It was in 1974 that through electric traction working commenced along the full length of the  West Coast Mainline following completion of the modernisation plan to electrify the UK’s premier mainline from London Euston through to Glasgow Central.  An Edinburgh extension was completed in 1989.

Beginning our journey at Gloucester, we head north, diesel hauled, with pick-ups through the midlands and Crewe. From here we exchange our diesel traction to the famed a/c electrics Class 86259 ‘Les Ross’ top and tailed with Classmate No. 86401, for a spirited journey to Scotland at line speeds of up to 100mph. Conquering the climbs of Shap and Beattock, we travel through the stunning autumnal scenery of the eastern Lakes and Scottish Lowlands to our day’s destination at Edinburgh.

Arrival into Edinburgh is just below the famed Princes Street at Waverley Station, from where you step into a Christmas wonderland with streets adorned in lights. Lose yourself in Yuletide Wonder with both traditional Scottish Highland and German Christmas Markets, enjoy the Christmas wheel or Festive Gardens. There is also the splendours of The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or one of the many eateries and Cafes.

Alternatively stay on board for the sprint back across the border to Englands most northerly town, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Enjoy approximately an hour and a half adventuring down alleyways, stumbling upon hidden courtyards, climbing up a sand dune or peering at medieval remains.

OPTION A: Break at Edinburgh
OPTION B: Break at Berwick-upon-Tweed

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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This excursion offers the chance for passengers from a wide range of South Midlands and Cotswolds stations to enjoy a day out, in our festively decorated carriages, to one of Britain’s most historic cities, decked with festive cheer to accompany an expected 70 or so quality stalls set out close to Chester Cathedral.

The rail route will also be of interest and is largely circular, with the return to the joining points in the same order as outward to give a similar length of day to everyone from the start at Dorridge to the last joining point at Gloucester.

Winter bare trees should give open views as we head down the Severn Estuary to the outskirts of Newport, then north through Abergavenny to Hereford and on past Leominster and Ludlow to Church Stretton before crossing the River Severn again at Shrewsbury. The final leg of the outward journey takes us by way of Gobowen and Chirk to the Dee Viaduct and thence to Wrexham before dropping downhill to our day’s destination – CHESTER.

We are expecting an afternoon break of around three hours here, enough time to visit the Cathedral, see important Roman remains, shop….. or perhaps just chill out in an eatery or hostelry. 

The locomotives hauling this excursion are a pair of English Electric Class 37s from West Coast Railway Company

A festive menu will be served to those in Premier Dining.

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Festive Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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