2 minute read
The Christmas Cheshireman
Saturday 19th November 2022
Join us on this interesting trip by vintage steam train to the historic city of Chester, an unusual destination from Bristol. We travel via the Severn Tunnel, the South Wales Main Line, the scenic Welsh Marches route, and the Shrewsbury to Chester line. Our train will be steam hauled from Bristol to Chester by steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas and from Chester to Bristol by steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland.
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We leave Bristol Temple Meads at around 07:00 hauled by 45596 Bahamas. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Filton Abbey Wood, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We then head westwards along the South Wales Main Line, passing through the Severn Tunnel into Wales, and continuing to the outskirts of Newport. Here we turn northwards, crossing the river Usk, and join the Welsh Marches route. We stop at Cwmbran and Abergavenny for more passengers to join the train before we begin the challenging climb of the Llanvihangel bank. Our steam locomotive will be in full cry all the way to the summit! We pass many sites where there were once railway stations along this route and the longest section without a station today is between Abergavenny and Hereford, where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. There is some truly beautiful scenery as we travel through Herefordshire and into Shropshire, passing towns such as Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms and Church Stretton. We continue to Shrewsbury, where the ‘listed’ Severn Bridge Junction Signal Box is the largest remaining mechanical signal box in the world. We take the Chester Line from Shrewsbury and stop at Chirk for our steam locomotive to take on water. We pass through Ruabon and Wrexham before arriving at our destination, the beautiful Roman City of Chester. There will be over three hours to explore the walled city that 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, located between the city walls and the river Dee. Whilst we have been exploring the city, our second steam locomotive for the day will arrive at Chester ready for the return journey. Our train leaves Chester at around 16:25, steam hauled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland returning by the same route and stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Santa and his Elves will be handing out presents to all the children during the journey so please let us know your child’s age when booking. Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 07:00 22:20 Filton Abbey Wood 07:15 22:00 Cwmbran 08:30 20:50 Abergavenny 09:00 20:30 Chester 13:00 16:25
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner 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.
