2 minute read
The Edinburgh Flyer
Saturday 25th March 2023
A rare opportunity is on offer with this special steam hauled train using a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, running at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinbugh to visit the sights before we return south.
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Our steam hauled journey will commence at the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton, where our locomotive will build up speed to its maximum on the straight alignment of the tracks. We will pause at Durham momentarily to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle, our final pick up point. Leaving Newcastle, we head northwards and pass through Morpeth, with our speed running at the maximum along this former LNER racetrack, the preserve of the A1 & A4 Pacifics up to their withdrawal in the mid 1960s. With coastal views and quaint villages along the way, we make our way through Northumberland, with views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island shimmering in the distance. Continuing towards Berwick on Tweed, we cross the spectacular 28-arch Royal Border Bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. Just after Berwick, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Our steam locomotive will now be getting steam up ready for the long climb up to Grantshouse, a stiff climb at gradients of 1 in 190/200 and a test of the stamina of locomotives heading towards Edinburgh. We pass through the Scottish Borders, with more costal views along the way before we reach Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Time will be available here for passengers to visit the city and its many attractions, located near Princes Street Gardens, whilst our steam locomotive is serviced for the return journey back to York. 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, 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 Newcastle will be the southbound climb to Grantshouse, graded at 1 in 96 for over four miles. In no time at all, we will be back at Newcastle to set down passengers, followed by Durham and finally York. Approximate Timings Outward Return York 06:15 21:30 Durham 07:50 20:00 Newcastle 08:10 19:35 Edinburgh 12:30 15:50
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver 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.
