2 minute read
The Cardiff Express
Wednesday 7th June 2023
Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the Thames Valley and along the river Severn, hauled by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman in its centenary year, built in 1923 it was the first steam locomotive to reach 100mph. Our destination will be Cardiff, the vibrant Capital of Wales. We should experience some fast running along the ex-GWR main line.
Advertisement
Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington in the morning and we make our way to Slough, our first call for more passengers. We continue westwards along the GWR main line and make a further stop for passengers boarding at Reading. Our journey continues through Didcot Parkway and the Vale of White Horse to Swindon. Leaving Swindon we take the South Wales Direct line at Wootton Bassett Junction and travel through the Alderton and Chipping Sodbury Tunnels as we steam towards Bristol Parkway. From Bristol Parkway we travel through the Severn Tunnel towards Newport, where we will use the triangle at Maindee to turn the train, with the diesel taking us onwards through Newport to our destination for the day, Cardiff. The centre of Cardiff has a bustling shopping centre in the heart of the city with pedestrianised streets centred in Queen Street. Alternatively you could visit Cardiff Castle, built originally on the site of an ancient Roman Fort and Norman Keep, which is centrally situated to the main thoroughfares and the train station. Having had about 3 hours to explore Cardiff, we will return steam hauled by Flying Scotsman via Reading and Slough before terminating in London Paddington, ending what promises to be a varied and enjoyable day out. Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington 07:15 22:00 Slough 07:45 21:25 Reading 08:15 21:00 Didcot Parkway 09:30 20:10 Cardiff 13:20 16:40
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.
