UK Steam Rail Day Trips and Tours – Summer 2021

The Railway Touring Company UK Steam Rail Day Trips and Tours Summer Edition 2021

Bob Green

Welcome Welcome to our 2021 Summer UK day trip and holiday brochure.

2020 saw so many changes to what we all classed as normal but for 2021 our tours will allow us all the chance to enjoy some normality. Of course there are new measures on board to ensure you can travel safely whilst enabling you to still enjoy the wonderful scenery, the great service and of course the wonder that is travelling by steam.

Now more than ever we all need that little glimmer of hope with something to look forward to, so take a look at our tours where you will find some familiar annual trips along with some new attractive days out including specials hauled by the world famous Flying Scotsman.

So you decide, and if it’s a visit to Carlisle, Worcester, York, Skegness or anywhere else that you choose then let us take you on that much needed journey.

Not forgetting that for many of us a holiday closer to home, or a staycation as it is known, is long overdue so we have added extra dates to our popular holidays for 2021. Maybe a short break to Scotland or a few nights in the Lake District is on your to-do list so browse our holiday selection and see where we can take you.

The team and I hope that you will find all the information you need within this brochure but if you have questions or would like to talk to us about any concerns please give us a call, we are ready to help you.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director.

The Railway Touring Company.

24 EST. 1997

Front cover image: Bob Green

UK Steam Rail Day Trips and Tours Summer Edition 2021 Day Trips The Pennine Limited

4

The Hadrian

24

The Jolly Fisherman

5

The Royal Duchy

25

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

6

The Dorset Coast Express

26

The South Devon Explorer

7

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

27

The Buxton Spa Express

8

The Waverley

28

The Scarborough Flyer

9

The West Somerset Steam Express

29

The Tynesider

10

The Waverley

30

The Cotswold Venturer

11

The Dorset Coast Express

31

The White Rose

12

The Cotswold Venturer

32

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

13

The Waverley

33

The Bournemouth Express

14

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

34

The End of Southern Steam

15

The Royal Duchy

35

The Waverley

16

The Dorset Coast Express

36

The Royal Duchy

17

The Cheshireman

37

The Cheshireman

18

The Waverley

38

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

19

The Swanage Belle

39

The North Wales Coast Express

20

The Coast to Coast Express

40

The Welsh Mountaineer

21

The Royal Duchy

41

The Kentish Belle

22

The Pennine Blackpool Express

42

The West Somerset Steam Express

23

The Cumbrian Coast Express

43

Tours The Shetlander

44 – 45

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells

56 – 57

The Cock O’the North

46 – 47

English Lakes

58 – 59

The Summer Highlander

48 – 49

The Western Isles

60 – 61

Arran and Kintyre

50 – 51

The West Country Explorer

62 – 63

Heart of Scotland

52 – 53

The East Anglian

64 – 65

The Far North and Orkney

54 – 55

Terms and Conditions UK Day Trip Information

Booking and Reservation Forms 66

UK Tours Information

67

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

The Pennine Limited Saturday 8th May 2021 Join us on this varied and interesting tour from East Anglia to the border town of Carlisle. We shall feature steam haulage by a Carnforth pool locomotive from Hellifield to Carlisle and return. This will include the world famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the great railway journeys in Britain.

There will be time in Carlisle before returning to Hellifield, steam hauled, with diesel haulage back to Norwich.

We leave Norwich early in the morning and make our way across rural Norfolk to York dieselhauled, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford, March and Peterborough to pick up passengers. We shall then make our way northwards towards the Leeds area where we pick up the Aire Valley line through Skipton to Hellifield. Here we will attach our Carnforth pool steam locomotive for the run to Carlisle over the famous 72-mile long Settle to Carlisle line.

Passing over Settle Junction, we begin 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 station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on lofty viaducts. There are 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Appleby is a historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden.

Continuing through the meandering Eden Valley to Carlisle will have around two 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 continually 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 ready for the arduous climb to Ais Gill Summit.

Once through Garsdale and spectacular Dent Dale, we pass through Blea Moor tunnel and cross Ribblehead Viaduct once again. We shall now retrace our earlier route back to Hellifield, where we shall reluctantly have to say goodbye to our steam locomotive.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich Wymondham Attleborough Thetford Brandon March Peterborough Carlisle

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 14:15 16:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

We now continue our journey back to Norwich with a diesel locomotive, setting down at our earlier calling points.

4

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£181

£809

First

£169

£110

£503

Standard

£119

£84

£364

Bob Green

The Jolly Fisherman Saturday 15th May 2021 Join us on this unusual tour to the east coast of England and the popular seaside resort of Skegness. We plan to recreate the Jolly Fisherman experience that was a popular excursion planned by the Great Northern Railway. We will head northwards from London’s King’s Cross station with the world famous Flying Scotsman hauling us along the East Coast main line to Peterborough, Boston and then to Skegness.

We leave London King’s Cross in the morning, and head northwards along the ECML, picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. Here, we leave the ECML at Werrington Junction and head across rural Lincolnshire along the former Great Northern line towards Spalding, a town noted for its flower growing industry. We continue along the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint line via Helpringham to the market town of Sleaford, where we will pause to run round our steam locomotive.

Following a reversal, we now head eastwards along the former Great Northern line towards Boston, noted for its famous landmark of St Botolph’s church, otherwise known as the Boston Stump. We take the remaining section of the former East Lincolnshire line that once went through to Louth and Grimsby, but now it only runs as far at the junction at Frisby with the Skegness line. The line is very straight and flat for miles and is pleasantly rural in outlook as we head for Frisby, where there is a sharp curve towards Skegness all that is left of the remaining side of a former triangular junction. We will make a stop at Wainfleet should you wish to visit this attractive town with its interesting Batemans Brewery visitors centre. It is then just a short distance to our afternoon destination at Skegness. Time will be available to visit the resorts many attractions, including the promenade, the clock tower and the Jolly Fisherman statue and fountain. There are ample restaurants and many typical seaside shops to visit, or just have a quiet stroll along the sea front.

After an afternoon in Skegness, we will retrace our earlier route back to Sleaford, where we will continue to Grantham and join the ECML. After a spirited climb up to Stoke tunnel, we now head for Peterborough, before heading back to London, setting down at our outward calling points. We can expect some fast running from Flying Scotsman as she runs up to her maximum speed along the ECML. Our arrival back in London King’s Cross will reluctantly bring to an end a splendid day out to the seaside on the Jolly Fisherman Express.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross Potters Bar Stevenage Peterborough Wainfleet Skegness

07:55 21:15 08:25 20:45 08:50 20:20 10:00 19:00 12:05 16:40 12:15 16:30

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453 5

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 22nd May 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 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 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 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: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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.

6

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The South Devon Explorer Saturday 29th May 2021 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 by steam locomotive No.60163 Tornado.

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. 60163 Tornado 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 Tornado. 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 07:05 23:00 08:10 22:05 08:40 21:40 09:30 20:45 14:00 17:00

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£107

£499

Standard

£115

£75

£343 7

Bob Green

The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 5th June 2021 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 A1 Class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado, which will be visiting unusual terrritory from its normal lines.

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, Tornado 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 Tornado 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 former London & North Western route through Whaley Bridge to Stockport. After Denton, we head for Guide Bridge and Romiley before rejoining the Hope Valley line again to travel through the Peak District. Running through Sheffield, we leave the main line at Nunnery Main Line Junction and pass through Woodhouse, were we join the Barrow Hill line at Beighton Junction. Our steam locomotive Tornado will be detached at Barrow Hill and we will now return to Ealing Broadway diesel hauled, setting down at our earlier calling points.

8

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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Scarborough Flyer Saturday 5th June 2021 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 stop again at Hathersage, for more passengers, 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 Hathersage Sheffield Scarborough

08:00 22:15 08:40 21:20 09:40 20:05 10:05 19:10 14:05 16:05

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 9

Bob Green

The Tynesider Saturday 12th June 2021 This excursion provides a rare opportunity to travel by special train from the North Lincolnshire area to Tyneside. The route is via the East Coast Main Line through York. Passengers have the option of spending time in Newcastle-uponTyne or staying on the train to travel over the Blyth & Tyne Railway line to Morpeth, a route no longer used by passenger services. Our train will be steam hauled from Cleethorpes to Newcastle and Morpeth and then back to York.

Our train leaves Cleethorpes at around 07:30 hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. It stops at Grimsby, Barnetby and Scunthorpe, to pick up more passengers.

At Stainforth Junction we take the direct Wakefield line avoiding Doncaster, normally used only by freight trains, to Applehurst Junction. Here our train branches off to the right to join the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at Joan Croft Junction. Soon we shall arrive in York where more passengers can join the train. There will be a half hour break for our steam locomotive to take on water.

We continue steam-hauled northwards from York across the Plain of York where we can expect some fast running, especially through Thirsk and Northallerton. We pass through Darlington and Durham, famous for its Norman Cathedral, en route to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Here passengers may choose to alight and spend time visiting the city. It is famous for a series of dramatic bridges over the river Tyne and its quayside along the banks of the river.

Other well known attractions include the Tyne & Wear Metro, Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Cathedral, Castle, Grainger Market, and the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe, the Metro Centre, located nearby in Gateshead.

Our train continues, steam hauled, travelling north from Newcastle Central to Benton Junction.

Here we leave the ECML and take the Blyth and Tyne Railway route which was chiefly constructed to link collieries in the area to the river Tyne. This is now a ‘freight only’ railway line, which parallels the Tyne & Wear Metro route to Northumberland Park and then runs northwards through Newsham to Bedlington. At Bedlington North Junction we branch left and head for Morpeth where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We return to Newcastle-upon-Tyne via the ECML.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Cleethorpes Grimsby Barnetby Scunthorpe York Newcastle Morpeth

07:30 21:45 07:40 21:30 08:00 20:50 08:20 20:30 10:00 19:00 12:30 16:50 13:40 16:30

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

We stop at Newcastle Central station, to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city, before setting off across the river Tyne on the King Edward VII Bridge. We return south, steam hauled, up the ECML to York. Here a diesel locomotive takes over the train for the remainder of the journey back to Cleethorpes. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

10

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 12th June 2021 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 Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel.

Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 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 the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill.

There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. 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 is nearby at Lower Broadheath.

Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line.

We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Didcot Worcester

07:40 20:10 08:10 19:35 08:35 19:05 09:00 18:35 11:50 16:30

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon.

We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453 11

Bob Green

The White Rose Saturday 19th June 2021 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 by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman and will be diesel hauled for the return journey back to London.

We leave London King’s Cross in the morning behind Flying Scotsman and follow the East Coast Main Line route of famous express trains of the past. 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 Castle; 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 hauled by a diesel locomotive. We stop to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King’s Cross in the evening.

12

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 26th June 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 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 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 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: 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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 13

Bob Green

The Bournemouth Express Saturday 3rd July 2021 This not to be missed tour commences at London’s Waterloo terminus from where we will be steam hauled throughout down to Bournemouth, following the route of the old Bournemouth Belle. Our locomotive will be Ex Southern Region ‘Merchant Navy’ Class Pacific locomotive No. 35018 British India Line, for our journey to the popular seaside resort.

Our journey to Bournemouth commences from the former London & South Western Railway’s terminus at London Waterloo. We thread our way through Clapham Junction and head along the L&SWR main line towards Weybridge and Woking. We will pause for water at Winchfield before heading through Basingstoke to Worting Junction, were we will take the main line to Southampton and Bournemouth.

The long straight sections of line will allow our locomotive to run at its maximum speed through Winchester and Eastleigh, recreating the days of the fast expresses to the south coast resorts. We pass through Southampton and run through the New Forest at Brokenhurst and reach the south coast at Christchurch.

Our arrival in Bournemouth will now provide passengers with an afternoon break in this popular Dorset seaside resort, made fasionable by the Victorians and the arrival of the railway in 1870. The town has a number of attractions to entertain visitors, including its extensive seafront with its Chimes, pier, parks and the pavillion, oceanarium, museums and galleries, plus many shops and restuarants to cater for all tastes.

Our steam locomotive will be serviced whilst we have free time in Bournemouth before we return to London Waterloo by way of our outward route. We can expect some fast running as we head towards the Capital with the Bournemouth Express, thus ending a memorable day out from a former era with our special train over classic Southern Railway routes.

14

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Waterloo Bournemouth

09:00 20:40 12:20 17:20

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The End of Southern Steam Friday 9th July 2021 This day trip by steam train provides a unique opportunity to visit the Yeovil Railway Centre and the popular seaside resort of Weymouth for the afternoon.

This special train to mark the anniversary of the end of Southern steam will be hauled by a powerful ex-Southern Railway Pacific type steam locomotive from Waterloo to Yeovil. We continue to Weymouth diesel hauled before our steam locomotive hauls us back to London via Bournemouth.

Our train leaves London Waterloo station at around 08:45 behind our splendid steam locomotive, 35018 British India Line. We pass through Clapham Junction, and continue along the South Western Main Line (SWML) with fast running expected from our steam locomotive, 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 Waterloo steam hauled.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Waterloo Woking Basingstoke Weymouth

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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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 Waterloo.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 15

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 11th July 2021 This steam hauled train 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 is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or 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 No.60103 Flying Scotsman 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 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.

We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station open in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous viaducts. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town that lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there.

We continue our journey back to York, stopping at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

16

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Appleby Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 13:35 17:20 14:20 16:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 11th July 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by steam train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled and then return to Slough by diesel.

We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a 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, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached.

Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel that will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth.

From Plymouth, we will continue westwards and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings.

The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

07:25 23:35 07:50 23:10 08:05 22:50 08:50 22:05 09:46 20:58 10:27 19:59 12:25 18:40 13:35 17:25

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning to Taunton. After a locomotive change over, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367 17

Alan Weaver

The Cheshireman Saturday 17th July 2021 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 locomotive 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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our special train, hauled 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, and this tour promises to be one of excitement as Tornado is allowed to reach its maximum permitted speed along the WCML. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey.

18

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 17th July 2021 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 by the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway line and returns via the West Coast Main Line over Shap. 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, steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, just after 07:00 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. We head north, leaving the WCML at Farington Junction, and call at Blackburn, where passengers who have travelled by service train from Preston join our train.

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

05:20 21:30 05:55 20:40 06:40 20:00 06:55 19:45 07:15 19:30 07:50 19:10 ------- 18:35 08:45 ------12:55 15:55

There are three classes available:

We continue to Clitheroe and then stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water.

We join the Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction and then begin one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive, which we shall see – and hear – working very hard!

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

There are magnificent views of the Pennine ‘Three Peaks’ of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass the highest railway station in England at Dent, crossing over viaducts and passing through tunnels amongst the Yorkshire Dales as we make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, 1169 feet above sea level. We travel above the valley at Mallerstang and descend to Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, where we stop for our locomotive to take on water.

We pass through the Eden Valley and arrive in the Border City of Carlisle shortly before 13:00.

There will be more than three hours in Carlisle, providing ample time to explore this ancient city.

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

Our train returns to Liverpool, steam hauled, via the steeply graded route over Shap summit on the WCML. We stop to set down passengers at Preston, Wigan, St. Helens Central, Broad Green and Liverpool Lime Street where we arrive around 20:00. Our train continues to Runcorn and Crewe diesel hauled.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers from Preston travel by service train to Blackburn on the outward journey. **Passengers for Blackburn travel by service train from Preston on the return journey.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 19

Bob Green

The North Wales Coast Express Sunday 18th July 2021 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.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street 10:05 22:30 Broad Green 10:20 22:15 Warrington Bank Quay 10:50 21:45 Frodsham 11:25 21:10 Chester 12:10 20:00 Llandudno Junction 13:25 18:45 Llandudno 13:40 18:35* Bangor 14:25 18:20 Holyhead 15:05 17:40 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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

*By service train from Llandudno Junction.

To Llandudno Junction Fares Adult Junior Family First £110 £60 £310 Standard £75 £42 £213

20

From Llandudno Junction to Holyhead Fares Adult Junior Family First £90 £48 £252 Standard £54 £30 £153

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Welsh Mountaineer Tuesday 20th July 2021 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 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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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

Premier

N/A

N/A

N/A

First

£179

£127

£549

Standard

£119

£86

£367 21

Bob Green

The Kentish Belle Thursday 22nd July 2021 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, Margate, Broadstairs, Margare and terminates at Faversham. You have the option to detain at any of these attractive destinations.

The Kentish Belle will leave London Victoria station steam hauled 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 Victiria by way of Severnoaks and Bromley South to conclude a variable-option day in the delightful Kent countryside.

22

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 17:00 12:10 16:40 12:20 16:25 12:30 16:15 12:50 16:00 13:05 15:45

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Tony Hartlett

The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 24th July 2021 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. An express 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 08:05, steam hauled by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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

08:05 23:20 08:40 22:35 09:15 22:10 10:05 21:40 13:00 19:05 14:40 17:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 23

Bob Green

The Hadrian Saturday 24th July 2021 Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam locomotive haulage combine in one of our most exciting and varied tours by special train. Our train will be hauled from Doncaster to Carlisle and from Carlisle to Darlington by steam locomotive No. 60103 Flying Scotsman. Passengers will experience the magnificent and world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, travel on the 183-year old Tyne Valley Line, and speed along the East Coast Main Line.

Our train leaves Derby, diesel hauled, early in the morning and stops to pick up more passengers at Long Eaton, Beeston, Ilkeston, Alfreton and Chesterfield. We continue through to Doncaster, where we change locomotives, with steam locomotive No. 60103 Flying Scotsman replacing the diesel locomotive on our train for the onward journey, via Leeds, over the spectacular Settle to Carlisle Railway.

Between Hellifield and Carlisle there is scarcely a level mile but our powerful steam locomotive will negotiate the 78 miles of rising and falling gradients in truly classic style. Settle Junction marks the beginning of one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles, mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive, which we will see – and hear – working very hard! We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel.

The route runs high above valleys, and over numerous viaducts to Dent, the highest main line station open in England. We make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1,169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! We descend through the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our steam locomotive pauses to take on water.

We can expect a fast run downhill from Appleby along the Eden Valley to Carlisle, where we arrive at around 14:00. There will be time to explore the ‘Border’ city with its many attractions that include the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, the pedestrianised English Street and the Lanes Shopping Centre.

We leave Carlisle at around 16:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastleupon-Tyne. The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in June 1838 and it runs eastwards, following the river Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson, before we join the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell. We can expect some fast running as we head south through Durham to Darlington, where reluctantly, we shall have to say farewell to Flying Scotsman. Our diesel locomotive will now continue to York, home to the National Railway Museum, and back to our outward stations before arriving in Derby late evening.

24

Approximate Timings Outward Return Derby Long Eaton Beeston Ilkeston Alfreton Chesterfield Carlisle

06:20 23:10 06:40 23:00 06:50 22:45 07:10 22:25 07:25 22:15 07:50 22:00 12:50 16:00

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 1st August 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by steam train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled and then return to Slough by diesel.

We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a 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, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached.

Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel that will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth.

From Plymouth, we will continue westwards and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings.

The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

07:25 23:35 07:50 23:10 08:05 22:50 08:50 22:05 09:46 20:58 10:27 19:59 12:25 18:40 13:35 17:25

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning to Taunton. After a locomotive change over, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367 25

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 5th August 2021 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 either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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 16:35 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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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

26

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 7th August 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 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 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 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: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 27

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 8th August 2021 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 is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there.

We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

28

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Appleby Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 13:35 17:20 14:20 16:15

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Tony Hartlett

The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 14th August 2021 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. An express 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 08:05, steam hauled by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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

08:05 23:20 08:40 22:35 09:15 22:10 10:05 21:40 13:00 19:05 14:40 17:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 29

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 15th August 2021 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 is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there.

We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

30

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Appleby Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 13:35 17:20 14:20 16:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 19th August 2021 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 either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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 16:35 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

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 31

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 21st August 2021 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 Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel.

Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 hauled by Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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 the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill.

There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. 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 is nearby at Lower Broadheath.

Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line. We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Didcot Worcester

07:40 20:10 08:10 19:35 08:35 19:05 09:00 18:35 11:50 16:30

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon. We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.

32

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 22nd August 2021 This steam hauled train 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 is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or 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 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman 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 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.

We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station open in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous viaducts. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town that lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue our journey back to York, stopping at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Appleby Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 13:35 17:20 14:20 16:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453 33

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 28th August 2021 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, which is hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, leaves Crewe at around 06:00 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 and Carnforth, where beyond 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 three 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.

Our journey continues from Hellifield to Clitheroe and Blackburn, where passengers for Preston leave the train. We join the WCML at Farington Junction and, shortly afterwards, take the Manchester line, 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.

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

06:05 22:20 06:35 21:50 06:50 21:25 08:00 20:15 08:10 19:50 08:30 ------------- 19:15 12:55 16:00

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

*Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.

34

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 29th August 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by steam train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled and then return to Slough by diesel.

We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a 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, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached.

Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel that will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth.

From Plymouth, we will continue westwards and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings.

The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

07:25 23:35 07:50 23:10 08:05 22:50 08:50 22:05 09:46 20:58 10:27 19:59 12:25 18:40 13:35 17:25

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning to Taunton. After a locomotive change over, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367 35

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 2nd September 2021 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 either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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 16:35 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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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

36

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cheshireman Saturday 4th September 2021 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

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

There are three classes available:

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£181

£809

First

£169

£110

£503

Standard

£119

£84

£364 37

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 5th September 2021 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 is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or 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 Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there.

We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

38

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Appleby Carlisle

09:30 21:20 10:20 20:30 10:45 20:15 10:55 20:05 11:10 19:50 13:35 17:20 14:20 16:15

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Swanage Belle Thursday 9th September 2021 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 Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland.

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

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey at around 16:55 and is diesel hauled to Southampton where steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 39

Bob Green

The Coast to Coast Express Saturday 11th September 2021 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 06:15 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

06:15 22:00 07:15 20:45 09:00 19:15 11:30 17:00 12:30 16:00

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

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 16:00 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.

40

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 12th September 2021 The Royal Duchy provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by steam train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled and then return to Slough by diesel.

We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a 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, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached.

Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel that will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth.

From Plymouth, we will continue westwards and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings.

The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

07:25 23:35 07:50 23:10 08:05 22:50 08:50 22:05 09:46 20:58 10:27 19:59 12:25 18:40 13:35 17:25

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning to Taunton. After a locomotive change over, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367 41

Bob Green

The Pennine Blackpool Express Saturday 18th September 2021 Join us on this special train to the Fylde Coast and the vibrant seaside resort of Blackpool. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Preston, where we take the branch to Blackpool North. Our return journey will be steam hauled to Preston and then via the Ribble Valley through Clitheroe to Hellifield and onwards to Carnforth. Our electric locomotive will then return the train back to London.

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.

At Preston, our steam locomotive allocated from the Carnforth Pool will be attached at the rear of the train and will be hauled by our Class 86 electric to Blackpool North. The recently electrified line serves local trains and also allows through trains to and from London. We will head westwards across The Fylde and pass through Kirkham, the junction for the Blackpool South branch. We will take the Blackpool North line and pass through Poulton-le-Fylde station where there should be by now views of the famous 518ft tall tower at Blackpool.

Around three hours should be available to visit the town and some of its attractions, including the Tower, the Winter Gardens, Madame Tussauds, the three piers or perhaps take a vintage tram ride along the sea front. Shops are also nearby along with many restaurants and pubs to cater for all tastes.

Returning to Preston, now steam hauled, we will detach the Class 86 electric locomotive, which will then go to Carnforth to await our return later in the day. Steam haulage will now continue via Bamber Bridge and the long climb of Hoghton Bank to Blackburn. We will join the Hellifield line at Daisyfield Junction and tackle the steep climb up to Whilpshire Tunnel. A long descent follows towards the impressive 48-arch viaduct over the river Calder at Whalley.

After Clitheroe, we continue to follow the scenic Ribble Valley towards Hellifield where there will be a water stop.

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

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 18:20 11:10 14:05

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

The last section of our journey to Carnforth will include the steep climb at 1 in 100 from Settle Junction up Giggleswick Bank. We follow the Bentham Line via Wennington and reach Carnforth where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. The class 86 electric locomotive will be waiting to take our train back to Preston and calling stations to London Euston. *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. ***Passengers boarding at Preston will return to Preston by service train from Blackburn.

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Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 25th September 2021 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 steam hauled 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 meet up with 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. We continue on this route and travel through Barrow 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. *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.

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

07:10 23:15 06:40 22:40 08:00 22:00 07:40 21:30 08:25 21:00 08:45 20:35 09:45 19:35 10:30 18:30 12:40 14:40

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, a Danish pastry 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 £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

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Premier

£259

£175

£781

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£159

£102

£471

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£70

£303 43

The Shetlander Friday 7th May to Friday 14th May 2021 Friday 17th September to Friday 24th September 2021 Discover the timeless beauty of the remote Shetland Islands on this ever-popular tour to the most northern outpost of the UK. • Following a high-speed trip north to Aberdeen, you cross to Shetland for a 4-day exploration of its rugged shorelines, windswept rolling hills and rich cultural heritage.

• Visit the island’s outstanding natural and historical attractions and discover its stunning rock formations, unspoiled beaches and ancient archaeological sites.

• Enjoy the local arts and crafts, breath-taking landscapes and local wildlife, with highlights including trips to ancient Scalloway Castle, St Ninian’s Isle and Isbister, the most northerly point on Shetland accessible by coach.

• On your return to the Scottish Mainland you’ll cap this fascinating holiday with a relaxing stay at St Andrews, one of Scotland’s most historic and elegant cities, steeped in golfing lore and crammed with beautiful architecture.

• With added extras including a trip to Dundee to visit Captain Scott's ship HMS Discovery and a steam trip on the Caledonian Railway at Brechin, this highlight-packed Scottish holiday is not to be missed!

Friday London to Aberdeen Your adventure begins in the plush First-Class lounge at London King’s Cross, for a midmorning departure from London to Aberdeen.

Travelling along the East Coast Main Line aboard the HST 125 trainset, you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a light lunch as the train travels north via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. You cross the stunning Firth of Forth and Tay Bridges and arrive in Aberdeen in late afternoon, checking into your conveniently located city centre hotel.

The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure in the ‘Granite City’, exploring this hub of Northeast Scotland. (L)

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Saturday Steam at the Caledonian Railway and Ferry Crossing to Shetland After breakfast, a road coach transfers you from your hotel to Brechin, home of the Caledonian Railway. A privately chartered steam train then takes you on the eight-mile round trip from Brechin to Bridge of Dun and back.

Freshly prepared sandwiches and refreshments will be provided at the railway buffet. After lunch you return to Aberdeen and visit the ‘Fitties’, a charming old fishing village nestling on the north side of the harbour. In the afternoon you return to Aberdeen and board the modern ferry for an overnight crossing to Lerwick. The ferry sails within sight of the north-eastern coast of

Scotland before passing through the open North Sea. After dinner you retire to your private cabin for the night. (B L D) Sunday Tour of the Central Shetland Mainland; Scallaway Castle and Museum After an all-night sail you reach Lerwick on the Shetland Mainland and have breakfast on the ship before disembarking. Your tour of the Central Mainland of Shetland starts with a brief coach tour of Lerwick before heading west to Tingwall, where you’ll enjoy a guided visit to ‘Carol’s Ponies’, a local crofter who breeds Shetland ponies. Moving on, you head to the

island of West Burra to view the beautiful sandy beach of Banna Minn, after which you make your way back to visit Scalloway Castle and Museum.

In early afternoon you have a scenic drive to Lerwick to visit the Iron Age tower ruins of the Broch of Clickimin on its outskirts. To round off a feature-packed day, you’ll visit the impressive Fort Charlotte, built between 1652-1653 during the First Anglo-Dutch War to keep the Dutch fleet at bay. In the late afternoon, you check in to your hotel and later dine there with your fellow travellers. (B D) Monday South Shetland Mainland Shetland’s largest island has a size of 967 km2 (373 square miles), making it the third largest Scottish and fifth largest British island.

Today you’ll explore the scenic highlights of its southern Mainland. You first head for the unspoilt beaches at St Ninian's Isle, connected to the Mainland by the longest ‘tombolo’ in the UK. Look out for the seal colony on the beach as you go past. At the Croft Museum at Dunrossness you’ll experience what life was like in a 19th century croft. Continuing south to Sumburgh Head, the coach stops for you to photograph the sea birds, with a possibility of seeing puffins, nesting on the steep cliffs. You may never get so close to puffins again! In the afternoon you visit the wonderfully preserved prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof, before heading back to Lerwick. En route you’ll stop off at the Hoswick Visitor Centre in Sandwick and take in the views of the uninhabited island of Mousa, which has one of the best preserved brochs (round tower) in Shetland. In the late afternoon you return by road coach to Lerwick and dine at your hotel.

(B D) Tuesday Northern Mainland Today is dedicated to the discovery of the natural wonders of Shetland’s northern Mainland. Heading north through the wild landscape, you make your way to Hellister and visit the amazing Shetland Jewellery centre, where traditional Celtic rings and pendants are crafted. You now head up to North Roe passing glorious scenery and, if conditions are amenable, you press on to Isbister, the most northerly point on Mainland accessible by coach. On the

return journey you’ll visit Hillswick, where you can see the hooch kettles that were used to treat nets and sails, and then the stunning, rugged cliffs at Esha Ness. You then pay a quick visit to Tangwick Haa Museum, which preserves the history of Northmavine peninsula. There’ll be no shortage of photographic opportunities today to capture the amazing wildlife and scenery.

After a very full day you return to your hotel for an evening meal. (B D) Wednesday Western Mainland On your last day on Shetland you explore the westernmost part of the Mainland. On your journey west, you first stop at Mavis Grind for a photo stop. This is a narrow isthmus separating the North Sea from the Atlantic, just 108 ft wide at its narrowest point. Continuing on you’ll visit the visitor centre at Jamieson's Spinning Mill at Sandness, a fantastic retail outlet for Shetland knitwear. Still further on you see the coastline at its best with views across to the island of Papa Stour. Returning to Lerwick you stop off at the scenic fishing villages of Walls and Voe, before rounding off your visit to these wonderful Isles with a visit to the awesome Shetland Museum.

You’ll sail back to Aberdeen on a late afternoon departure by ferry enjoying a unique opportunity to watch Fair Isle slip by on the port side as you enjoy your evening meal. (B D) Thursday Aberdeen to St Andrews After your overnight crossing you arrive in Aberdeen. Following breakfast on board the ferry, your coach takes you south to Dundee for a visit to Captain Scott's ship HMS Discovery.

You will then be driven to St Andrews to drop your cases off at your hotel before enjoying free time to explore this wonderful university town.

(B D) Friday Return to London Your Scottish adventure concludes with a return to London, travelling First Class on an East Coast Main Line HST. You board the train at Leuchars and again travel over the Forth Bridge via Edinburgh and Newcastle southwards. Lunch will be served on the train in First Class as you travel. (B L)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1725

Single supplement £325 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London to Aberdeen and return from Leuchars with at-seat dining • 5 nights bed and breakfast at good quality 3-star hotels • 2 nights bed and breakfast in a private cabin during our ferry crossings • 6 dinners and 3 lunches • All rail, bus and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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UK TOUR – 8 Days

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Bob Green

The Cock O’the North Thursday 27th May to Wednesday 2nd June 2021 Thursday 26th August to Wednesday 1st September 2021 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Scotland’s northern outposts on our ever-popular ‘Cock O’ the North’ rail and road tour.

• E xplore this rugged terrain by extensive train, road coach and ferry transport, starting with a First-Class journey on the ‘Highland Chieftain’ from London to Inverness.

• Steam on ‘The Jacobite’ from Mallaig to Fort William, taking in the famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct on one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.

• Enjoy two heritage rail trips in one day, on the Strathspey Railway in the shadow of the Cairngorms, and on the Keith & Dufftown ‘Whisky Line’, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. • Discover the Kyle of Lochalsh on a trip along the most scenic line in Britain, followed by a fascinating two-day stay on the Isle of Skye, including a guided tour highlighting its vibrant culture and spectacular attractions.

• With overnight stays at comfortable hotels, outstanding cuisine, and point-to-point road coach transport for your luggage included, this is a Scottish holiday tour not to be missed!

Thursday ‘Highland Chieftain’ to Inverness From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the scenic journey to Scotland. This train follows the route of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) via historic connections and through magnificent landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in First Class comfort. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue via Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth, and join the Highland Main Line to travel through the beautiful Scottish Highlands to Inverness.

At Inverness you check in to The Best Western Hotel and Spa for two nights. Dinner will be served this evening in the hotel restaurant. (L D) 46

Friday Strathspey Railway; Keith & Dufftown Railway This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore to join a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage railway line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip affords outstanding views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join your road coach to travel from Aviemore to Dufftown, and have lunch in the ‘Buffer Stop’, a railway restaurant car.

The return trip by vintage diesel rail car takes you on the 11-mile long Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. This so-called ‘Whisky Line’ passes through dense pine forests, by the tranquil

waters of Loch Park, and along the winding valley of the River Isla. To end an eventful day, you visit a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to the hotel in Inverness.

(B L D) Saturday Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by Train After a traditional Scottish breakfast your luggage is collected from the hotel and transported by privately chartered road coach to your next hotel. You then leave Inverness and travel by train to Kyle of Lochalsh, an idyllic location on the northwest coast of Scotland at the entrance to another sea inlet, Loch Alsh.

This line has been voted one of the most scenic in Britain and passes through forests, alongside lakes overshadowed by mountains, and along

the shores of Loch Carron, a sea inlet. A road coach then takes you over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye and on to Portree. On the way there are spectacular views inland of mountains and seaward of the islands in the Sound of Raasay, which boasts the deepest water in the UK Continental Shelf at 1,062 feet, Portree is the island’s main town and is known for its picturesque harbour. Here you check in to The Royal Hotel, your base for the next two nights.

(B D) Sunday Tour of Skye You have the benefit of a tour guide today as you explore the fascinating Isle of Skye by road coach. The island’s peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. The Black Cuillin mountain range is the only truly alpine environment in Britain and has twelve summits above 3,000 feet. Returning to Portree there’ll be ample time to look around and enjoy a fish and chip lunch. Afterwards you’ll visit the north of the island, with highlights including the Flora MacDonald Memorial Cross and the romantic and historic Dunvegan Castle, ancient home of the MacLeods. Skye is rightly renowned for its vibrant culture, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, examples being the golden eagle, sea eagle, red deer and otter, and your coach will stop whenever possible for film and photo opportunities. After an exciting day you return to your hotel in Portree. (B L D) Monday Ferry to Mallaig; ‘The Jacobite’ Steam Train After breakfast, say farewell to Portree as you head south by road coach to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig, a boat journey of around thirty minutes. On arrival at Mallaig there’ll be time to explore the village and have lunch before joining ‘The Jacobite’ steam train to Fort William. This unforgettable 42-mile route has been described as one of the great railway

journeys of the world. ‘The Jacobite’ takes you through some of Scotland’s most outstanding scenery, beginning with the sea views to the islands of Eigg and Rum. It crosses the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete, and offers a spectacular vista down Lochaber’s Loch Shiel. On arrival at Fort William you rejoin the road coach for the journey to Inverness. En route you pass through the many lochs of the Great Glen and travel the whole length of the famous Loch Ness.

At Inverness you once again check in to The Best Western Hotel and Spa for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Tuesday Leisurely Morning, Loch Cruise and Inverness After a leisurely breakfast you embark on a Canal & Loch cruise with an inclusive visit to the Urquhart Castle. After a short transfer from the hotel, your journey starts at Dochgarroch Lock, sailing through the famous man-made part of the Caledonian Canal onto the world-famous waters of Loch Ness. Once ashore you have the opportunity to explore the ruin of the historic Urquhart Castle. After your visit, you’ll have ample time to explore the town of Inverness with an opportunity to enjoy some retail therapy.

In the evening you will regroup for a Farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £345 Price includes: • First Class rail travel to Inverness and return, from London, Peterborough or York, with at-seat dining • 4 nights dinner bed and breakfast at The Best Western Hotel and Spa in Inverness • 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast at a good quality 3-star hotel in Portree • 4 lunches • Our own road coach to transport luggage for the duration in Scotland leaving you free to enjoy the train rides and other journeys • First Class rail travel on ‘The Jacobite’ from Mallaig to Fort William • Standard Class rail travel between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh (First Class not provided on this train) • All visits, train travel, transfers and tours as detailed in the itinerary • Reserved seats • The services of a tour manager

Wednesday The ‘Highland Chieftain’ back to London There’s an early breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to Inverness Railway Station and join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express for the return journey to London. Relax in your FirstClass seat as you travel once more through the scenic Highlands. You climb to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and follow the valley of the River Tay to Perth. You continue to Edinburgh to join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on the journey south.

(B L)

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Approx. timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 12:00 15:49 Peterborough 11:58* 15:26* York 13:54 13:54 Inverness 20:04 07:55

Bob Green

* Passengers from Peterborough change trains at York on both outward and return journeys.

UK TOUR – 7 Days

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Bob Green

Bob Green

The Summer Highlander Monday 7th June to Saturday 12th June 2021 Monday 13th September to Saturday 18th September 2021 Explore the splendour of Scotland’s culture and landscape on this unique summer tour to the scenic Scottish Highlands.

• Tour highlights include a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world, and rail journeys from both the Kyle of Lochalsh and on the ‘Far North’ to Inverness.

• Discover the inherent romance of the picturesque Isle of Skye on a ferry and road trip and explore the famous northern outpost of John O’Groats.

• Immerse yourself in Scottish heritage at Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey, and sample traditional Scottish culinary delights at diverse venues, including a whisky distillery.

• Visits to both the Strathspey and the Keith & Dufftown ‘Whisky Line’ heritage railways are included, the latter being the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. • With a wide variety of cultural and culinary delights also on offer, you’ll experience first-hand the glorious appeal of this rugged land when you book for this outstanding holiday travel tour.

Monday ‘Highland Chieftain’ to Scotland From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station, you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ passenger train for the journey north to Scotland, following the route of the scenic East Coast Main Line (ECML) through increasingly spectacular landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in First Class comfort. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue along the ECML to Darlington and on to Newcastle and Edinburgh. At Perth you join the Highland Main Line and travel through the amazing Scottish Highlands. Leaving the train at Kingussie a road

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coach takes you to Fort William where you check in to your hotel, where dinner will be served in the restaurant this evening. (L D) Tuesday ‘The Jacobite’; the Isle of Skye; by train to Inverness Today a major tour highlight awaits with a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world. The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig through magnificent Scottish scenery. Mountains, glens, streams, lochs and the sea combine in an unending collage of outstanding views. En route you cross the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete and featured in a

number of films and TV series. You’ll have an hour in Mallaig to explore this attractive fishing port and take lunch before boarding the ferry for Armadale on Skye. A road coach then transports you through Kyleakin and Broadford along the coast of this picturesque island. You cross the famous Skye Bridge and return to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh. The late afternoon service train to Inverness then takes you along one of Europe’s most scenic railway lines.

Running alongside Loch Carron, with superb views of lochs and mountains, you’ll pass through dense forests en route to Inverness.

You then check in to the Best Western Hotel and Spa in Inverness, your base for the next four nights (B)

Wednesday Dunrobin Castle After breakfast you depart by road coach for Dunrobin Castle. Travelling north, you cross Kessock Bridge on to the Black Isle, travel alongside Cromarty Firth and over Dornoch Firth to the village of Golspie on the North Sea coast.

A piper will greet you on arrival at Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland.

This impressive castle stands on high terraces and affords wonderful views across its formal gardens to the North Sea beyond. There’ll be time to visit the castle and its grounds, including a falconry display, before lunch.

Afterwards there’ll be more time to explore the castle gardens and museum before you return by road coach to your hotel in Inverness. (B L) Thursday The Far North Today there’s a trip by road coach to the iconic village of John O’Groats. The route from Inverness follows the A9 trunk road, which hugs the North Sea coast for much of the way from Golspie to Wick, giving spectacular views. John O’Groats is the well-known starting point for charity events travelling the greatest length of Britain to Land’s End. It has a tiny harbour and, if the weather is good, there are views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. You continue a few miles west to the Castle of Mey, where a light lunch will be served.

The castle was restored from a near ruin by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for use as a holiday home. Further on, at Thurso Railway Station, you join a ScotRail service train for Inverness. The railway takes a different route to the road, initially crossing isolated moorland, thus providing a fresh perspective on the region’s wonderful scenery. The railway line meets the North Sea coast at Helmsdale and follows the coastline, often running between the road and

the sea. It’s not uncommon to see seals basking on the shore on this section of the route.

On arrival at Inverness you return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday The Strathspey and Keith & Dufftown Railways This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore to join a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage railway line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip affords outstanding views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join your road coach to travel from Aviemore to Dufftown, and have lunch in the ‘Buffer Stop’, a railway restaurant car.

The return trip by vintage diesel rail car takes you on the 11-mile long Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. This so-called ‘Whisky Line’ passes through dense pine forests, by the tranquil waters of Loch Park, and along the winding valley of the River Isla. To end an eventful day, you visit a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to the hotel in Inverness. (B L D) Saturday The ‘Highland Chieftain’ to London There’s an early breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to Inverness Railway Station and join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express for the return journey to London. Relax in your FirstClass seat as you travel once more through the scenic Highlands. You climb to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and follow the valley of the River Tay to Perth and then to Edinburgh to join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on your journey south. (B L)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1530

Single supplement £295 Price includes: • First Class rail travel on the ‘Highland Chieftain’ and on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train • Standard Class rail travel between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness and between Thurso and Inverness (First Class not provided on these trains) • 5 nights accommodation in hotels • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners • All visits, train and ferry travel, and coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Approx. timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 12:00 15:48 Peterborough 11:58* 15:26* York 13:54 13:57 Kingussie 19:15 ------Inverness ------- 07:55 * Passengers from Peterborough change trains at York on both outward and return journeys.

UK TOUR – 6 Days

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Arran and Kintyre Saturday 12th June to Friday 18th June 2021 Explore the diverse delights of Western Scotland on this unique holiday to the picturesque Isle of Arran and the scenic peninsula of Kintyre.

• Discover the striking landscapes of Arran, ranging from sandy beaches and rolling fields to an interior capped by the towering Goatfell peak. Arran truly is ‘Scotland in Miniature’!

• Enjoy three days based in Brodick at the refined Auchrannie Resort, and visit Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park with a later excursion to Lochranza distillery, and the chance to watch and photograph some stunning wildlife.

• Other Arran highlights include the double cascade at Glenashdale Falls, the ancient stones at Machrie Moor and the grand, converted villas along the 2-mile-long Whiting Bay. • Moving on to Kintyre for three nights you’ll visit remote Davaar Island, see the famous Mull of Kintyre and explore Campbeltown with its three whisky distilleries, all the while enjoying some of the finest scenery in all Scotland.

• From exquisite cuisine to lusty off-the-beaten-path excursions along coast and fell, this quintessential Scottish holiday is definitely not to be missed.

Saturday 12th June London to Brodick Your holiday starts in the First-Class lounge at London Kings Cross Station where you board a LNER service to Edinburgh. You then travel in spacious comfort up the East Coast Main Line (ECML), with an easy interchange at Edinburgh Waverley onto a ScotRail service to Glasgow Central and onto Ardrossan Harbour.

There you change onto the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry for the one-hour crossing to Brodick, Arran’s principal town. Here you check into the Auchrannie Resort, where you’ll be based for the next three nights. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. (L D)

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Sunday 13th June Brodick Castle and Gardens; Goatfell and Lochranza Distillery After a leisurely breakfast this morning you’ll have time to look around bustling Brodick before a scheduled late morning visit to Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park. A quintessential Victorian estate, this is the only island country park in the whole of Britain. The Castle houses an outstanding collection of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies. The estate features a range of habitats from the formal walled gardens to wild woodland walks, all against a backdrop of stunning views over Brodick Bay. You’ll see the wild Ayrshire coast on one side, with towering Goatfell peak on the other. After your visit you’ll have a coach trip along the east and north coasts of the island to the whisky distillery at Lochranza, for a

guided tour and a ‘wee dram’. There’ll be several stops along the way for bird watching and photography at scenic vantage points, so you can begin to immerse yourself in the amazing landscapes of Arran. Dinner will be served back at your hotel this evening. (B D) Monday 14th June Nature and scenery of southern and central Arran Today a relaxed tour of the south of Arran awaits, with stops at the sweeping 2-milelong Whiting Bay, the village of Kildonan, the turbulent Glenashdale Falls and the Standing Stones at Machrie Moor. Whiting Bay is the third largest of Arran's settlements after Lamlash and Brodick and retains much of the quiet gentility of an earlier era, although many grand villas have since been converted to hotels, guest houses and

restaurants. The double cascade at Glenashdale Falls is a delight to view and the ancient stones at Machrie Moor are a fine example of a Neolithic centre of ritual and domestic activity, scattered across a lonely moorland. It’s a day for trail walking, bird watching, wildlife photography and marvel at the views and countless natural highlights. Dinner will be served back at your hotel this evening. (B D) Tuesday 15th June Western Arran and on to Kintyre Today you travel through the heart of Arran by coach, with road stops at some striking vantage points, before taking the island’s main road for a drive along Arran’s West coast. At Lochranza village you’ll enjoy the views of the ruined stone castle, originally built as a hall-house in the late 1200s or early 1300s, before boarding the CalMac ferry for a 30-minute crossing over to Claonaig on Kintyre. Your comfortable road coach then takes the scenic main road along the west coast of Kintyre south to Campbeltown, once again stopping at the most picturesque nature spots. You arrive later at the graceful Royal Hotel in Campbeltown, overlooking the delightful working harbour, replete with fishing boats and leisure craft. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. (B D) Wednesday 16th June Davaar Island, Dunaverty Beach and Mull of Kintyre Today is dedicated to exploring the very southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula, including rocky Davaar Island, located just east of Campbeltown and only accessible by a causeway road. You’ll also discover Dunaverty Beach and the famous Mull of Kintyre, made famous

by Paul McCartney’s song of the same name.

This is a beautiful area, combining rugged cliffs and coastline facing the North Atlantic, with secluded and often deserted, golden sandy beaches. It enjoys a special climate all of its own, as evidenced by the many palm trees growing out in the open, and often has better weather than much of the rest of Scotland. You return to Campbeltown in the late afternoon and look forward to a silver-served dinner at your Royal Hotel. (B D) Thursday 17th June Leisure in Campbeltown and Machrihanish Dunes After several active days, it’s time for a more relaxing morning at leisure in wonderful Campbeltown. Located on a deep bay sheltered

by Davaar Island and the surrounding hills, Campbeltown has three whisky distilleries (out of a one-time 28) and was once the whisky capital of the world! In the afternoon your coach then takes you to the sandy Machrihanish Dunes on the western coast of Kintyre, just outside Campbeltown and home to a famous links golf course. Enjoy the undulating dunes and the wonderful coastline scenery. Dinner is back at your hotel tonight. (B D) Friday 18th June Return to London You’ll rise early today for the crossing on the direct CalMac ferry from Campbeltown to Ardrossan Harbour, which only runs on two days of the week. During the trip, you’ll again have excellent views of Arran as the ferry rounds the island to the south. From Ardrossan Harbour you continue on to Glasgow Central on a fast, electric service with ScotRail. From there it’s a trip on a Virgin Pendolino train in First Class comfort back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £275 Price includes: • 6 nights Half-board accommodation at hotels • 1 lunch • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, bus and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Brodick and from Glasgow to London • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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UK TOUR – 7 Days

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Heart of Scotland Wednesday 7th July to Tuesday 13th July 2021 Scotland is a rugged country full of scenic and cultural surprises, as you’ll discover for yourself on this highlight-packed holiday tour to its wild, spectacular heart.

• With stays in historic Inverness, the city of Stirling, then Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, you’ll explore all the unique cultural and natural attractions grouped around the Trossachs, the Cairngorms, and Bute.

• Steam highlights include a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard steam launch ‘Sir Walter Scott’, and a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway heritage line in the shadow of the Cairngorms.

• Visit Culloden near Inverness and explore the scene where the Battle of Culloden took place in 1746, in the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

• Enjoy a cruise on Loch Lomond, sailing past the lands of some of the ancient Scottish Clans, followed by lunch and a ferry transfer to the Isle of Bute.

• You’ll also discover the diverse wildlife in and around both of Scotland’s National Parks, showcasing the variety of flora and fauna in the rugged Scottish landscape.

• From unspoilt beaches to inspiring coastlines, with convenient point-to-point transfers on ScotRail service trains and by private coach included, this is a unique holiday opportunity for seasoned traveller and newcomer alike.

Wednesday 7th July London to Inverness on the ‘Highland Chieftain’ From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ passenger train for the journey north to Scotland, following the route of the scenic East Coast Main Line (ECML). A light lunch will be served at your seat as you travel First Class in relaxed, spacious comfort, as nearly the length of Britain rattles past. Your train stops at York, taking on those connecting by service train from Peterborough before continuing via Newcastle and Edinburgh to historic Inverness, where you will spend the next two nights at the Best Western Hotel & Spa. A welcome dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (L D) 52

Thursday 8th July Sightseeing in Inverness; Tour of the Battlefield at Culloden Today you have a free morning to sightsee in Inverness, the northernmost city of Scotland and famous for its Victorian-era marketplaces, cathedrals and museums. A visit here should also include a walk over the Ness Bridge and a stroll along the banks of the river, which offers beautiful views of this bustling city. You’ll be able to have lunch before you have a trip to Culloden in the early afternoon. The last ever pitched battle to be fought on British soil took place here on 16th April 1746 on Drummossie Moor, overlooking Inverness. You’ll enjoy a private tour around the battlefield and a visit to the feature packed Museum. On the way back to Inverness,

you’ll also visit Clava Clairns, an ancient burial site dating back over 4000 years. Once again, dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

(B D) Friday 9th July Strathspey Steam Railway This morning you travel from Inverness to Aviemore before joining a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip on the railway offers wonderful views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join the road coach to travel from Aviemore into the heart of the nearby Cairngorms National Park and

stop for a short stroll along the banks of Loch Morlich. Afterwards your road coach transfers you to Stirling, where you check in to the Stirling Highland Hotel, where dinner will be served.

(B D) Saturday 10th July Steam Cruise on Loch Katrine and Stirling Castle This morning you transfer by coach from Stirling along scenic roads to nearby Loch Katrine, set in the Centre of the Trossachs National Park.

You’ll then enjoy a 2-hour lake cruise on the world-famous steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’ to Stronachlachar from Trossachs Pier, taking in the inspiring landscape that influenced Sir Walter Scott, Coleridge and Wordsworth. On returning you’ll take a light lunch at the restaurant on the Pier. Afterwards you transfer by coach again to Stirling Castle for a guided tour of the grounds of one of the largest castles in Scotland, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs.

The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. After your tour there’ll be time to look around Stirling, taking in the historic Old Town and the picturesque Back Walk footpath that encircles it. Dinner will be taken at your hotel this evening. (B L D) Sunday 11th July Loch Lomond After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you transfer by road coach to Loch Lomond.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond taking in the breathtaking beauty of the loch and the surrounding scenery whilst enjoying refreshments on board the boat. Afterwards you travel to a lakeside venue to enjoy lunch.

You’ll spend the afternoon sightseeing by coach before travelling over to the Isle of Bute on the Calmac ferry from Wemyss Bay. On arrival in Rothesay you check in to your conveniently located hotel where you will spend the next two nights. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (B L D)

can watch the large colony of seals on their rocky perches, and enjoy panoramic views over to Arran, the sandy beaches at Ettrick Bay and the remote scenery of North Bute as far as Rhubodach. In the afternoon, you visit the impressive Victorian Gothic Revival estate at Mount Stuart and the scenic beaches and coves at Kilchattan Bay. The spirit of nineteenthcentury invention is embodied in Mount Stuart, and this neo-gothic mansion was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age. It was the first home in the world to have a heated swimming pool and be purpose-built with electric lights and central heating. Kilchattan Bay is a settlement of Victorian houses and villas that lies on the south west shore of a largely east facing bay with a mile-wide mouth offering views to the isle of Great Cumbrae, three miles to the east. After your rewarding day out, dinner will again be served at your hotel in Rothesay. (B D) Tuesday 13th July Ferry crossing to Wemyss Bay, train to Glasgow Central, return to London In the morning you’ll have some leisure time in Rothesay before taking the lunchtime CalMac ferry from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay. From Wemyss Bay you take the direct ScotRail service to Glasgow Central, changing onto a Avanti Pendolino and continuing in First Class luxury over the entire length of the West Coast Main Line back to London Euston. For extra excitement this route passes through outstanding scenery at the mountain summits of Beattock and Shap. You arrive back in London in the evening. (B L)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1455

Single supplement £195 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London King’s Cross to Inverness by East Coast express train and from Glasgow Central to London Euston by Avanti Pendolino service • Standard Class rail on Scotrail services • 6 nights Half-board hotel accommodation • 4 lunches • All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All road coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Monday 12th July Mount Stuart and the scenery of Bute Today you discover the outstanding natural and cultural highlights on the Isle of Bute, 33 miles from Glasgow and the most accessible of the westerly isles from the Scottish Central Belt, including the famed sea colony at Scalspie.

The reddish sand of Scalpsie Bay is set against the backdrop of the Isle of Arran, and there are two viewpoints from which you can see the area’s fascinating resident wildlife and take in the amazing landscapes. At Seal View you UK TOUR – 7 Days

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The Far North and Orkney Thursday 8th July to Friday 16th July 2021 Thursday 12th August to Friday 20th August 2021 The rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands take centre-stage on this popular tour to one of the most extraordinary places in Northern Europe.

• E xplore both of Northeast Scotland’s steam traction heritage railways, the Royal Deeside Railway west of Aberdeen and the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.

• Experience a midsummer ‘White Night’ when the sun never entirely sets, on a sea ferry trip to the enchanting island of Orkney.

• Explore Orkney’s pristine beaches, stunning coastline and mystical rock formations during your 3-day visit, including a distillery visit and a trip to the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ World Heritage Site.

• Journey back to the mainland over the most northerly railway in the UK, taking in lunch at John O’Groats before travelling on the spectacular Far North Line via Thurso to Inverness.

• Cap your memorable holiday with a trip on the nostalgic heritage Strathspey Steam Railway and a visit to the formidable artillery fortification at Fort George.

Thursday London to Aberdeen Your adventure begins in the First-Class lounge at London Kings Cross, for a mid-morning departure from London to Aberdeen.

Travelling along the East Coast Main Line aboard the HST 125 train, you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a light lunch as you travel north via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, crossing the stunning Firth of Forth and Tay Bridges.

You arrive in Aberdeen late afternoon and check into your city centre hotel. The rest of the evening is spent at leisure. (L)

traction heritage railways during the next two days, starting with the Royal Deeside Railway.

This delightful standard gauge railway features a two-mile round trip through rural scenery and gentle rolling hills, running close to its namesake river. There’ll be photo opportunities en route and a ‘false arrival’ staged at the station.

Afterwards, lunch is taken at the Milton Crathes Brasserie followed by a visit to Crathes Castle, replete with turreted towers and walled gardens.

There’ll be plenty of time to explore this stylish estate before your road coach takes you back to Aberdeen. (B L)

Friday Steam at the Royal Deeside Railway and Crathes Castle You’ll visit both of Northeast Scotland’s steam

Saturday Steam at the Caledonian Railway and Ferry Crossing to Orkney After breakfast your coach transfers you to

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Brechin, home of the Caledonian Railway.

A privately chartered steam train takes you on the eight-mile round trip from Brechin to Bridge of Dun and back. Light snacks and refreshments are provided, afterwards there’s time to visit Brechin’s historic Cathedral and Round Tower.

You then return to Aberdeen and board the modern ferry for a six-hour evening crossing to Kirkwall. The ferry sails within sight of the north-eastern coast of Scotland before entering the open North Sea. Dinner is served on board.

You reach Kirkwall at 11pm, as the sun is setting, an experience common to the far north during summer solstice. You disembark and transfer to your centrally located hotel. (B L D)

Sunday At leisure in Kirkwall and a visit to the Highland Park Distillery You are free to relax and explore the quaint town of Kirkwall at your own pace. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its vibrant artisan scene, diverse galleries and craft shops.

Orkney’s capital boasts many historical buildings, such as the 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral, the most northern cathedral in the British Isles.

In the afternoon you visit the Highland Park whisky distillery, where world-famous Scotch has been produced since 1798. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B D) Monday Exploration of Neolithic Orkney You embark this morning on an exciting exploration of mainland Orkney by coach.

Among the highlights are the wonderful and fascinating landmarks that form the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ World Heritage Site to the west of Kirkwall. You’ll have plenty of time to discover the tremendous natural beauty and cultural legacy at Maes Howe, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. You’ll visit the delightful fishing port of Stromness, where you can explore and purchase lunch. In the afternoon, following your visit to Skara Brae, you’ll see the breathtaking sea cliffs at Yesnaby before returning to Kirkwall. (B) Tuesday Orkney Beaches, Italian Chapel, Broch of Gurness and Brough of Birsay Today you’ll discover the pristine beaches of the southern, eastern and northern Orkney shores and the so-called ‘Churchill Barrier’ causeway roads, built for defensive purposes during World War II. En route you’ll visit the iconic Italian chapel, one of the most loved cultural attractions on Orkney. In South Ronaldsay you venture south to the fishing town of Burwick, with fine views across the Pentland Firth to John O’ Groats. After lunch back in Kirkwall it’s time to explore the outstanding archaeological site at Broch of Gurness, just across the water from the sparsely populated Orkney island of Rousay.

You end the day by experiencing the natural beauty of the Brough of Birsay, on the northern tip of mainland Orkney. At low tide you can even walk over to the uninhabited island of Birsay.

After your exciting day out, reconvene back at the hotel for dinner. (B D) Wednesday Ferry Crossing over the Pentland Firth, Train Journey to Inverness This morning you return to the Scottish

mainland. Your coach takes you from Kirkwall to Stromness for the ferry crossing over the famed Pentland Firth, past the Old Man of Hoy and St. John’s Head to Scrabster, near Thurso.

From Scrabster you continue by coach to the iconic village of John O’ Groats, the most north eastern village on the British mainland, where you can buy lunch. Afterwards you continue to Wick and board a ScotRail service train on the stunning Far North Line for the spectacular railway journey via Thurso to Inverness. Initially the tracks cross over moorland, passing through isolated mountain landscapes, before hugging the coast again and running within sight of seals basking on the rocky shores. Numerous firths are navigated before the train eventually reaches Inverness, hub of the Scottish Highlands.

You’ll spend two nights at the Best Western Hotel and Spa in the heart of the city, with ample time to explore in the evening. (B) Thursday Strathspey Steam Railway and Fort George Today you travel by coach to nearby Aviemore before joining a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip provides wonderful views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join the coach to travel from Aviemore into the heart of the nearby Cairngorms National Park, where you stop for a short stroll along the banks of Loch Morlich.

You return back to the hotel, where lunch will be served, before enjoying an afternoon visit to Fort George. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Afterwards, you enjoy a Farewell meal at the hotel. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1595

Single supplement £295 Price includes: • 8 nights accommodation with breakfast at hotels • 5 lunches and 4 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, bus and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Aberdeen and from Inverness to London • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Friday Return to London on the Highland Chieftain After an early breakfast you transfer to Inverness Railway Station to join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express train for your return journey. Relax in your comfortable First-Class seats as you travel through the scenic Highlands. The train climbs to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and then follows the valley of the River Tay to Perth.

You continue to Edinburgh where you join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross. A light lunch will be served on the journey south. (B L) UK TOUR – 9 Days

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Phil Jones

Georg Trueb

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells Friday 16th July to Thursday 22nd July 2021 Experience the very best of British steam on this highlight-packed steam rail tour through the magnificent landscapes of Cumbria and North Wales.

• While based for 2 nights in historic Liverpool you’ll travel on main line steam over the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, with major attractions along the line including the magnificent 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

• Enjoy a steam trip along the picturesque North Wales Coast line to Bangor, running beside the Irish Sea and passing through several seaside resorts before transferring to Llandudno.

• Steam up the dramatic Conway Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog on The Welsh Mountaineer and discover the endless variety of ‘Great Little Trains’ on the railways of Snowdon Mountain, Ffestiniog, Fairbourne, Talyllyn, Welshpool and Llanfair, and the Vale of Rheidol.

• A definitive tour highlight is a trip over the rebuilt Welsh Highland Railway, one of the rail wonders of the 21st century, from Caernarfon to Porthmadog through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park.

• With overnight stays in comfortable hotels, fine cuisine and efficient luggage transfers, this unique steam tour is the ideal way to explore these outstanding landscapes in relaxed comfort and style.

Friday 16th July Exploring Liverpool Your tour begins at a City Centre Hotel in Liverpool, located opposite Lime Street Station and your base for the next two nights. Arrive as early as possible and explore this fine city at your leisure. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening.

(D) Saturday 17th July The Settle to Carlisle Railway Today you join the ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ steam train at Lime Street Station and your journey begins with an impressive departure hauled by one of the Carnforth pool steam locomotives. Breakfast will be served at your seat soon after. You head north to Preston and Carnforth and skirt the Lake District before 56

entering the Lune Valley. Your fully extended steam locomotive ascends to the summit of Shap Fell before descending through Penrith North Lakes, pausing at Carlisle for a two-hour break to explore this Border City. Leaving Carlisle you join the Settle and Carlisle Railway, climbing up through Langwathby and Culgaith and pausing for water at the market town of Appleby.

Through stunning scenery you climb the steep gradient to Ais Gill summit and traverse Dent Dale, from where the Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent dominate the landscape. There are over twenty major viaducts and fourteen tunnels on the line culminating in the magnificent 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

On the way back to Liverpool you enjoy a fourcourse dinner, silver-served at your seat, before returning to the Holiday Inn for the night. (B D)

Sunday 18th July Steam along the North Wales Coast After breakfast you take your reserved FirstClass seat on the ‘North Wales Coast Express’ special steam train at Liverpool Lime Street Station and journey along the West Coast Main Line to Warrington. On leaving Chester you cross the River Dee and enter Wales, running along the Dee Estuary and then beside the Irish Sea as your train passes Prestatyn and Rhyl. This coastline is known for its stunning beaches and, at Colwyn Bay, fantastic views of the Great Orme headland. You pass through several small seaside resorts on the Irish Sea coast before arriving at Bangor. Here you transfer by road coach to Penrhyn Castle for a short visit. This dramatic neo-Norman castle was built in the early 19th century for a

wealthy Welsh family. Crammed with fascinating objects, its stable block contains an industrial railway, a doll collection, and model railway museums. Afterwards your coach takes you across Anglesey to Holyhead to rejoin your steam train for the return journey to Llandudno.

You take the short walk to the Imperial Hotel there and check in for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Monday 19th July Steam on the Snowdon Mountain and Welsh Highland Railways This morning you transfer to Llanberis Station for a steam-hauled trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, with superb summit views, weather permitting. Back in Llanberis there is free time to explore this delightful Snowdonian town and have lunch. In the afternoon you take a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park.

This fantastic 25-mile journey, steam hauled by a two-foot narrow gauge Garratt locomotive, begins close to Caernarfon Castle. It takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, the village of Beddgelert, which owes its fame to the legendary tale of Prince Llewelyn ap Iorwerth, and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. On arrival at Porthmadog you return by road coach to the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno for dinner. (B D) Tuesday 20th July A steam spectacular to Blaneau Ffestiniog; the Ffestiniog Railway After breakfast you take a ride on the 3’6” gauge Great Orme Tramway, Britain's only cable-hauled street tramway, from Llandudno Victoria Station to Great Orme Summit Station. Then you go on to Llandudno Junction Station to join ‘The Welsh Mountaineer’ steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

You’ll be hauled by a steam locomotive along this incredibly steep branch line, climbing uphill into Snowdonia through Betws-y-Coed and Pont-yPant to Blaeneau Ffestiniog. There’ll be a couple of hours to explore Blaeneau Ffestiniog and have lunch before you travel on the Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog. There you transfer to Portmeirion, where the surreal TV spy drama

‘The Prisoner’ was filmed in the 1960s, for dinner and an overnight stay at The Hotel Portmeirion. (B D) Wednesday 21st July Steam on the Fairbourne and Talyllyn Railways After breakfast you transfer by road coach to Fairbourne for a return journey on the Fairbourne Railway. This 12¼” gauge railway runs for 3.2 km (2 miles) alongside the beach to the end of a peninsula at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, one of the most spectacular locations along the Cambrian Coast. You continue by coach to nearby Tywyn where you travel on the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway (TR).

The TR is notable for being the first preserved railway in the United Kingdom. This 2’3” gauge railway runs for 11.7 km (7.25 miles) to Nant Gwernol. On return to Tywyn there’ll be time for lunch and a visit to the narrow-gauge railway museum there. You then transfer by coach from Tywyn to Aberystwyth for dinner and an overnight stay at the Marine Hotel. (B D) Thursday 22nd July Vale of Rheidol and Welshpool and Llanfair Railways Today you travel steam-hauled on the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, where unique waterfalls have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about the ‘Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge’.

From Devil’s Bridge you transfer by road coach to Welshpool and after lunch in the town you begin your journey on the picturesque 2’6” gauge Welshpool and Llanfair Railway.

There’s an enjoyable steam-hauled ride through the delightful Banwy Valley to Llanfair Caereinion to follow, before you return to Welshpool. From there you journey to Liverpool by road coach, for your homeward journey. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1895

Single supplement £325 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels • 5 breakfasts in hotels and one on the train • 6 dinners • All train and tramway travel as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and coach transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Please note: Locomotives will be confirmed nearer the time of departure.

Andrew Thompson

UK TOUR – 7 Days

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Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

English Lakes Thursday 22nd July to Tuesday 27th July 2021 Thursday 16th September to Tuesday 21st September 2021 Discover the delights of the English lakes by vintage motor vessel, steam train and steam yacht on this feature-packed holiday tour to Cumbria.

• Based at an elegant hotel in the resort town of Bowness-on-Windermere, you’ll enjoy cruises on vintage vessels on Lake Windermere and Ullswater.

• Steam train highlights include a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and an exclusive exploration of the legendary 15-inch narrow gauge railway ‘La’al Ratty’.

• Enjoy a lake-themed cruise on Coniston Water aboard the restored Victorian steam yacht ‘Gondola’, followed by lunch at the 400-year-old ‘Sun’ pub in Coniston.

• Other holiday highlights include visits to the Victorian neo-gothic Wray Castle and the Haverthwaite engine shed.

• Outstanding scenery, excellent cuisine and the convenience of short point-to-point travel distances by private road coach all add to your enjoyment on this relaxed, highlight-packed holiday in England’s idyllic Lakeland.

Thursday First Class rail travel to Windermere Your holiday begins in the First-Class lounge at London Euston Station before boarding a midmorning/early afternoon Avanti Trains Pendolino service. You’ll travel in sumptuous comfort at a top speed of 125mph along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Oxenholme in the Lake District. Here you change trains and take a First TransPennine Express service for the journey to Windermere. From Windermere station you’ll have a short coach transfer to the delightful village of Bowness-on-Windermere, located on the banks of Lake Windermere. Your hotel for the duration of the tour will be the Laura Ashley, Belsfield Hotel. You then have some leisure time to explore Bowness before dinner at your hotel in the evening. (D) 58

Friday Lake Windermere cruise; Steam train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway After breakfast you board the stylish vintage motor vessel ‘Swan’ for a forty-minute cruise through outstanding Cumbrian lake scenery to Lakeside at the southern end of Lake Windermere. This triple-deck ship was originally built by Vickers in 1938, and is now an iconic fixture on England’s largest lake. The lake pier is adjacent to Lakeside Railway Station and here you join a connecting steam train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, a former branch line of the Furness Railway (FR), originally opened in 1869. You’ll travel the entire length of the line to Haverthwaite with plenty of time to visit the impressive engine shed there, with its collection of historic steam

and diesel locomotives. Crossing the footbridge to the woodland viewing and picnic area you can buy souvenirs in the gift shop and sample the delights of the licensed Station Restaurant, with locally sourced produce and homemade speciality dishes. In the afternoon you return by steam train to Lakeside and from there by connecting ship to Bowness. You’ll dine at your hotel this evening. (B D) Saturday Steam boat cruise on Coniston Water; Wray Castle Today you visit Coniston Water, the third largest lake in the Lake District, for a lake-themed cruise on the restored Victorian steam yacht ‘Gondola’. Originally launched in 1859 to carry railway passengers, The Illustrated London News at the time described it as “a perfected

combination of the Venetian gondola and the English steam yacht”. The preserved steamer is now cared for and operated by the National Trust. Following the cruise, you’ll have lunch at ‘The Sun’ in Coniston, a 400-year-old pub with exposed beams, stone walls, flagstone floors and a local Brathay slate bar top. It’s situated beneath the Cumbrian Fells and has an elevated view over the village of Coniston. Later you transfer by road coach to Ambleside for the ferry to Wray Castle, a Victorian neo-gothic building with grounds that include part of the shoreline of Lake Windermere. There will be a visit to the castle after which you can explore the adjacent gardens at your leisure. You return to your hotel in Bowness for dinner. (B L D)

Sunday Scenic cruises on Lake Windermere and Ullswater This morning you explore the northern half of Lake Windermere on board a classic motor vessel sailing from Bowness to Ambleside at the northernmost extremity of the lake. MV ‘Tern’, is a steam powered yacht built in 1891 and converted to diesel in 1956. After the 30-minute voyage to Ambleside Pier you’ll join a private road coach for the onward journey to Grasmere, where there will be a coffee stop. Continue by coach from Grasmere to Keswick, travelling via Dunmail Raise and Thirlmere. On arrival at Keswick, you enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before your road coach takes you on to Pooley Bridge. Here, you have an afternoon cruise on one of the celebrated Ullswater ‘Steamers’ on the second largest lake in the Lake District.

Ullswater is one of the most beautiful English lakes, comparable to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland because of its mountainous backdrop.

You’ll see the spectacular waterfall of Aira Force, midway along the lake on the western side and cruise the length of the lake from Pooley Bridge

to Glenridding. You rejoin the road coach for the return journey via scenic country roads to Bowness and dinner at your hotel in the evening.

(B L D) Monday Steam train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway A tour highlight awaits today as you travel by road coach to Ravenglass, a small coastal village with Roman connections located at the estuary of the rivers Esk, Mite and Irt. The famous 15inch gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (La'al Ratty) has its terminus adjacent to the Cumbrian Coast railway line station. The line runs for 7 miles (11.3 km) from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the Eskdale Valley.

You’ll be given a day rover ticket for use on the line, which operates an intensive timetable of steam and diesel trains, so you can explore at your own pace. Options include alighting at intermediate stations to film or photograph the passing trains, and it’s only a short walk from the terminus at Dalegarth to the village of Boot and its two pubs. The railway is popular for its open carriages providing superb sightlines of the surrounding scenery, but there are enclosed carriages depending on the weather. After your day on the railway you return to Windermere by road coach in the late afternoon. You dine with fellow guests at your hotel this evening – a fitting climax to a fabulous tour. (B D) Tuesday Homeward bound After breakfast at the hotel you transfer by road coach to Windermere Railway Station.

Passengers who joined the tour at Windermere will travel home independently, the remainder will join a train to Oxenholme Lake District for the return to London Euston again in the FirstClass comfort of an Avanti Pendolino train. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1395

Single supplement £165 Ground only £1285 (Windermere – Windermere with own travel to/from Windermere) Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District and return by Avanti Trains Pendolino • Standard Class rail travel from Oxenholme Lake District to Windermere (20 minutes)* • 5 nights Half-board hotel accommodation • 2 lunches • All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • A one day rover ticket for use on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager *The First Transpennine Express trains running the short distance between Oxenholme Lake District and Windermere have insufficient first class seats to accommodate our party.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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UK TOUR – 6 Days

59

Bob Green

The Western Isles Monday 26th July to Tuesday 3rd August 2021 Discover the scenic splendour of the mountains, glens and lochs of Northwest Scotland and the Western Isles on this unique holiday travel tour.

• Enjoy a lake cruise and excursion on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world, following an overnight stay next to Loch Lomond.

• Cross remote Rannoch Moor as you head for Fort William to stay by Loch Linnhe with Britain’s highest mountain, majestic Ben Nevis, as the backdrop.

• Savour a sea ferry transfer and epic coach tour of the Isle of Skye, before you head to Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides for two nights, including a guided tour of the outstanding local sights.

• Explore the North West Highlands with a ride to Durness on the far north coast of Scotland, featuring some of Europe’s most isolated and spectacular coastlines.

• Other tour highlights include a road trip to Dunrobin Castle, a falconry display, dolphin sightings and photo opportunities galore on this ultimate Scottish travel tour.

Monday 26th July ‘Highland Chieftain’ to Scotland From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the scenic journey to Scotland, following the East Coast Main Line (ECML) through increasingly spectacular landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in sumptuous First-Class style. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue your journey along the ECML via Newcastle and Edinburgh and on to Stirling. From there a coach takes you to The Lodge on Loch Lomond for dinner and overnight accommodation. The Lodge prides itself on excellent customer service and is located in beautiful countryside on the banks of Loch 60

Lomond with stunning views of both the Loch and Ben Lomond. (L D) Tuesday 27th July Lake Cruise on Loch Lomond; north to Fort William After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a stroll by the Loch, a road coach takes you the short distance to Tarbet. From here a private cruise on Loch Lomond is scheduled, with a light lunch taken on board. Afterwards you rejoin the coach for the return trip to Arrochar and Tarbet Station to catch a train north to Fort William.

The route passes through spectacular scenery, crossing the remote Rannoch Moor. Fort William is located in a prime position on Loch Linnhe with the majestic Ben Nevis, which at 4,406 feet is Britain’s highest mountain, as the backdrop.

Your train arrives late afternoon when you check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Wednesday 28th July ‘The Jacobite’ and over the Sea to Skye A major tour highlight is a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train. This unforgettable 42-mile route has been described as one of the great railway journeys of the world. The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer.

Mountains, glens, streams, lochs and the sea combine to provide an unending collage of outstanding views. En route you cross the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete and featured in a number of films and TV series. You’ll have around two hours in

Mallaig to explore the village and fishing port and find lunch, before boarding the ferry for Armadale on the Isle of Skye. You then travel on the road coach, which has followed the tour with the luggage, to your hotel in Portree, the island’s main town and well known for its picturesque harbour. (B D) Thursday 29th July Coach tour of Skye; Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides This morning you explore the fascinating Isle of Skye by road coach. Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the island’s peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. The Black Cuillin mountain range is the only truly alpine environment in Britain and has twelve summits above 3,000 feet. Your coach pauses a few times for photo opportunities as it crosses Trotternish, the northern peninsula of Skye, to Uig. Here you join a ferry for the one and half hour crossing to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Although not an island itself, Harris is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris. You travel through the exposed countryside to the island’s capital, Stornoway, and the hotel where you will stay and dine for the next two nights. (B D)

July 2009 there were no Sunday ferry services to or from Stornoway. You’ll then take a ferry across ‘The Minch’, maybe sighting dolphins en route, and return to the mainland at Ullapool.

The road coach from Ullapool then goes north to Lochinver, a pleasant village with a beautiful harbour and a magnificent mountain backdrop.

You’ll stay at the luxurious Inverlodge Hotel, set on a hillside overlooking the bay, for the next two nights. All rooms present amazing views and deer often appear on the lawns outside. (B D) Sunday 1st August By road to the North West Scottish Highlands There’s a day trip by road coach today, to discover the remote and impressive landscape of the North West Highlands. You pass through magnificent mountain scenery with striking lochs and glens, and maybe catch a glimpse of some uncommon wildlife. You begin to notice the wild sea as you travel near to the coast at Scourie.

Your destination is Durness on the far north coast of Scotland, an area of unspoilt beaches backed by cliffs. The surrounding coastline is some of Europe’s most isolated and spectacular, where sea birds, seals, porpoises and minke whales may be seen. You stop in the village and take time for lunch. In the afternoon you return by coach to the hotel at Lochinver. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2099

Single supplement £395 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London to Stirling and Inverness to London with at-seat dining • 8 nights half board accommodation in 3-star hotels • 5 Lunches • All visits, train, boat and ferry travel, and coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary • First Class rail travel on ‘The Jacobite’ from Fort William to Mallaig • Standard Class rail travel between Arrochar and Fort William and Golspie and Inverness (First Class not provided on these trains) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner July/August 2021

Friday 30th July Guided tour of The Isle of Lewis Today a guided coach tour of the Isle of Lewis awaits you. The Isle of Lewis is at the North west corner of the Hebrides and has a rich cultural heritage. From the neat Victorian homes lining the streets of Stornoway, to the stretching white sands of Bosta on Great Bernera in the east, where the clear Atlantic waters sound the evocative toll of the Time and Tide Bell, Lewis is an island of exciting contrasts and diverse experiences. Places of particular interest include the Butt of Lewis cliffs and lighthouse, Carloway Broch, Lewis Bridge and the Callinish Standing Stones, an impressive stone circle comparable to Stonehenge. Lunch will be taken during the tour and dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B L D) Saturday 31st July Free time in Stornaway; ferry to Ullapool; north to Lochinver This morning you’ll have some free time to explore Stornoway and a choice of visiting Lews Castle and grounds, the impressive war memorial, or the harbour area. Observance of the Christian Sabbath, Sunday, had long been a unique aspect of the island’s culture and until

Monday 2nd August Dunrobin Castle and Inverness Today you travel east by road coach along isolated mountain roads passing through Lairg and Golspie before arriving at Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland, on the East coast. This impressive castle stands on high terraces with wonderful views across its formal gardens to the North Sea beyond.

Enjoy exploring the castle and it’s grounds, including the falconry display. After which lunch will be taken, before transferring to Golspie Station to board a train to Inverness. You then transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

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Approx. timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 12:00 15:49 Peterborough 11:58* 15:26* York 13:54 13:54 Stirling 17:19 ------Inverness ------- 07:55 * Passengers from Peterborough change trains at York on both outward and return journeys.

Tuesday 3rd August The ‘Highland Chieftain’ to London After an early breakfast at the hotel you transfer to the railway station to join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the return journey to London.

You can relax again in First Class seats as you leave Inverness and pass through the wonderful Highlands en route to Perth, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on the journey south.

(B L) UK TOUR – 9 Days

61

Bob Green

Bob Green

The West Country Explorer Saturday 14th August to Thursday 19th August 2021 Explore the delightful coastal and moorland scenery of the counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall on this outstanding holiday tour to the West Country.

• Your adventure begins and ends on special steam trains to and from London and features visits to iconic locations such as St. Michael’s Mount and Lands’ End. • Enjoy a paddle steamer cruise on the River Dart and steam train trips on a variety of heritage railways, like the West Somerset and the Dartmouth Steam Railways.

• Other tour highlights include travel by train over the legendary sea wall at Dawlish, and overnight stays in St. Ives, regularly voted the Best UK Seaside Town, and Torquay, sited on the famed ‘English Riviera’.

• Other railways to discover include the Bodmin & Wenford, and the South Devon Railway running along the stunning River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

• You’re also sure to savour the many culinary delights of a region famous for its traditional production of cider, clotted cream, and pasties, on this wonderfully idyllic travel holiday.

Saturday 14th August London Paddington to Exeter Your adventure begins on a steam train from London Paddington Station for the trip to the West Country. You will travel in the comfort of ‘Premier Dining’ where breakfast will be served at your seat soon after departure. The route runs fast to Reading before taking the Berks and Hants Line through the Vale of the White Horse to Westbury. Crossing the Somerset Levels, you reach Taunton and at Norton Fitzwarren join the ‘Heritage’ West Somerset Railway. At Bishops Lydeard Station a ‘Manor’ class 4-6-0 steam locomotive will be attached to the front of your train. You then continue ‘double-headed’ on this scenic line to Minehead. Here a road coach transfers you to the Lynton and Barnstable Railway at Woody Bay in Devon. There you 62

enjoy a steam train journey along this narrowgauge railway line. You continue by road coach to Exeter. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Exeter this evening. (B D) Sunday 15th August Free time in Exeter Today is a free day to explore the sights of Exeter. The morning can be dedicated to visiting the historical sites of the city, including one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in the country. Stay in Cathedral quarter or head to Princess Hay where you will find a selection of lunch options to suit any taste. The afternoon can be spent in one of many excellent museums, galleries, or beautiful city parks. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at your hotel in Exeter this evening. (B D)

Monday 16th August St Michael’s Mount and Lands’ End This morning you travel by service train from Exeter to Penzance. En route you pass along the famous sea wall at Dawlish and cross the Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar to enter Cornwall at Saltash. Travelling through the glorious Cornish countryside you can still see the evidence of its illustrious mining heritage.

At Penzance a road coach takes you to St. Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island in Mount’s Bay. Depending on the tide, you may be able to walk across the causeway to the island from Marazion, otherwise the boat will take you to the island, where you can purchase lunch.

After the visit you continue by coach to Lands’ End, the most westerly point of mainland England. It’s also the iconic location for

charitable events to and from John O’Groats in northeast Scotland. Later you return to Penzance with time to look around the town, with its Regency and Georgian architecture, working harbour and terminus railway station.

You transfer to St. Ives and book in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B D) Tuesday 17th August St Ives, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and South Devon Railway After a leisurely breakfast and time to have a look around St Ives, you travel by road coach to Bodmin Parkway Station for a steam-hauled return trip to Boscarne Junction on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. This includes a visit to the beautifully restored Bodmin General Station, the headquarters of the railway, where trains reverse direction of travel. In the afternoon you continue to the South Devon Railway for a return journey on the 7-mile track which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Afterwards, the coach transfers you to Torquay in Devon, again crossing the road bridge over the River Tamar at Saltash, with great views from a different vantage point of Brunel’s famous railway bridge.

You check in to a hotel in Torquay for dinner and overnight stay. (B D) Wednesday 18th August Steam on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and a paddle steamer cruise After breakfast you join a steam train at Paignton Railway Station for a scenic journey along the English Riviera on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. This standard gauge heritage railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear,

connecting with ferries crossing the River Dart to Dartmouth. There are expansive views over Torbay as the line climbs to Churston before it descends, passing Agatha Christie’s Estate at Greenway Halt, to the River Dart. It’s an aptly named Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You then take the ferry to Dartmouth and board the coal-fired paddle steamer ‘Kingswear Castle’ for a leisurely estuary cruise. On returning there’s time to explore the narrow lanes and stone stairways of Dartmouth and discover its magical history. You return to Paignton by steam train and your hotel in Torquay. (B D) Thursday 19th August A visit to Dawlish, the Seaton Tramway and return to London Victoria This morning you travel by road coach to Dawlish for a few hours of free time. You can stroll on the expansive sands and along the famous sea wall right beside Brunel’s railway line. There will be time to watch and photograph the trains or simply enjoy the beaches and traditional refreshments. You continue by coach to Seaton, on the South Devon coast, to visit the Seaton Tramway. There’s a return trip on this narrow-gauge electric tramway, which operates open top double-deck trams over part of the former railway branch line to Seaton.

In the afternoon your road coach takes you to Weymouth. Here you board the ‘Dorset Coast Express’ steam train for the journey to London Victoria. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1275

Single supplement £165 Price includes: • Rail travel from and to London by special steam trains • 5 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 6 dinners • All rail and road coach journeys as mentioned in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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UK TOUR – 6 Days

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©Sandringham Estate

The East Anglian Friday 3rd September to Thursday 9th September 2021 Experience the very best of East Anglia’s small railways and explore its unique landscape, from delightful coastal towns to vibrant cities, on this inspiring UK tour.

• Based in the historic towns of Norwich and King’s Lynn, you’ll enjoy steam trips on the Bure Valley, Mid Norfolk, Wells & Walsingham and North Norfolk lines.

• Discover ancient castles, quaint villages and unspoilt seaside towns as you steam across the stunning landscapes of the region behind historic steam locomotives.

• Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads, an extended visit to Her Majesty The Queen’s country estate at Sandringham, and a timeless trip to the North Norfolk seaside town Wells-next-the-Sea. • Other tour highlights include an epic steam-hauled excursion to Chester on the Cheshireman, a guided tour of Norwich Castle and visits to historic Castle Rising and Wymondham Abbey.

• With accommodation in 4-star hotels, sumptuous dining, plenty of time for sightseeing and the services of a tour manager included, this outstanding East Anglian tour holiday is a must for seasoned traveller and steam newcomer alike.

Friday 3rd September From London to Norwich in First Class comfort; tour of Norwich Castle Your tour starts at Liverpool Street Station, London this morning with a greeting from your Tour Manager. You then travel north in First Class accommodation through the scenic East Anglian countryside to Norwich. On arrival you check in to a centrally located 4-star hotel, your base for the next four nights. A coach then takes you to nearby Norwich Castle for a private guided tour, before you enjoy a welcome dinner at your historic hotel this evening. (D) Saturday 4th September Cheshireman over the Fens to Nuneaton; West Coast Main Line to Chester This morning you join The Cheshireman steam 64

train at Norwich train station for an impressive departure steam-hauled by one of the magnificent LMA Princess Royal Class locomotives No.6201 Princess Elizabeth or No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Breakfast is served on the train as you cross the verdant Fenland landscape to the market town of Thetford. Your train then follows the crosscountry line through Stamford and continues westwards to pass Rutland Water towards Oakham. Carrying on into Leicestershire, you run through Melton Mowbray and follow the main line to Wigston Junction, where you branch off on to the Nuneaton and Birmingham line. Your route continues westwards through Hinckley to Nuneaton, where it joins the West Coast Main Line. Heading northwards, your steam locomotive can now get up to speed as you make for Tamworth and Lichfield. The line

splits at Colwich Junction and you follow the WCML through Shugborough Park to round Queensville Curve at Stafford. Continuing northwards through rural Staffordshire your steam loco works hard as it tackles the long climb to Whitmore Summit, before slowing to approach the major railway junction at Crewe.

The final part of your journey takes you across the Cheshire Plain past Beeston Castle to Chester. Here you have plenty of time to enjoy the local sights before enjoying a four-course, silver-served dinner at your seat on the return trip to Norwich. (B D) Sunday 5th September Free time in historic Norwich; steamhauled to Wymondham Abbey This morning is free for you to explore the wonderful medieval city of Norwich, which

boasts a magnificent Cathedral, with the bustling town centre only a short walk away. There are craft shops, department stores and the famous market to discover, with countless quaint pubs and cafes to relax in. Cobbled streets, halftimbered houses and winding lanes all add to the charm and timeless history of this vibrant University city. After lunch, a private coach takes you to Dereham for a steam-hauled trip on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Savour an afternoon travelling under steam from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey, one of the grandest religious buildings in East Anglia. You’ll soak up the sights and sounds of the Norfolk countryside en route, and on the trip back to Dereham enjoy a delicious cream tea served at your seat before returning to Norwich and your hotel for dinner.

(B D) Monday 6th September Steam-hauled on the Bure Valley Railway; boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads After breakfast today you travel by coach to Aylsham and board a steam-hauled train on the Bure Valley Railway to Wroxham, a delightful town situated on the Norfolk Broads.

The man-made landscape of the Broads comprises over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways and a quick coach ride takes you to the bridge at Wroxham for an afternoon of cruising on the serene rivers and placid, reedfringed lakes of this National Park. After an adventurous afternoon you return to Wroxham with time to explore this charming little town on the river Bure, before heading back once more to your hotel in Norwich for dinner. (B L D) Tuesday 7th September Day trip to Wells-next-the-Sea; steamhauled along the North Norfolk coast Today you depart by coach to Wells-next-theSea, a timeless little seaside town on the North Norfolk Coast with harbour front and fishing vessels, long sandy beach and famous brightly coloured beach huts. From here you depart steam-hauled on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway to Walsingham, before returning back to Wells for a leisurely lunch at one of its many restaurants, or to enjoy fish and chips on the sea front by the harbour. After lunch you travel by coach eastward along the coast to Sheringham, for a steam-hauled trip on the North Norfolk Railway to Holt, travelling by the coast and through the North Norfolk countryside

before returning to Sheringham. Here a private coach takes you to King’s Lynn where you checkin to a 4-star hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Wednesday 8th September Trip to Castle Rising; Afternoon exploration of Sandringham House and Gardens Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, you have free time before your coach transfers you to Castle Rising, a beautiful little village near King’s Lynn. It’s home to one of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, surrounded by 20 acres of mighty earthworks. You’ll have time to visit the castle and explore before you continue by coach to Sandringham, home of the Queen’s Norfolk Country House.

Here you’ll have lunch in the restaurant before spending the afternoon immersed in the history and elegance of Sandringham House and its grounds. Sandringham is the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house is set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate.

After absorbing the atmosphere and culture of Norfolk’s most famous stately home you return to King’s Lynn for dinner and accommodation at your hotel. (B L D) Thursday 9th September Exploration of King’s Lynn; return to London You’ll enjoy another lavish breakfast at your hotel before you spend the morning exploring and shopping in the busy town centre and finding somewhere for lunch at one of Lynn’s many diverse eating places. King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century, and fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbour. After a morning of discovery, you board a coach to take you back to Norwich before heading to the station to catch a train home. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1595

Single supplement £235 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast in 4-star hotels • 5 breakfasts in hotels and 1 on the train • 5 dinners in hotels and 1 on the train • 2 lunches • All train travel as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and coach transfers • The services of a tour manager Seat reservations from London and return are non reserveable. Return travel from Kings Lynn to Kings Cross is available upon request.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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UK TOUR – 7 Days

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UK Day Trip Information Travelling by Steam Train Our Day Trips and Tours 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 and Tours, 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.

Premier Dining Class Premier Dining Class on our trains is a luxury experience providing a full meals service at tables with spacious comfortable seating. This service usually includes a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board the train, and a four course meal on the return journey. A light lunch may also be included on some trips. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all of the meals and it is professionally served to your table. 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. 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 £25.00* per person, subject to availability.

Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. *prices shown as per individual tour page.

First Class First Class accommodation on our trains is provided at tables for four or for two in deep cushioned armchair seats with plenty of room. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £25.00 per person, subject to availability. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam.

Standard Class Standard Class seats are usually arranged in groups of four around 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. A completed booking form can also be sent to us by fax on 01553 661 800. 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 or postal order 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 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).

Covid-19 In order to minimise the risks to our passengers and on-board crew/stewards there will potentially be some changes made to the seating arrangements on board, i.e. we may need to seat all bookings solely with members of their own party. Any passenger who is feeling unwell immediately prior to travelling with ourselves is requested NOT to travel.

We request that all passengers wear face masks while on board our trains and whilst hand sanitiser will be available we 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.

For Premier dining passengers there may be some changes required to the food service on board and we may be running a plated service rather than silver served at your seat for the time being, to reduce risks to passengers and catering staff. It is therefore very important that any vegetarians travelling inform us beforehand so that they can be accommodated. No other dietary requests will be possible at present.

Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel 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. Please note 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. Please note 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.

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.

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.

N.B. – All timings shown are approximate and subject to change unless otherwise shown.

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UK Tours Information The attraction of trains. By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities in the form of false starts and run pasts where this is practical and possible. Where possible, we also arrange locomotive footplate rides, museum and depot visits. Many of our customers do not have the same exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts; therefore, we keep in mind the need to diversify our tour programmes. We do this by including visits to castles and historic houses, and to wildlife parks, using accommodation in resort style hotels, and providing free time for shopping and exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction and therefore the emphasis of our tours is travel by train, which includes the nostalgia, the companionship on board, and the passing scenery. We consider that those travelling on our tours will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by road coach or cruise liner.

Schedules and services. We arrange and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations – train operators and track operators – only work two months ahead and therefore cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’.Likewise we cannot confirm and advise final numbers for a tour until full balances have been received from tour customers. Tours may be subject to occasional rescheduling or re-routing. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that each of our tours runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible.

Fire risk. In many countries at times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate. The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during times of high fire risk.

Seat reservations and overnight travel arrangements. On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block booking or complete carriage.

Since the railways concerned make the allocations, we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin berth sleeper car trains (First Class is often single berth). These decisions are made on the basis of the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed by overnight travel, and the accommodation options available.

Porterage. Some tours include porterage between stations and hotels; some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost. However, there will be occasions when porters are not available or included and it will be each customer’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.

Accommodation. We aim to use 3 or 4-star designated hotels throughout our tours as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service that we would wish for our customers.

We also seek out establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways in order to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character. Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation is available.

Single supplements. We are pleased to advise that we do not financially benefit from single supplement charges. Supplement charges only apply due to hoteliers charging higher rates for rooms that are solely occupied. All of our prices listed are per person based on two persons sharing. Therefore, any room that is solely occupied does incur a charge, whether it be a single or double room. If a double room is preferred please state your preference at the time of booking in order for us to obtain a quote, double rooms for single use may be slightly more expensive than the single supplement stated.

All other elements of our tours are priced on a per person rate, so no extra fees are applied for solo travellers.

Food and drink. Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al-fresco, picnic or packed! Mindful of the diversity of our customer’s tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach when choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and marvel at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If customers have any special dietary requirements they must please ensure we know them at the time of booking.

In this way we can make the necessary arrangements for customers with special requirements. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee, in which case this is clearly stated in tour information. Otherwise customers are responsible for their own refreshments.

Passports, visas and health issues. Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports after returning back to the UK. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has

a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required. We will offer any help we can in arranging customers’ visas. Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each customer participating in a tour and we cannot assume any responsibility. Customers MUST seek advice from their GP or a travel medical centre.

Pre-tour and travel documents. We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time.

If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received. We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours. This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward despatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager.

Travel insurance. Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority.

Infirmity and disability. Tour managers are responsible for the general care and wellbeing of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions. Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/ dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists. Customers’ names and addresses have been obtained as a result of their response to advertisements, having been a previous customer or enquirer, or a referral from some other party. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd. trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Customer’s personal details such as credit card numbers, travel arrangements, companions etc. will only be kept to be used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If one customer wishes to communicate with another customer, then please forward the stamped envelope/package to us. We will add the address and post on the mail. We will not divulge any addresses or telephone numbers. Please refer to our website for information regarding our Privacy Policy ensuring you fully understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of Our Site.

Financial protection. We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number T7149. This ensures that in the event of the failure of our Company, customers’ money will be protected. If customers are on holiday at the time of Company failure, arrangements will be made for them to complete their holiday and return home. The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol. org.uk.

Payments for flights. The payments that customers make for their flights are held by us in our trust account, on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying the flight, until the date that we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm their contract with the customer. We will forward this to the customer no later than the day after we have received it.

24 EST. 1997

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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