30 18:00 12:40 14:40

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers from Watford Junction will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey. **Passengers from Northampton will travel by service train from Rugby to Northampton on the return journey. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 5

Tony Bartlett

The Valentines White Rose Saturday 12th February 2022 Join us for an exhilarating main line steam run from London’s King’s Cross to the historic city of York. York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. Our train will be hauled from London to York and as far as Peterborough on the return journey by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. We leave London King’s Cross in the morning behind Duchess of Sutherland and follow the East Coast Main Line route of famous express trains like the Flying Scotsman. We storm up the gradient through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park, and northwards, calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. Our steam locomotive then tackles the 15-mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank. Here on 3rd July 1938, Mallard, an A4 class Pacific, achieved a world record speed of 126 mph when travelling in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good, fast run down the 20 mile descent to the Trent Valley and on through Grantham, Newark and Retford. We steam through Doncaster and continue northwards to our mid-day stop in York. There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Shambles; the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe; and the city walls. There are a number of other interesting museums, quaint alleyways, and a good variety of shops. Our train leaves York late afternoon, and we will retrace our outward steps along the East Coast Main Line steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland. We say goodbye to our steam locomotive at Peterborough and continue diesel hauled, stopping to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King’s Cross in the evening.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross Stevenage Huntingdon Peterborough York

06:40 22:15 07:20 21:20 08:00 20:40 08:30 19:10 12:40 16:10

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 19th February 2022 Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the River Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via the Cotswold Line through Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham and return via the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble including the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Didcot Worcester

07:15 20:30 07:45 20:00 08:10 19:30 08:30 19:10 11:20 16:35

Our steam train leaves London Paddington at around 07:15 hauled by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through Oxford and, at Wolvercote Junction, we join the Cotswold Line. Parts of this line has had double track reinstated, which reopened in 2011. We pass through Finstock, Charlbury and Ascott-under-Wychwood. The Cotswold Area of outstanding Natural Beauty is characterised by attractive small towns and villages built of Cotswold stone, a yellow oolitic limestone. Rare limestone grassland habitats as well as the old growth beech woodlands typify the area, which is a delight to behold.

Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat.

We pass through Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh, then through Campden Tunnel, and speed down Honeybourne Bank to Evesham. We arrive at Worcester Shrub Hill where there will be plenty of time to explore this fine city. The River Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

Our steam train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns by a different route. At Abbots Wood Junction, we join the ex-Midland Railway route to Bristol and there are distant views of the Malvern Hills to the west. We head south to Cheltenham, by-pass Gloucester, and then join the Golden Valley route at Standish Junction. We pass through Stroud and climb up the picturesque Stroud Valley to Sapperton Tunnel. We continue through Kemble and on to Swindon where we join the ex-Great Western Main Line. We call at Didcot, Reading and Slough to set down passengers, before arriving in London Paddington.

There are three classes available:

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£250

£1045

First

£235

£180

£740

Standard

£165

£125

£518 7

Bob Green

The Peaks Express Sunday 6th March 2022 Join this special steam hauled train for a grand circular tour through the spectacular scenery of the Peak District and the Hope Valley line. We also traverse some sections of track that do not see regular steam hauled passenger trains around Sheffield and the East Midlands. There will also be the option to alight at Chesterfield for an afternoon break. Our train leaves Preston steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. We head south up the West Coast Main Line to Wigan North Western, where we stop for more passengers. We then travel eastwards to Manchester Victoria and a further stop is made to pick up passengers. Our locomotive will be working hard as we leave Manchester and immediately commence the climb of the testing 1 in 47 gradient of Miles Platting bank. We shall then make our way towards Chinley on another long climb and join the former Midland Railway’s ‘Hope Valley’ line to Sheffield. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3½ mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield, where there is a brief stop. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards to Nunnery Main Line Junction, where we then join the former Great Central line through to Beighton Junction. We now head south along the freight line past Barrow Hill and join the main line from Sheffield at Tapton Junction. We pause to set down at Chesterfield for those passengers who may wish to visit this interesting market town, particularly noted for its crooked spire church. Our journey continues along the former Midland Railway’s main line to London St Pancras as we pass through Alfreton and Ilkeston within the Erewash Valley. Train spotters will be delighted as we pass through Toton Yards with its locomotive depot and extensive sidings. At Trent Junction, we leave the London line and head westwards through Long Eaton and head for Derby. Again, there is a large railway presence on both sides of the line on the approach to Derby, a major railway town with a works and research facilities. Our circuitous route now takes us northwards away from Derby as we follow the Derwent Valley through Belper to Chesterfield where we pause to pick up passengers who alighted here earlier. After the steep climb at 1 in 100 up to Dronfield, we leave the Sheffield line at Dore and take the scenic Hope Valley route once again back to Manchester Victoria via Guide Bridge. We call to set down at Wigan North Western and finally at our journeys end at Preston. A wonderful way to spend a spring Sunday on this varied and unusual tour from the north west.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston Wigan North Western Manchester Victoria Chesterfield Derby

10:45 20:45 11:10 20:15 11:50 19:15 14:50 17:00 15:45 15:55

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 12th March and 24th September 2022 Our journey will combine the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carlisle, hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a steam tour from Carlisle back to Carnforth via the Cumbria Coast. We return from Carnforth to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:00 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter café and commence the climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the ascent to Shap. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle steam hauled and our return journey to Carnforth takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. After Maryport, we run along the shoreline through to the industrialised district of Workington, once a centre for the production of iron and steel. There are spectacular cliff edge views as we journey southwards from Workington through to Whitehaven, with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day across the Irish Sea. We run very close to the shoreline for several miles prior to St Bees, famous for its priory and school. We pass Sellafield, where the British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we might catch a glimpse of the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is normally steam operated. At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. After Ulverston, we cross Leven Viaduct and curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will take over for a fast run to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton** Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

07:10 22:40 06:40 22:15 08:00 21:30 07:40 21:30 08:25 21:00 08:45 20:35 09:45 19:35 10:30 18:30 11:50 13:25

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 9

Bob Green

The Cheshireman Saturday 19th March 2022 This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the historic city of Chester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Chester by Princess Coronation Class locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We can expect some spirited running down the WCML to Crewe. The Cheshireman will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Duchess of Sutherland. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ‘new town’ of Milton Keynes, where passengers from Watford Junction will join by service train. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours to explore the Roman city of Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Chester lies on the river Dee, close to the border with Wales, and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. The city contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, which is located between the city walls and the river Dee. Our special train, hauled on the return journey by our steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland, leaves Chester late afternoon for the return journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton Rugby Nuneaton Chester

07:00 21:30 06:40 21:00 08:05 20:00 08:40 19:30 09:25 18:45 10:10 18:15 12:10 16:10

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers from Watford Junction will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Edinburgh Flyer Saturday 19th March 2022 An early season opportunity to travel by train from the north-west region to Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Our journey will take us over the splendid Cumbria Fells via Shap to Carlisle. We will cross the border at Gretna and enter Scotland and head towards the famous climb to Beattock Summit. Time will be available in Edinburgh to explore its many sites and landmarks. We return later steam hauled back to Carnforth and diesel hauled on to our joining stations. We travel northwards from our pick up stations of Preston and Lancaster to Carnforth diesel hauled. At Carnforth, our steam locomotive, selected from the Carnforth pool, will be attached for the onward run to Carlisle by way the West Coast Main Line over Shap. From Carnforth our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. The spectacular scenery of the Lune Gorge will contrast with the barren moorlands of the Shap Fells as we skirt the edge of the Lake District. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. . After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. We will call at Carlisle to pick up further passengers and also take a break to service our steam locomotive for the run northwards. Our journey northwards continues from Carlisle as we head over the border at Gretna and head though the Lowlands via Lockerbie towards Beattock. Here we are faced with the 10 mile climb to Beattock summit, with an almost continuous gradient of 1 in 75 to test our steam locomotive. This will be one of the highlights of the day as we take on the challenge of this formidable incline, replicating the glory years of the LMS with their crack Anglo-Scottish expresses. On falling gradients, we then follow the upper Clyde valley through to Carstairs where we turn off and head for Edinburgh.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston Lancaster Carlisle Edinburgh

07:45 21:20 08:15 20:50 10:20 19:00 12:50 16:20

usually at a table for four.

Time will be available in Edinburgh for passengers to visit the city and its many attractions, most being located centrally near Princes Street Gardens. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, St Giles cathedral, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens. We will return south with our steam locomotive and follow our outward route. Highlight of the journey back to Carlisle will be the southbound climb to Beattock, graded at 1 in 99 as we near the summit. After a short stop in Carlisle, we commence the climb to Shap and return to Carnforth, where we shall say farewell to our steam locomotive. We will finally return to Lancaster and Preston with diesel haulage, thus ending what promises to be an interesting day trip to Scotland.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 11

Bob Green

The Mancunian Saturday 26th March 2022 This tour offers a unique opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the bustling city of Manchester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Manchester by LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Stoke on Trent and then onwards via Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly. The Mancunian will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Duchess of Sutherland. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We stop to pick up more passengers at Watford Junction and then continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ‘new town’ of Milton Keynes. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we will stop for water and pick up further passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, where we will make a stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral and, soon after Rugeley, is Colwich Junction, where the line to Stoke on Trent leaves the WCML. We will now follow the former North Staffordshire line through the Trent Valley towards Stoke on Trent. This line has not seen many steam hauled trains in recent years, so this will be a new steam hauled route for many. After passing through the Potteries, we continue our journey northwards through the Harecastle tunnel and take the North Staffs line to Macclesfield at Kidsgrove junction. There is a long climb from Congleton through North Rode towards Macclesfield. Here, we now pick up the former LNWR route through Poynton to Cheadle Hulme, and then onwards to Stockport. At Stockport, we will cross the lofty Mersey Square viaduct and proceed through the suburbs of south Manchester before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly for an afternoon break. With the shops and attractions all nearby there will be something for everybody, including those who wish to shop in the Arndale Centre. There are ample pubs and restaurants for lunch, plus many museums and places of interest within easy walking distance of the city center. After our visit to Manchester, we will return to London steam hauled this time departing from Manchester Victoria station. We will pause at Crewe to take on water before continuing southwards along the WCML. Highlight of this journey will be the long climb out of Crewe up to Whitmore summit. After passing through Stafford, we round Queensville Curve and head for Colwich Junction, where we pick up our outward route. We will set down at our earlier calling stations on the way. This tour promises to be a fitting tribute to the former LMS golden years along the WCML and its fine locomotives.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction Milton Keynes Northampton Rugby Manchester Piccadilly Manchester Victoria

07:00 21:20 07:25 20:50 08:00 20:10 08:30 19:40 09:15 18:40 11:50 ------------- 16:00

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Stratford Flyer Saturday 9th April 2022 Join us on this special day out, steam hauled from Manchester to Stratford upon Avon, by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Our train will have the added excitement of a fast run up the West Coast Main Line from Crewe as we make our way towards the internationally popular destination of Stratford upon Avon, visited from far and wide by many to see its Shakespeare attractions. Our special train starts at the cosmopolitan northern city of Manchester, and we will be steam hauled through the suburbs to Stockport, where we will pause briefly to pick up passengers. We now head for Crewe across the Cheshire Plain, calling to pick up at Wilmslow en route. There will be a water stop at Crewe before we continue southwards along the WCML towards Stafford. One of the highlights of the day will be the long climb up to Whitmore Summit as our steam locomotive takes on the rising gradients. Formerly the preserve of the LMS Pacifics on the Anglo-Scottish expresses, the WCML will be a challenge and will also provide an opportunity for it to stretch its legs with some fast running, At Stafford we will leave the Trent Valley line and take the Birmingham route via Wolverhampton. We will run through the industrial heartlands of the Midlands and make our way towards Birmingham New Street, our second major city of the day. We will thread our way through the suburbs of Birmingham and make our way steadily to join the former Great Western Railway’s route from Birmingham to Stratford upon Avon. The Warwickshire countryside will provide a pleasant outlook from your carriage window as we approach our destination for today at Stratford upon Avon. There will be ample time in the town to take in all the famous sights, including the birthplace of William Shakespeare and his New Palace home, possibly the most famous writer in the English language. Explore the other sites, including the Memorial Theatre, the Bancroft Gardens and the river Avon and Stratford Canal. The town offers many interesting shops and is well provided for with pubs and restaurants. All in all, a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Piccadilly Stockport Wilmslow Crewe Stratford Upon Avon

08:30 21:15 08:50 21:00 09:00 20:45 09:45 20:15 13:00 16:50

usually at a table for four.

During our stay in Stratford, our steam locomotive will be turned and serviced for the journey back to Manchester. We will retrace our earlier route back through Birmingham, Stafford and Crewe before arriving back in Manchester in the evening, ending what promises to be an interesting and varied day out to Shakespeare country.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 13

Bob Green

The Windsor Flyer Saturday 14th May 2022 Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscapes, and time at Windsor, famed for its royal connections. We will be steam hauled outwards from Norwich to Windsor by LMS Princess Coronation Class ‘Pacific’ No.6233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Our day out begins early in the morning when we leave Norwich station, hauled by 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the river Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers at Wymondham, a beautifully kept rural Norfolk station, Attleborough, Thetford and Brandon. Approaching Ely, our final pick up station, we cross the River Great Ouse where there are fine views of Ely Cathedral. We now head southwards and pass through Cambridge, famous for its many Universities including King’s and Trinity. We make our way via Royston to Hitchin where we join the East Coast Main Line and head southwards towards Stevenage. We will be able to get up speed along the main line to London King’s Cross as we pass through Potters Bar towards Finsbury Park, where there will be a set down should you wish to spend the day in London sightseeing, it is 15 minutes by underground into central London from Finsbury Park. From here we will follow the interesting North London suburban line via Hampstead Heath to Willesden and Acton. We thread our way towards Brentford and follow the Hounslow loop line through to Staines. From Staines, we join the former London & South Western Railway’s Windsor branch and make our way to Windsor & Eton Riverside station, conveniently located near to the town and its many attractions. Windsor sits on the banks of the Thames and is home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and it is still the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, being the home of 39 monarchs. Other famous sites include Eton College, Windsor Great Park, and the Thames heritage path. The town also has an abundance of shops and restaurants to cater for the many tourists who visit the town each year.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich Wymondham Attleborough Thetford Brandon Ely Finsbury Park Windsor

07:00 21:00 07:20 20:40 07:35 20:25 07:55 20:10 08:05 20:00 08:25 19:40 11:00 18:10 12:45 16:40

usually at a table for four.

After our break in Windsor, we will return to Norwich diesel hauled, retracing our earlier route with a pick up stop at Finsbury Park for those who chose to alight there earlier. We continue back to Norwich setting down at our outward calling stations.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£299

£215

£921

First

£199

£145

£616

Standard

£129

£99

£407

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 21st May, 25th June and 6th August 2022 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton** Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

07:10 22:05 06:40 21:50 08:00 21:15 07:40 21:30 08:25 20:38 08:45 20:20 09:45 19:15 10:30 18:00 12:40 14:40

There are three classes available:

We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre.

Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat.

We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

usually at a table for four.

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 15

Bob Green

The South Devon Explorer Saturday 28th May 2022 The South Devon Explorer offers an exceptional day out travelling by train from stations in Berkshire to Plymouth in South Devon. We travel along the famous ‘sea wall’ from Dawlish to Teignmouth and over the South Devon banks through Totnes. The special train will be hauled from Bristol to Plymouth and back as far as Taunton by steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train starts from Woking in Surrey and will be diesel hauled from there to Bristol. En route, we stop at Guildford, Reading and Newbury to pick up more passengers. The route follows the river Kennet through attractive countryside and then runs beside the Kennet and Avon Canal for some distance before we make our final stop for passengers at Westbury. We change motive power at Bristol where steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland will take over the train. We shall soon be speeding along through the Somerset countryside and across the Somerset Levels to Taunton, where we make a brief stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border before descending through the Culm Valley to Exeter. We then follow the Exe Estuary, passing the picturesque Cockwood Harbour, and run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. This is one of the most famous and scenic stretches of railway line in Britain, which gained international prominence when part of it was washed away in the 2014 storms. After Newton Abbot, we follow the South Devon line to Plymouth. Immediately we start to climb the very steep gradient of Dainton Bank. The climb twists and turns all the way to the summit at Dainton Tunnel. A short reprieve for our fireman follows as we descend the gradient to Totnes, which will allow time to get the boiler pressure up for the next climb of Rattery Bank. Gradients as steep as 1 in 47 run for four miles to Rattery before they ease off for the remainder of the climb to the summit at Wrangaton. Running along the southern edge of Dartmoor, we descend towards Plymouth, our destination for the afternoon. There will be time here to visit this modern city, with its many attractions, including the Hoe with Smeaton’s Tower, the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps, and the many shops in the city centre. Our return journey as far as Taunton will be steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland. The first real challenge faced will be the ascent of the 1 in 42 gradient of Hemerdon Bank just outside Plymouth. There is also the climb to Dainton Tunnel from Totnes, followed by the return run along the Dawlish sea wall to Exeter. From Taunton, the train will be diesel hauled back to Woking. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Woking Guildford Reading Newbury Westbury Plymouth

06:50 23:15 07:15 23:00 08:10 22:05 08:45 21:40 09:30 20:45 14:00 17:00

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£295

£210

£905

First

£195

£140

£600

Standard

£130

£95

£403

Bob Green

The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 4th June 2022 Join us for a contrasting main line steam run from Ealing Broadway to the Peak Distict of Derbyshire and the spa town of Buxton. We will travel via the Midland Main Line to Kettering, and through Melton Mowbray, to Chesterfield, before heading westwards through the scenic Hope Valley and Peak Forest routes to Buxton. Our locomotive for the day will be Jubillee class locomotive No.45596 Bahamas. Leaving Ealing Broadway early in the morning, diesel hauled, we join the Midland main line and pick up at St Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering. Heading northwards away from Kettering, we now head for Leicester. At Leicester Humberstone Road sidings, Bahamas will be waiting to take us on our journey to Buxton. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield with its crooked spire we take the Hope Valley line at Dore. We pass through the heart of the Peak District before leaving the main line at Chinley East Junction and take the Peak Forest line past the huge stone quarry at Tunstead. We now run through Ashwood Dale towards Buxton, our destination for the afternoon. Buxton is famous as a market town and also for its spa waters and Georgian architecture. An interesting town to explore during your stay Bahamas is serviced for the return journey. You will have ample time in Buxton, the highest market town in England, during the afternoon break for you to explore this attractive market town, famous for its spa waters in the Pump Room, The Crescent, and the Pavillion with its extensive gardens. We will return from Buxton via the same route as on the outward journey. Our steam locomotive Bahamas will be detached at Humberstone Road in Leicester and we will return to Ealing Broadway diesel hauled, setting down at our earlier calling points.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Ealing Broadway St. Albans Luton Bedford Kettering Leicester Buxton

07:05 22:40 08:00 21:50 08:15 21:40 08:45 21:10 09:20 20:35 09:50 20:00 13:00 17:00

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 17

Bob Green

The Yorkshireman Saturday 11th June 2022 Join us for a main line steam run from west London’s Ealing Broadway station to York. The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line stopping at stations to pick up further passengers. Our train will be dieselhauled between London and Leicester where Jubilee class steam locomotive No. 45596 Bahamas will be attached for the run to York. Our train leaves London Ealing Broadway at around 06:30 hauled by a diesel locomotive, and travels around West London through Acton Wells and Neasden South Junction. At Dudding Hill Junction we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) near Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers. We make our way towards Leicester where we will pick up passengers from Melton Mowbray. We will then pause to attached Bahamas in Humberstone Road sidings. With Bahamas now attached, we are steam hauled away from Leicester along the MML and head through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. Our final boarding point for passengers is at Alfreton. After Chesterfield we take the ‘old road’ to Rotherham and continue through Conisbrough to Doncaster. Here we join the East Coast Main Line and can expect a fast run to York, where we arrive in the early afternoon. York is well known for its magnificent Minster, Castle and city walls. The Snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody. Our train leaves York at around 17:15 and returns to London Ealing Broadway steam hauled by Bahamas. At Syston Junction north of Leicester, we leave the MML and head for Melton Mowbray. Our journey now takes us through Oakham in Rutland and onwards to the spectacular Harringworth Viaduct. Running via Corby, we rejoin the MML at Kettering and head for Ealing Broadway. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Ealing Broadway St. Albans Luton Bedford Kettering Leicester Melton Mowbray Alfreton York

06:30 22:45 08:01 21:50 08:17 21:39 08:48 21:10 09:30 20:37 10:00 ------- ------- 19:50 11:30 18:40 13:51 17:15

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 18th June 2022 Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the River Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via the Cotswold Line through Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham and return via the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble including the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Didcot Worcester

07:40 20:50 08:10 20:20 08:35 19:55 09:00 19:30 12:00 16:30

Our steam train leaves London Paddington at around 07.15 hauled by steam locomotive No.60163 Tornado and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through Oxford and, at Wolvercote Junction, we join the Cotswold Line. Parts of this line has had double track reinstated, which reopened in 2011. We pass through Finstock, Charlbury and Ascott-under-Wychwood. The Cotswold Area of outstanding Natural Beauty is characterised by attractive small towns and villages built of Cotswold stone, a yellow oolitic limestone. Rare limestone grassland habitats as well as the old growth beech woodlands typify the area, which is a delight to behold.

Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

There are three classes available:

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 19

Bob Green

The Scarborough Flyer Saturday 25th June 2022 This exciting trip by steam train offers an opportunity for passengers from the Greater Manchester and Sheffield areas to visit the seaside town of Scarborough. The circular route cuts across the rugged Pennine terrain to York, and then on to the popular east coast seaside resort of Scarborough. Our train will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. Our train leaves Manchester Victoria, hauled by our lovingly restored steam locomotive, and heads for Romiley, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and pass through Cowburn Tunnel into the beautiful Vale of Edale. We continue through Hathersage, before passing through the 3½-mile long Totley Tunnel and arrive at Sheffield, our final stop for passengers. We then travel northwards through Swinton and Moorthorpe to York, where passengers will have the option of alighting here to visit the city or the National Railway Museum. Leaving York, we follow the River Derwent through pleasant Yorkshire scenery to Scarborough via Malton. The station at Scarborough features the longest station seat in the world! Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the East Yorkshire coast. It provides all the facilities that you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough late afternoon, hauled by our steam locomotive, for the return journey to Manchester. We travel westwards through Malton and Castle Howard to York. At Milford Loop we say farewell to our steam locomotive and continue our journey home diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria Romiley Sheffield York Scarborough

07:50 21:05 08:40 20:30 10:05 19:20 12:15 16:50 13:30 15:50

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Ken Brunt

The Atlantic Coast Express Saturday 2nd July 2022 Join us on this classic rail journey, following part the route of the old Atlantic Coast Express (ACE) that ran from London to the seaside resorts of Devon and Cornwall in South West England. We will leave London Waterloo steam hauled in the morning and make our way to Exeter where there will be a break to visit the historic city centre. Our return route will be via Bristol, Bath and Salisbury back to London Waterloo. Departing from London Waterloo, we will thread our way steam hauled through the west London suburbs towards Woking and Basingstoke, where there will be stops to pick up passengers. We continue to follow the London & South Western Railway’s main line to Salisbury and Exeter, following the route of the old ACE expresses. After the Salisbury water stop, we will follow the main line through to Templecombe, which will give Clan Line an opportunity to get up to its maximum permitted speed. We will pass the Yeovil Junction steam centre as we continue westwards and take on the challenging 1 in 80 climb up Crewkerne Bank. After Axminster, there is further adverse climbing as we encounter the testing eight miles of mainly 1 in 80 up to Honiton Summit. Descending gradients then lead to Exeter, where we will have an afternoon break to visit this historic city, with its Cathedral at the very centre of the city. There will be a stop on the outward journey at Exeter Central to enable passengers to visit the city centre easily, passengers will need to make their way down the hill to Exeter St David’s for the departure of our train in the afternoon. With Clan Line serviced ready for our return journey, we will now follow the Great Western Railway’s Exeter to Bristol route, which includes the long climb up Wellington Bank towards Taunton. A fast run across the Somerset Levels then brings us to Bristol. We pass through Bath and Westbury before reaching Salisbury once again. The ACE will now retrace our earlier steps back to London Waterloo, setting down as outwards, and thus ending a varied and interesting day out over classic railway routes with a Southern Region Express steam locomotive.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Waterloo Woking Basingstoke Salisbury Exeter Central Exeter St. Davids

07:17 21:20 07:55 20:40 08:30 20:00 09:55 18:50 12:50 ------12:55 15:50

usually at a table for four.

Ex Southern Region ‘Merchant Navy’ Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line will haul this special train, recreating some of the excitement of the days of the ACE.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£295

£210

£905

First

£195

£140

£600

Standard

£130

£95

£403 21

Colin Weaver

The End of Southern Steam Saturday 9th July 2022 This day trip by steam train provides the opportunity to visit the popular seaside resort of Weymouth for the afternoon. This special train to mark the 55th anniversary of the end of Southern steam will be hauled by steam locomotive No.35028 Clan Line from London Victoria to Yeovil. We continue to Weymouth diesel hauled before our steam locomotive hauls us back to London via Bournemouth. Our train leaves London Victoria station at around 08:45 behind our splendid steam locomotive, No.35028 Clan Line. We travel out of London through the suburbs, and then stop for further passengers at Woking and Basingstoke. At Worting Junction we take the West of England Main Line to Andover and Salisbury. At Wilton Junction the line becomes single track. We cross the edge of Salisbury Plain and pass through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Tisbury and Gillingham in Dorset. We cross Gillingham Viaduct and pass through Buckhorn Weston Tunnel before Templecombe, where once the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway passed beneath our line. Travelling westwards through north west Dorset we pass through Sherborne, one of the most beautiful towns in England, before continuing with the train to Yeovil Junction where the steam locomotive will be serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre. Our train leaves Yeovil Junction, hauled by a diesel locomotive, and runs southwards through Maiden Newton towards Dorchester and the large seaside resort of Weymouth. There will be a break here to visit the town, with its many attractions and restaurants, before we return to London Victoria steam hauled. Our return route will be via Bournemouth, Southampton and Eastleigh back to Basingstoke and Woking to set down passengers, followed by journey’s end at London Victoria.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Woking Basingstoke Weymouth

08:45 21:15 09:25 20:35 10:05 19:50 12:45 16:35

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£295

£210

£905

First

£195

£140

£600

Standard

£130

£95

£403

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 10th July, 7th, 14th, 21st August and 4th September 2022 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There will be time to visit the border city of Carlisle. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Lazenby, where our locomotive takes on water. We continue to Carlisle where passengers will have over one and a half hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 14:20 16:15

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 23

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 16th July 2022 This is a wonderful opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Lancashire to travel by steam train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes. Our train travels north to Carlisle via the West Coast Main Line over Shap and returns by the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway line. We have a magnificent steam locomotive to haul these trains, which recall the glorious days of steam train travel. It promises to provide a memorable day out. Our train will be diesel hauled from Crewe to Liverpool via Runcorn, where we stop to pick up further passengers. We leave Liverpool Lime Street, diesel hauled at around 08:55 and stop to pick up passengers at Broad Green and St. Helens Central. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) before stopping for more passengers at Wigan. Our final stop for passengers is Preston. From Preston we continue up the WCML and pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth where we change motive power to our steam locomotive for the day, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, steam hauled, we pass the Brief Encounter café and commence the climb of our first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and in the former days of steam locomotives banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe Runcorn Liverpool Lime Street Broad Green St. Helens Central Wigan North Western Preston Carlisle

07:50 21:00 08:20 20:25 08:55 19:45 09:05 19:30 09:15 19:20 09:30 19:05 10:00 17:55 12:40 14:25

usually at a table for four.

Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. Our train returns to Liverpool, diesel hauled, stopping to set down passengers at Wigan, St. Helens Central, Broad Green and Liverpool Lime Street where we arrive around 19:45. Our train continues on to Runcorn and Crewe diesel hauled.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Cheshireman Saturday 16th July 2022 This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the historic city of Chester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Chester by A1 class Pacific No.60163 Tornado. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We can expect some spirited running down the WCML to Crewe. The Cheshireman will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Tornado. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ‘new town’ of Milton Keynes, where passengers from Watford Junction will join by service train. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours to explore the Roman city of Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Chester lies on the river Dee, close to the border with Wales, and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. The city contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, which is located between the city walls and the river Dee.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton Rugby Nuneaton Chester

07:00 21:30 06:40 21:00 08:05 20:00 08:40 19:30 09:25 18:45 10:10 18:15 12:10 16:10

usually at a table for four.

Our special train, hauled again on the return journey by our steam locomotive Tornado, leaves Chester late afternoon for the return journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 25

Bob Green

The North Wales Coast Express Sunday 17th July 2022 The North Wales Coast Express is a special steam hauled summer train that runs from Liverpool and Chester to Holyhead. It provides an excellent opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Cheshire to experience the excitement of travelling by steam train along the picturesque North Wales Coast railway line. Passengers have a choice of three destinations: the seaside town of Llandudno, the historic city of Bangor, or the port of Holyhead. Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street Sunday morning, hauled by a magnificent steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, and then makes its way through Edge Hill cutting to Broad Green, where we will make a stop to pick up. Next we pick up at Warrington Bank Quay. Running via Frodsham, we reach Chester, where we pick up further passengers. On leaving Chester, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales. We steam alongside the Dee Estuary, with views across to the Wirral Peninsula. We pass through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Colwyn Bay along the delightful Irish Sea coastline, which is well known for its fine beaches. We stop at Llandudno Junction where passengers for Llandudno can take the service train to spend time at this popular seaside resort. From Llandudno Junction, we continue westwards along the North Wales Coast Line, crossing the Conwy estuary on Robert Stephenson’s Tubular railway bridge, with Edward 1’s castle overlooking the town and bridge. The railway line runs very close to the Irish Sea as we pass through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with magnificent sea views across to the Island of Anglesey. We stop at Bangor station to set down those passengers who may wish to spend time visiting this historic city, with its cathedral and restored pier. Our train crosses the Menai Strait on the Britannia Bridge and enters the Isle of Anglesey. We now run across the Island through Valley to enter the sea port of Holyhead, where there will be time to visit the town or marina whilst our steam locomotive is turned and serviced for the return journey. Our train leaves Holyhead, steam hauled late afternoon, and stops at Bangor and then Llandudno Junction, to pick up passengers who opted for a visit to Llandudno. It continues via Chester and Warrington Bank Quay to Liverpool Lime Street, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Prices to Llandudno Junction: Fares

Adult

Junior

Prices from Llandudno Junction to Holyhead: Family

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street 10:15 22:30 Broad Green 10:25 22:20 Warrington Bank Quay 10:55 21:50 Chester 12:30 20:30 Llandudno Junction 13:25 19:35 Llandudno 13:40 18:55* Bangor 14:05 18:40 Holyhead 14:45 18:00 There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

*By service train from Llandudno Junction. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£125

£70

£355

First

£110

£55

£303

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£95

£60

£280

Standard

£75

£40

£210

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The Welsh Mountaineer Tuesday 19th July 2022 This day trip provides a rare opportunity for passengers from Lancashire and Cheshire to travel by steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, in the heart of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. The route is via Chester, providing connections from other parts of the country, and along the scenic North Wales Coast Line. From Llandudno Junction, our steam train heads up the beautiful Conwy Valley to the mountains at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Our train is steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool and leaves Preston at around 06:50 and heads up the West Coast Main Line to Warrington Bank Quay, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We continue to Frodsham, where further passengers may join the train and our steam locomotive takes on water. Chester is our final pick up point for passengers and, as we leave, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the river Dee into Wales. We continue westwards beside the Dee Estuary and then travel along the delightful Irish Sea coastline, which is well known for its beaches. We pass through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn and Rhyl. Approaching Colwyn Bay, we enjoy wonderful views of the Little Great Orme. At Llandudno Junction station, we change direction of travel as our steam locomotive needs to ‘run round’ our train for the run up the Conwy Valley. We set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog behind our steam locomotive, following the pretty Conwy Valley through to Llanrwst. We enter the Snowdonia National Park before Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey is extra special; we enter the very heart of the Welsh mountains as our train climbs up the very steep gradients to Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles long, this impressive piece of engineering is the longest single-track tunnel in the country. We pass through the substantial waste heaps of an old slate quarry before arriving at the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston Warrington Frodsham Chester Llandudno Junction Blaenau Ffestiniog

06:50 21:20 07:30 20:05 08:20 19:30 09:30 19:10 10:50 18:05 13:15 16:00

There are two classes available: First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway station is the terminus of the Conwy Valley Line and also the adjacent narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway. We stay for almost three hours in Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town known as the Victorian slate capital of the world. The industry declined so that only the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, a former slate mine, remain today as a popular tourist attraction open to visitors. Our train leaves Blaenau Ffestiniog, steam hauled, at around 16:00 and returns to Llandudno Junction. After changing direction of travel we continue eastwards, still steam hauled, stopping at Chester, Frodsham, and Warrington Bank Quay to set down passengers. Our final calling point is Preston and so ends a memorable day out to Snowdonia. Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

First

£215

£170

£685

Standard

£155

£110

£475 27

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 21st July, 18th August and 1st September 2022 We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. Our train leaves London Victoria station at around 08:45 steam hauled by Jubilee class steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas, and travels westwards, crossing the river Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth around 13:45 and have almost three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops. We return from Weymouth hauled by U Class steam locomotive No.31806 at around 16:40 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Bournemouth Weymouth

08:45 22:00 09:35 21:15 10:05 20:40 10:55 19:50 12:50 17:45 13:45 16:40

usually at a table for four.

*In

the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Bob Green

The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 23rd July and 13th August 2022 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. One steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard. The Heritage Railway will then provide a steam locomotive to haul our train to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. We leave London Paddington at around 08:00, steam hauled by Jubillee class steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas and stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers. At Reading we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making our final stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal, and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury and continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton. Soon after leaving Taunton, we arrive at Norton Fitzwarren, where we transfer to the West Somerset Railway (WSR), the longest Heritage Railway in the country. We continue to Bishops Lydeard, where a WSR steam locomotive will take over our train for the remainder of the journey to Minehead. The WSR runs along the edge of the Quantock Hills between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet where it meets the coast. The line then turns inland to Washford and returns to the coast at Blue Anchor, passing near to Dunster with its magnificent castle, and terminating at Minehead. On arrival at Minehead, there will be more than two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. A WSR steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive will take over for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Newbury Bishops Lydeard Minehead

08:00 22:40 08:35 21:50 09:10 21:15 10:15 20:45 12:50 18:25 14:40 17:15

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 29

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 31st July, 21st August and 11th September 2022 These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton and Taunton to Devon & Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown. Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland at around 08:45 and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. We stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. We leave Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed. After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium. We leave Plymouth, diesel hauled, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. We leave Par steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland at around 17:45 and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton enroute.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads Yatton Taunton Exeter St. Davids Plymouth Par

08:45 22:45 09:05 22:25 09:40 21:15 11:30 20:15 12:45 19:00 14:00 17:45

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£299

£225

£936

First

£199

£155

£631

Standard

£129

£105

£416

Bob Green

The Kentish Belle Thursday 4th August 2022 This day trip by steam train provides an interesting day out to the historic city of Canterbury and the popular north Kent coast resorts. We follow a rambling route across Kent to Canterbury West, where you can opt to visit this famous cathedral city. The Kentish Belle then continues to Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay and terminates at Faversham. You have the option to detrain at any of these attractive destinations. The Kentish Belle will leave London Victoria station steam hauled by 45596 Bahamas in the morning and thread its way across the south London suburban lines through Bromley South, where we will join the Maidstone East line. Cutting across central Kent, we will reach Ashford where we take the line to Canterbury West. Canterbury is a world famous cathedral city. It was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Canterbury Cathedral, founded 597 A.D., is the headquarters of the Church of England. We continue across Thanet to the coastal resort of Ramsgate, a popular seaside resort and a busy ferry terminal for ferries to Ostende and Boulogne. Alternatively, stay aboard and alight a Broadstairs, with its magnificent horse shoe shaped bay which is the main attraction. Margate is a busy seaside resort that has all the trappings to provide entertainment in all weathers, and a wide beach with a sweeping promenade. You have the option to continue to our destination at Faversham, a town famous for its maritime history. It is the oldest market town in the county and recorded in the Domesday Book, and is located on a winding creek. By 1900, and after 400 years of manufacturing gunpowder for famous battles such as Trafalgar and Waterloo, Faversham had grown to be the centre of the nation’s explosives industry. With an amazing array of independent shops, regular markets, walking and a reputation for fine foods, Faversham is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a short break. We retrace our earlier route back to Canterbury, picking up at each set down station, before continuing back to Ashford. We join the main line to Tonbridge this time, where you will see the orchards and characteristic Oast house of Kent. We return to London Victoria by way of Severnoaks and Bromley South to conclude a variable-option day in the delightful Kent countryside.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Bromley South Canterbury West Ramsgate Broadstairs Margate Herne Bay Faversham

08:45 20:05 09:20 19:20 11:40 17:45 12:05 17:15 12:15 17:10 12:25 17:00 12:40 16:35 13:00 16:15

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 31

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 27th August 2022 Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the river Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via Staines and then from Reading via the Great Western Main Line to Didcot and Swindon. We then run via the Golden Valley line through Kemble and Stroud, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel. Our steam train leaves London Victoria at around 07:45 hauled by steam locomotive No.35028 Clan Line and head through the west London suburbs via Hounslow towards Staines, where we pause to pick up passengers. We make our way via Ascot to Reading and via the Great Western Main Line towards Didcot to pick up more passengers. We follow the GWR main line through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon where we branch off to take the Golden Valley route towards Cheltenham. After Kemble, the line starts to climb steeply towards the summit at Sapperton Tunnel. The pleasant Golden Valley scenery, with its steep sided leafy valley walls, runs down the gradient through to Stroud. At Standish Junction we join the Midland Railway’s Bristol to Birmingham line and head for Cheltenham Spa. Here, we will call to set down passengers who may wish to visit this attractive Regency spa town, noted for its Pump Rooms, many museums and the nearby famous racecourse. The Cotswold Venturer continues northwards through to Worcester Shrub Hill station, were we will spend the afternoon here whilst Clan Line is turned and serviced. There will be plenty of time to explore this fine city. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and has long associations with the composer Sir Edward Elgar. Our steam train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns by the same route to Cheltenham Spa where we will pause to pick up passengers who chose to leave their earlier. We head southwards away from Cheltenham, by-pass Gloucester, and then join the Golden Valley route at Standish Junction. We pass through Stroud and climb up through the picturesque Stroud Valley to Sapperton Tunnel where the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue through Kemble and on to Swindon where we join the ex-Great Western Main Line. We call at Didcot, Reading and Staines to set down passengers, before arriving in London Victoria.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Reading Didcot Cheltenham Spa Worcester Shrub Hill

07:45 21:35 08:40 20:45 10:00 19:26 10:20 19:00 12:40 17:05 13:15 16:30

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£295

£210

£905

First

£195

£140

£600

Standard

£130

£95

£403

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 27th August 2022 This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes. We travel north to Carlisle by the West Coast Main Line over Shap and return via the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway Line. Both routes pass through spectacular mountain scenery. A magnificent steam locomotive will haul these trains, which recall the glorious days of steam travel. Our train leaves Crewe diesel hauled at around 07:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria and Bolton to pick up passengers. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and travel north to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to our steam locomotive for the day taken from the Carnforth Pool. From Carnforth our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. Our return train, hauled by our steam locomotive, leaves Carlisle and joins the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through numerous tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again at Hellifield for our locomotive to take on water.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe Wilmslow Stockport Manchester Victoria Bolton Preston Carlisle

07:00 20:30 07:25 20:05 07:55 19:45 08:35 19:20 09:05 19:00 10:15 18:05 12:40 14:25

usually at a table for four.

Our journey continues from Hellifield to Clitheroe and Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We leave Preston diesel hauled stopping at Bolton and Manchester Victoria to set down passengers. We continue our journey to Crewe stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 33

Bob Green

The Cheshireman Saturday 3rd September 2022 Join us on this tour that provides an excellent opportunity to travel across the country from east to west, visiting the historic city of Chester. Apart from its cultural attractions, including the Cathedral, Castle and the Medieval Rows, Chester is a well-established shopping mecca. Our steam hauled train will be pulled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland from Norwich to Chester and as far at Peterborough on the return. Our journey commences at Norwich around 07:00 where we take the line to Ely, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough and across the Fens to the market town of Thetford. We then make a further pick up at Brandon before we bypass Ely to call at March and Peterborough. We now follow the cross country line through Stamford, a town of outstanding architectural and historic interest that is of national importance. The town has over 600 listed buildings, more than half of the total for the County of Lincolnshire We continue westwards and pass Rutland Water towards Oakham, in the small county of Rutland. Entering Leicestershire, we run through Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies, and head for Leicester, our final pick up station. We follow the main line to London St Pancras for a while as far as Wigston Junction, where we branch off on the Nuneaton and Birmingham line. Our route now takes us westwards through Hinkley to Nuneaton, where we join the West Coast main line. Heading northwards, our steam locomotive can now get up to top speed as we head for Tamworth and Lichfield. Lines split at Colwich Junction and here we follow the WCML through Shugborough Park to round Queensville Curve at Stafford. The four tracks continue northwards through rural Staffordshire, with our steam locomotive working hard as it tackles the long climb to Whitmore Summit. After a few more miles, we slow down and approach the major railway junction of Crewe. Our final part of the journey takes us across the Cheshire Plain through Beeston Castle, with its lofty 13th Century castle overlooking the railway and the Shropshire Union Canal. In no time at all, we arrive at Chester, where there will be a break of around four hours for passengers to visit the city with all its attractions. We then return from Chester at around 17:20 for the steam hauled run back as far as Peterborough, where our steam locomotive leaves the train and from where we return to Norwich, diesel hauled, retracing our outward route.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich Wymondham Attleborough Thetford Brandon March Peterborough Leicester Chester

07:00 23:20 07:20 23:10 07:30 23:00 07:45 22:35 07:55 22:25 09:00 21:30 09:20 21:10 10:20 20:05 14:30 17:20

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£299

£215

£921

First

£199

£145

£616

Standard

£129

£99

£407

Bob Green

The Swanage Belle Thursday 8th September 2022 A unique experience awaits those who join this day trip by steam train to Swanage. It uses the re-opened rail link from Wareham to the ‘Heritage’ Swanage Railway, which is available only to specially chartered trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination where the railway station is situated close to the town centre. The train will be hauled by Jubilee class locomotive No.45596 Bahamas. We leave London Victoria station at around 08:45, hauled by our steam locomotive, and cross the river Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. We pass through Feltham and stop at Staines to pick up more passengers and then re-cross the river Thames. We join the South Western Main Line at Byfleet Junction and stop at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our final stop to pick up passengers is at Basingstoke. We leave the West of England Main Line at Worting Junction and head through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. We pass through Poole, where there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour, and continue to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction and take the re-opened link to Norden and the Swanage Railway. There are magnificent views of Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage along this attractive Heritage Railway. There will be more than three hours for passengers to explore the pleasant seaside resort of Swanage, with its sandy beach and Victorian pier. Durlston Castle is in Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve from where there are stupendous views along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park contains Anvil Point Lighthouse, the 40-ton stone Great Globe, fascinating artefacts from London, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. The Park is one mile from the town and can be reached by bus from the railway station or by walking via public footpaths.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Swanage

08:45 23:10 09:35 22:20 10:10 21:35 10:40 20:50 14:15 16:55

usually at a table for four.

Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey at around 16:55 and is diesel hauled to Southampton where steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas takes over. We then take a different route from the outward journey, via Romsey to the outskirts of Salisbury where we join the West of England Main Line at Laverstock North Junction. We travel up the main line through Andover and then stop at Basingstoke, Woking, and Staines, to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive in London Victoria soon after 23:00.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358 35

Bob Green

The Coast to Coast Express Saturday 10th September 2022 The “Coast to Coast Express” is a day trip by special train travelling from Liverpool to Scarborough and back, thus linking the Irish Sea with the North Sea. The journey includes some spectacular scenery crossing the Pennines and the option of visiting either York or Scarborough. The train will be hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. At around 06:20 the “Coast to Coast Express” will leave Liverpool Lime Street, hauled by a powerful steam locomotive. We travel via Edge Hill and Rainhill. Heading eastwards, we run via Chat Moss to Manchester Victoria, where we stop to pick up further passengers. From Manchester we now run via Guide Bridge and Woodley, where we will pause to take on water. Running via New Mills, we now head for Chinley and join the former Midland Railway’s ‘Hope Valley’ line to Sheffield, our final pick up station. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3½ mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards through Meadowhall, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, and onwards, avoiding Rotherham, towards Swinton. We make our way northwards through Church Fenton and follow the East Coast Main Line towards York. Passengers may leave the train at York or continue to Scarborough. York is a fascinating city to visit at any time of the year, with a huge variety of interesting places to see. It has some of the best preserved historical buildings in Europe, the city walls, Minster, Shambles, Jorvik Centre and the superb National Railway Museum. Open-topped buses leave from York Railway Station for tours around the city.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street Manchester Victoria Sheffield York Scarborough

06:20 21:40 07:20 20:55 09:50 19:20 11:50 16:50 13:10 15:50

usually at a table for four.

For those passengers who choose to travel to Scarborough, we leave York and take the Scarborough line, immediately crossing the River Ouse, with views of the Minster. We should have a fast run through the Vale of York before slowing for the curves that follow the River Derwent past Kirkham Abbey. We pass through Malton and Seamer before arriving in Scarborough. Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast. It has been named as the most enterprising town in Britain and provides all the facilities you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays, the North Bay and South Bay, providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough, steam hauled, at around 15:50 and stops at York to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city. We change motive power at Milford Loop and return to Liverpool, diesel hauled, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£285

£200

£870

First

£185

£130

£565

Standard

£115

£85

£358

UK Day Trip Information Travelling by Steam Train Our UK Day Trips almost exclusively make use of specially chartered trains hauled by steam locomotives. The trains offer a choice of types of seating to suit your particular requirements. Each passenger is allocated their own reserved seat ensuring that travel on these special trains is a relaxing experience providing the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life. All of the seats on our trains line up with the carriage windows, unlike many modern trains, and thus provide the maximum viewing area to add to the enjoyment of your journey. In addition to our UK Day Trips, the Railway Touring Company has a programme of tours using steam hauled charter trains in many other countries of the world. These tours can be for a few days duration or last for up to two weeks, with overnight accommodation provided in good quality hotels. Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.net for further details and to request an overseas brochure; or contact us by telephone if you prefer. Covid-19 With regards to Covid-19 we will always adhere to Government requirements specific at the time of travel, currently at the time of going to print social distancing is not required on board so this means that you can currently expect to share your table with other passengers if your booking is for 3 or less passengers per table. Should the situation change we will observe any requirements issued by the UK Government. We request, for the safety of all, that passengers keep movement around the train to a minimum and we currently require you to wear a face covering throughout your time on board, unless exempt, except for when eating or drinking. Any passenger who is feeling unwell or has Covid-19 symptoms immediately prior to travel with ourselves is requested NOT to travel. If you have been contacted by Track and Trace and told to self- isolate then please contact us with regards to your booking. Whilst hand sanitiser will be available on board we strongly recommend that passengers also bring their own supply with them to use regularly whilst on board. As has always been the case regular hand washing/sanitising is advised throughout the journey. Covid-19 cancellations – if any tour is cancelled by ourselves due to Covid-19 restrictions being in place at the time of travel then all passengers would be offered to transfer their bookings to an alternative date, or if they prefer, would be entitled to a refund of monies paid to us. If a passenger needs to cancel their participation on a tour which is scheduled to go ahead then provided they are able to give a minimum of one week’s notice we would hold their funds in credit for 6 months to enable them to place a new booking. No refund will be offered against cancellations on tours which are scheduled to proceed. Premier Dining Class Premier Dining Class on our trains is a silver served dining experience providing you with a full meals service at your table, whilst you relax in spacious comfortable seating. The coaches used are British Rail Mark 1 First Open coaches.* The Premier Dining service usually includes a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board the train, and a four course meal on the return journey. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all of the meals. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers to not consume their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. The dress code is smart casual, as we like our passengers to be relaxed and travel in comfort. Tables are available for four or two in Premier Dining Class. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable celebration, for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £30.00† per person, subject to availability. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. *On some occasions a Pullman coach may be used. †Prices shown as per individual day trip page. First Class First Class seats accommodation on our trains is provided in British Rail Mark 1 First Open coaches* and offers tables for four or for two in spacious comfortable seating. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £30.00† per person, subject to availability. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers to not consume their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. *On some occasions a Pullman coach may be used. †Prices shown as per individual day trip page. Standard Class Standard Class seats are accommodated in a mid 1960’s tourist standard open coach. These are usually arranged in groups of four around a table. In some cases you may be seated in second corridor coach which is a compartment coach seating six passengers per compartment without a table. All seats are reserved. Passengers in First and Standard classes regularly bring hampers and picnics. Booking arrangements Passengers can book their tickets online by visiting our website www.railwaytouring.net or by downloading a booking form which can be printed and sent by post to:- The Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN.

Passengers can also book by telephone during office hours on 01553 661 500. Office hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00. We accept most major credit and debit cards. There are no charges for paying with a credit card. When posting a booking form please enclose the full payment by cheque made payable to The Railway Touring Company, and, quoting your name, address, telephone number, choice of train, the number of seats you require, class and joining station. We regret that seats cannot be reserved unless full payment is received. Organisers arranging group travel for ten or more persons on a UK Day Trip are invited to contact the office, details above, regarding discounts where a single booking is to be made. Acknowledgements and tickets Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at the time of booking and a written confirmation sent within 7 days. Tickets and travel information will usually be despatched at least 5 days before the date of travel. However, this information and the tickets cannot be sent until the departure times are confirmed by the train operator which may be at shorter notice. Please pay particular attention to the departure and arrival times sent with your tickets as these may vary from the approximate timings given in this brochure. Gift vouchers We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Please visit our online shop or contact the office to purchase these. Junior tickets Junior children includes ages 15 and under (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies). Family tickets 2 adults and 2 Juniors (aged 15 and under). Standard conditions of booking and travel Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions. No refund or substitutions are available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers, which can happen on occasions. We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you. Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will run as advertised. However, the organisers reserve the right to alter these details at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contracted to buy a ticket or tickets, as a result of any such changes. There may be occasional re-scheduling or re-routing of a train. Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the use of the advertised steam locomotive the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam locomotive on occasions should it be required, for operational reasons, which would have to be accepted, no refunds will be offered for changes to advertised locomotives. All reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that on the day of the trip, the train runs as planned. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside of our control. All timings shown in the brochure are approximate and subject to change. In adverse conditions the train operating company, West Coast Railways, may feel the need to run with a diesel locomotive attached to the rear as a precaution. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible. In the event of a failure of the scheduled steam locomotive prior to departure of the trip, every best effort will be made to find a suitable steam locomotive as a replacement. However, if this is not possible and if there is insufficient time available to cancel or postpone the trip, then a diesel may be used as substitute. In such circumstances, outside of our control, acceptance of these terms signifies your acceptance of such a change and no refund will be due. The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining stations. Due to the age and construction of our trains it is not possible to board whilst seated in a wheelchair, however we will be pleased to convey passengers of limited mobility whenever possible, provided they can step onto the train from the platform and move to their reserved seats with the help of an able-bodied carer, the wheelchair then being folded by you and stored at the end of the carriage. We are unable to convey mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs due to the age and design of the trains used. We are limited to only being able to provide a vegetarian dietary alternative, all other diet request are not available. We recommend that during the winter months you travel wearing suitable layered clothing as the carriages on occasion can be cold. Although they are heated, unforeseen complications along with the nature of travelling by steam in vintage carriages can result in cooler conditions for passengers than modern trains.

Meet the Team

Hollie Kimber

Operations Manager

Rachel Jackson

Allison Sanders

Operations Manager

Kelly Osborne

Managing Director

Julia Barrett

Annabelle Benjamin

Office Assistant

Operations Assistant

Jade Mott

Office Assistant

Our friendly team are available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking – please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or by email to enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk

Online Shopping Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise. Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available. www.railwaytouring.net/shop/

Online Brochures

Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.co.uk to view and download our latest UK and European Holiday Brochures for 2022.

25 EST. 1997

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800 Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com