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Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List
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SETTLE & CARLISLE CIRCULAR Sat 2 October 2021 Departing From Uttoxeter, Tutbury & Hatton, Derby, Belper, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Meadowhall, Moorthorpe, Normanton Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and just south of Carlisle, we take the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
The Easterling Saturday 2nd October 2021 Join us on a journey by steam train to rural Norfolk and Suffolk, a scenic area of undulating farmland, market towns, picturesque villages and waterways. The Easterling recalls the days of an express train that ran from London to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, taking Londoners to the Norfolk Broads and the famous East Anglian seaside resorts. The train will be hauled by A1 Class Pacific 60163 Tornado. Our steam train will depart from London King's Cross station at around 08:00 and immediately begins climbing through tunnels and cuttings as it makes its way up the East Coast Main Line (ECML). There are stops at Potters Bar and Stevenage for more passengers to join the train. At Hitchin, we leave the ECML and head for Cambridge, our final stop for passengers. We continue north to Ely and then take the Breckland Line through Thetford to Norwich. The Breckland area is of considerable interest for its unusual flora and fauna, and is characterised by gorse-covered sandy heath land and Scots Pine trees. We arrive at Norwich around mid-day and our steam locomotive 'runs round' our train as we change direction of travel here. We continue our steam hauled journey taking one of the 'Wherry Lines' from Norwich to Lowestoft. The Norfolk Wherry is a type of boat that was widely used in the area. Lowestoft is the most easterly town in the UK and terminus for the East Suffolk Line (ESL). Our train stops here for well over an hour giving passengers time to explore the town and harbour, once a bustling fishing port. Our return journey is along the 49 mile-long scenic ESL through Beccles, Saxmundham and Woodbridge, famous for having the only working Tide Mill in the UK, dating from 1793. Westerfield Junction is where the branch line from Felixstowe joins the ESL; the branch is heavily used by freight trains to and from Felixstowe Docks. Approaching Ipswich, we take the newly built 'Bacon Factory Chord' to join the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) going northwards from London Liverpool Street to Norwich. We continue northwards to Stowmarket and leave the GEML at Haughley Junction. We pass through Bury St. Edmunds station, with its distinctive pair of towers. At Snailwell Junction we take the line for Newmarket and Cambridge, where we stop to set down passengers. We make further stops to set down passengers at Stevenage and Potters Bar before journeys end at London King's Cross.
The Liverpool Pullman Saturday 2 October 2021 Peterborough to Liverpool Departing: Peterborough, Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln, Gainsborough, Saxilby, Doncaster Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'Spirit of the Lakes' Liverpool, home of the Beatles, has flourished since attaining UK City of Culture status and is now one of the top big city tourist destinations in the country. Travelling there on board our beautiful Pullman train, with its comfortable seats and large picture windows from which to enjoy the views of the spine of England as we cross the country, makes the journey as much a part of the day as the destination. Once in Liverpool you may wish to visit the famous Cavern Club on Matthew Street or trace the history of the Beatles at the various nostalgic venues around the city. Alternatively browse around Albert Dock, which has developed into a visitor attraction in its own right, with boutique shops and numerous eateries. Stroll along the waterfront, catch a glimpse of the Liver Birds atop their building, maybe even take a trip on the famous ferry across the Mersey or perhaps visit one of the museums depicting Liverpools maritime history. Whatever your interests Liverpools city centre has plenty to capture the imagination and, for those with shopping in mind, there is a wealth of choice in the pedestrianised centre. We expect to depart Peterborough 0600 and after a break of around four hours in Liverpool arrive back around 2230
The Settle Carlisle & Cumbrian Coast Pullman Monday 4 October 2021 Hull to Carlisle Departing: Hull, Brough, Howden, Selby Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'Spirit of the Lakes' Departing Hull around 0600 we make our way west towards Leeds and then north through Skipton to Settle junction where we join the route of the famous Settle to Carlisle line. Enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, we pass over the towering Ribblehead Viaduct and on through Dent towards Appleby and the impressive Eden Valley. After marvelling at the white waters of the Eden Gorge we arrive into Carlisle where we expect to break for around two hours. Carlisle is an attractive city with ancient city gates and pedestrianised centre close by the station. Our return journey offers scenery which matches and at times may even surpass that of the Settle to Carlisle line. Our Pullman train hugs the coast as we make our way through Whitehaven, Seascale and Ravenglass offering sweeping sea views to the west and the rugged mountain scenery of the English Lakes to the east. The stunning vistas continue as we then swing east and run alongside Morecambe Bay passing through the resorts of Ulverston and Grange over Sands. After enjoying some of the finest scenery England has to offer we then return across country to home stations with memories to savour, expecting to arrive into Hull around 2230.
GREAT WESTERN ENVOY Wed 6 October 2021 Departing From Bridgnorth, Highley, Arley, Bewdley, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction, Birmingham Snow Hill, Solihull, Dorridge, Warwick Parkway This is a unique steam hauled tour offering the first ever journey from stations along the Severn Valley heritage railway and through the heart of England, passing Banbury and Oxford, the city of dreaming spires. Continuing along the Great Western main line and Victorian Swindon beside the historic works where hundreds of steam locomotives were constructed, we continue through the rolling hills and gentle scenery of beautiful Wiltshire with a choice of destinations for an afternoon break. You may choose to spend around four hours in the elegant Georgian city of Bath Spa, or, around three hours to discover the unique charms of Bristol, whichever you choose we can guarantee a memorable and lasting experience of the West Country. Bath - Visit this elegant city with attractions just a short stroll from the station including preserved honey coloured Georgian buildings with its famous crescents, curio shops, street cafes and magnificent Abbey. Time will be available for you to wander and browse at your leisure and a visit to the Roman Pump Room and Baths is recommended. Perhaps take a gentle river cruise or open top bus tour - what better way can there be to view some of the beautiful countryside that surrounds this historic city. Bristol - The famous seafaring town with its ancient Dockyard including the S.S Great Britain launched by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843 and now restored as a proud memorial to its great designer. Perhaps take a walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge or wander through the antique shops on the quaintly named Christmas steps. The train is steam hauled throughout by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' - LNER A4 Pacific No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'
LORD OF THE ISLES STATESMAN Sat 9 - Mon 11 October 2021 Departing From Leicester, Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Derby, Chesterfield, Chinley, Romiley, Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Preston Enjoy a superb three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most beautiful time of year with purple heather carpeting the mountains and autumn leaves turning to a burnished gold - Travel is over the scenic Highland line to Inverness as we cross impressive bridges with views of cascading waterfalls and tranquil lochs on this memorable tour plus a return journey over the spectacular and remote route to Kyle of Lochalsh. Hotels - No overnight accommodation is included on this tour allowing you the freedom and flexibility to arrange your own hotels in Inverness. For further advise and a list of recommended hotels please contact our reservation team.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 9th October 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. 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 pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today's steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter caf? 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. Our journey continues through Hellifield, 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 following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. * 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.
THE SETTLE & CARLISLE EXPLORER Sat 9 October 2021 Departing From London Euston, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe We are pleased to offer an unmissable bargain priced day tour offering a journey over the spectacular Settle to Carlisle Railway and an afternoon break in the historic border city of Carlisle for a 2-hour break. Travel is in First Class comfort on our modern air-conditioned inter-city train, hauled by a Class 86, 87 or 90 electric locomotive between London and Preston, then Class 47 diesel locomotives between Preston and Carlisle. Our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and a break in Carlisle. We return along the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
SETTLE & CARLISLE COASTAL STATESMAN Sat 16 October 2021 Departing From High Wycombe, Princess Risborough, Haddenham & Thame Parkway, Bicester North, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway, Dorridge, Solihull, Tyseley This very special tour includes a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Following an afternoon break in the historic county town of Appleby our memorable journey continues over the little used but highly scenic Cumbrian coastal line through Ravenglass and around Morecambe Bay with a backdrop of the Lakeland Mountains and Irish Sea. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Ribblehead Viaduct, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with stunning views of the three peaks. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and the pretty Westmorland market town of Appleby for a break of around two hours - Appleby has kept its old-world charm with the castle and keep at the brow of the main street and the town seems as if time has stood still. A walk up Boroughgate can transport you back into Medieval England, while the charm of the riverside walks provides an opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the countryside within five minutes of the town centre. It is an uphill walk back to the station, but we will provide a vintage bus to shuttle passengers from the town centre. The Statesman returns around the longest and most scenic coastal line in England - the beautiful twisting Cumbrian coast route hugs the coastline offering spectacular views across the Solway Firth and towards the Isle of Man, passing through historic Whitehaven, pretty Ravenglass and around Morecambe Bay with the background of the Lake District Mountains aglow with the setting sun.
The Cotswold Lion Saturday 16 October 2021 DUE TO THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS TOUR HAS BEEN POSTPONED FROM SATURDAY 27 MARCH 2021. This tour to the Cotswolds and the medieval City of Worcester, featuring off train options to visit the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway or the Elgar Birthplace Museum is now scheduled to run on Saturday 16 October 2021. The rolling Cotswold hills, thatched medieval villages and churches built of distinctive local yellow limestone make for an unforgettable scenic backdrop from the train window. This tour includes both lines that pass through this delightful part of the country, travelling outward via Oxford and the bucolic Cotswold Line and returning home by way of the 'Golden Valley', the name for the line through Stroud and Kemble, coined by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, while on a train along this picturesque route in 1909. One option is to travel along the third Cotswold rail route also, the preserved Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, now running from Cheltenham to Broadway. At our destination, Worcester, the River Severn flanks the city centre. The fine cathedral dates from the 12th century; much of it is Norman, and the foundations are older still. King John, of evil repute, lies buried in the crypt. Worcester is famed for its porcelain. The Museum of Royal Worcester, standing on the former factory site, contains the finest collection of Worcester Porcelain in the world and has recently undergone a ?1.7 million refurbishment. The city boasts a notable collection of medieval and Tudor buildings centred upon Cornmarket, Friar Street and New Street. Here you will also find a great range of shops, cafes and historic inns, and Saturday is market day too. The walk from Worcester Shrub Hill Station to the city takes about twelve minutes and you have over four hours in which to explore. There is a wide range of joining stations, stretching all the way from Peterborough into the capital. Our train runs via the North London Line, then via the Great Western main line. We pass by the 'dreaming spires' of Oxford before continuing through the peaceful Cotswolds, through Charlbury and Evesham to reach Worcester Shrub Hill late morning. After our sightseeing break our return route is via Cheltenham. We glimpse Gloucester Cathedral then divert south-east through the idyllic Golden Valley, rejoining our outward route at Didcot. OPTION - THE GLOUCESTER WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY: On this option you leave our train at Evesham for the nine-mile transfer to Toddington, headquarters of the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. This is a fourteen mile standard gauge preserved steam railway running from Broadway through the Cotswold Hills via Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse. A 'rover' ticket is included in this option and with three trains in the operating circuit there will be lots of scope for designing your afternoon itinerary. Broadway station is just a ten minute level walk from the picture-postcard village of Broadway. At the end of the afternoon, the bus transfer is from Cheltenham Racecourse station to the main line station at Cheltenham Spa. This option includes bus transfer from Evesham to Toddington and from Cheltenham Racecourse to Cheltenham Spa, plus freedom of all Gloucester Warwickshire Railway train services during the afternoon. OPTION - ELGAR BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM: We are offering an optional visit to Elgar's birthplace museum, just three miles from Worcester. The collections include manuscripts, scores, programmes and other items connected with Elgar's music; family photographs; items from his travels and with his hobbies including golf and cycling; personal possessions; awards and honours, and film of his later years. It is a touching testimony to England's finest composer. The supplement includes coach transfer from Worcester Shrub Hill. A reduced price is available for National Trust members. ALL OFF TRAIN OPTIONS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. First Class Dining includes the Great British Breakfast, morning coffee and a four-course dinner. A buffet car is available for those not dining.
The Yorkshireman Saturday 16th October 2021 Join us for a main line steam run from west London 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 hauled between London and York by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train leaves London Ealing Broadway at around 06:25 hauled by Duchess of Sutherland and travels around West London through Acton Wells and 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 leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland's county town of Oakham. We stop to pick up passengers at Melton Mowbray before we continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass 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 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 diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
Tornado and Flying Scotsman from West Coast Main Line Stations Wednesday 20th October Join us from Tamworth, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, Wigan and Preston. Our day commences behind an electric locomotive that speeds us along the West Coast Main Line picking up at Tamworth, Stoke on Trent, Crewe, Wigan and Preston. On arrival at Preston, Tornado will be ready to attach to the south end of our train and we set of under steam towards Blackburn and Clitheroe. After taking water at Hellifield we pass through Settle Junction and begin the long climb to the famous Ribblehead Viaduct as we are now on the famous Settle and Carlisle Railway. A slow pass off the viaduct proceeds the long Blea Moor Tunnel before we continue a more gentle climb to Ais Gill summit. From here it is down hill virtually all the way to Carlisle, passing beautiful isolated farms, small villages and stunning countryside. We then arrive into the border city of Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city, with its museum and castle and large pedestrian area with many shops, cafes and pubs. For our return journey we will retrace our route from the morning but this time with Flying Scotman leading our passage. The magnificent scenery will unfold through the window as our locomotive takes us through the Eden Valley, Appleby and up the climb to Ais Gill summit. Once we crest the summit some 1169 feet above sea level it is then downhill passed dry stone walls and picturesque villages before we pass Settle Jn again and we are slowing for our water stop at Hellifield. Our return route is then as per our outward via Clitheroe and Blackburn to Preston. At Preston we say goodbye to Flying Scotsman as our electric locomotive once again hastens us back to Tamworth and other joining stations.
Tornado and Flying Scotsman from West Midlands Stations Thursday 21st October Join us from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington and Preston. For those passengers wishing to join from the West Midlands and north west our day behind behind electric traction. Starting in the centre of Birmingham and New Street station we are soon on our way north for further pick ups at Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay and Preston. On arrival at Preston, Flying Scotsman will be ready to attach to the south end of our train and we set of under steam towards Blackburn and Clitheroe. After taking water at Hellifield we pass through Settle Jn and begin the long climb to the famous Ribblehead Viaduct as we are now on the famous Settle and Carlisle Railway. A slow pass off the viaduct proceeds the long Blea Moor Tunnel before we continue a more gentle climb to Ais Gill summit. From here it is down hill virtually all the way to Carlisle, passing beautiful isolated farms, small villages and stunning countryside. We then arrive into the border city of Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city, with its museum and castle and large pedestrian area with many shops, cafes and pubs. For our return journey we will retrace our route from the morning but this time with Tornado leading our passage. The magnificent scenery will unfold through the window as our locomotive takes us through the Eden Valley, Appleby and up the climb to Ais Gill summit. Once we crest the summit some 1169 feet above sea level it is then downhill passed dry stone walls and picturesque villages before we pass Settle Jn again and we are slowing for our water stop at Hellifield. Our return route is then as per our outward via Clitheroe and Blackburn to Preston. At Preston we say goodbye to Tornado as our electric locomotive returns our train to outward stations in the north-west and West Midlands.
EDINBURGH EXPLORER STATESMAN Sat 23 October 2021 Departing From Leicester, Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Ilkeston, Alfreton, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Meadowhall We are pleased to present one of our most popular tours as ?The Statesman? train travels on an enchanting journey over the border and through the Scottish Lowlands to the very heart of the capital and what is regarded by many as Britain's most beautiful city where the afternoon is available for shopping and sightseeing. Following departure from your local station 'The Statesman' whisks us north on a spectacular journey over the Lakeland fells for an arrival into Edinburgh Waverley station and an afternoon break. The station is located just below one of the UK's most historic and popular shopping areas - Princes Street, with its international stores on one side and the beautiful gardens on the other. There is something for everyone in this truly enchanting city with numerous attractions all within easy walking distance - perhaps visit the mediaeval Old Town and take a stroll down the Royal Mile to the Queens Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or visit the impressive fortress of Edinburgh Castle set high on a rocky crag, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. For the more adventurous take a short tram ride to the former Royal Yacht Britannia, or jump on an open top bus, departing every few minutes from Waverley Bridge offering a tour of all the major historic sites and attractions.
WEST HIGHLAND PULLMAN Sat 23 - Mon 25 October 2021 Departing From Reading, Tilehurst, Didcot Parkway, Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction We are delighted to present a three day break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most dramatic and beautiful time of year - The journey will be over the Cumbrian Fells and Shap Summit, thence crossing the border at Gretna and through the Scottish lowlands and along the shoreline of the River Clyde and at Craigendoran we join the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains offering views of tumbling waterfalls and peaceful lochs. Our terminating station is Fort William for a two-night break. Hotels: No overnight accommodation is included on this tour allowing you the freedom and flexibility to arrange your own hotels in Fort William. For further advise and a list of recommended hotels please contact our reservation team. Mobility: This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues as the platforms at some remote stations in the highlands are much shorter than our train, low, or accessible only by a footbridge or steps.
The Tin Bath Sunday 24th October 2021 In honour of this immortal moment in one of the great TV comedies we have named this tour The Tin Bath, after the antics of Compo, Clegg and Foggy rolling down a Yorkshire hillside in a tin bath for the long-running TV series 'Last of the Summer Wine.' Our train takes in the railways of the South Pennines and the Peak District encompassing Derbyshire, Lancashire and South Yorkshire and visiting some routes rarely used by steam trains along the way. Our train leaves Preston steam hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. We head south up the West Coast Main Line (WCML) 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 3? 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 Wincobank Junction, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, where we join the Barnsley Line. It is a long climb from here up to Chapeltown, Wombwell and Barnsley. But it doesn't end there! From Barnsley we take the single-track line that climbs steeply at gradients of 1 in 50 and 1 in 57 up to Dodworth, where the gradient eases to 1 in 100. Soon afterwards we approach the former junction at Penistone, where after, we pass over the magnificent 29-arch Penistone viaduct. We continue past Denby Dale, famous for its huge meat pies, and the junction for the Kirklees Light Railway. We descend to Huddersfield, crossing many fine bridges and viaducts on the way, including the listed 32-arch Lockwood Viaduct. We continue via Huddersfield to Brighouse where we pause for our steam locomotives to take on water. We then head through the Calder Valley through Hebden Bridge for Hall Royd Junction near Todmorden. Here we leave the main line to Manchester, and take the steeply graded 1 in 65 line to Copy Pit summit (749 feet above sea level), before descending through Burnley to Accrington and Blackburn. We pass through Darwen on the 1 in 71 climb up to Sough Tunnel, drop down to Bolton, and head back to Manchester Victoria. Following a reversal at Manchester Victoria, we now return to Preston via our earlier calling points.
Tornado and Flying Scotsman from North East Stations Wednesday 27th October Join us from Middlesbrough, Yarm, Thirsk, and York. Tornado will travel to Middlesbrough and head our train from the start. We depart west calling first at Yarm station and heading on via Northallerton to our next pick up at Thirsk. Our final calling point is the magnificent York station. From here we head out of the city and pass by mills and brick chimneys reminding us of the industrial history of the area. Once at Skipton we are out into the open countryside and soon pass Settle Junction and join the famous route to Carlisle. We soar over viaducts, and plunge through deep cuttings and tunnels, as the railway climbs to the famous viaduct at Ribblehead. A slow pass off the viaduct proceeds the long Blea Moor Tunnel before we continue a more gentle climb to Ais Gill summit. From here it is down hill virtually all the way to Carlisle, passing beautiful isolated farms, small villages and stunning countryside. We then arrive into the border city of Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city before our return journey. For our return journey we will retrace our route from the morning but this time with Flying Scotsman at the head of our train. The wonderful scenery will be there to enjoy again and Flying Scotsman will be working hard as we climb to the summit at Ais Gill, some 1169 feet above sea level. We then descend down to Settle Jn and our water stop at Hellifield. We then steam on to York where we change from steam to diesel traction for the last leg of our journey back to Thirsk, Yarm and Middlesbrough.
Tornado and Flying Scotsman from East Coast Main Line Stations Thursday 28th October Join us from Peterborough, Newark, Doncaster and York Our journey begins behind modern traction as we depart from Peterborough station and head north. We pick up further passengers at Newark and Doncaster before arriving into York. At York Flying Scotsman will be waiting to attach to the south end of our train before we depart steam hauled towards Leeds via Church Fenton and Garforth. From Leeds we head out of the city and pass by mills and brick chimneys reminding us of the industrial history of the area. Once at Skipton we are out into the open countryside and soon pass Settle Junction and join the famous route to Carlisle. We soar over viaducts, and plunge through deep cuttings and tunnels, as the railway climbs to the famous viaduct at Ribblehead. A slow pass off the viaduct proceeds the long Blea Moor Tunnel before we continue a more gentle climb to Ais Gill summit. From here it is down hill virtually all the way to Carlisle, passing beautiful isolated farms, small villages and stunning countryside. We then arrive into the border city of Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city before our return journey with Tornado.
BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS Sat 30 October 2021 Departing From London Euston, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton We are pleased to offer an unmissable bargain priced day tour offering a destination of Blackpool for a 7-hour afternoon sightseeing break. Travel is in First Class comfort on our modern air-conditioned inter-city train, hauled by a Class 90 electric locomotive. Terminating at Blackpool North around 12.00 it's only a short walk to the promenade. For centuries Blackpool has been Britain's most popular seaside resort with a multitude of attractions to enjoy including the Tower Ballroom, Pleasure Beach or Sandcastle Water Park. The world famous illuminations need little introduction with over 6 miles of lights and displays along the promenade and illuminated trams - no wonder its known as the greatest free light show on earth. Our train will depart from Blackpool North around 19.00 for the return journey.
ROYAL HIGHLAND PULLMAN Sat 30 October - Mon 1 November 2021 Departing From London St Pancras, St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Oakham, Melton Mowbray, Loughborough Enjoy a superb three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland with purple heather carpeting the mountains - Our journey takes us north through Edinburgh and Stirling where we join the scenic Highland line through the Cairngorm National Park with views of cascading waterfalls and tranquil Lochs to terminate in the highland capital of Inverness for a two night stay. Hotels: No overnight accommodation is included on this tour allowing you the freedom and flexibility to arrange your own hotels in Inverness. For further advise and a list of recommended hotels please contact our reservation team. Mobility: This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues as the platforms at some stations in the highlands are much shorter than our train, low, or accessible only by a footbridge or steps.