FRIDAY 18 & SATURDAY 19 JULY 2025

THREE UNIQUE RAILTOURS – THREE LOOPING ITINERARIES, WITH TOP ‘N’ TAIL CLASSIC

ENGLISH ELECTRIC BUILT CLASS 37 LOCOMOTIVES AT THE HELM

Here are three ‘chase the tail light’ railtours for your enjoyment, which can be booked individually or with a combined Rover ticket. The routing highlights are not usually associated with loco hauled passenger trains!

THE THAMES & KENNET COURIER

A really pleasant circular summer evening trip through town and country that roughly follows the course of the famous Kennet & Avon Canal eastwards, and featuring a clutch of Loops along the way, (including Bathampton, Woodborough, Hungerford and Theale Requested.) Also the Westbury East Curve. A Cottage Pie dish will be served and included in the fare. (Vegetarian option is available)

THE EXE & TAW TOURER

With long summer days giving optimum daylight hours, we present a rare opportunity to traverse both the Exmouth and Barnstaple Branchlines in full, loco hauled! We also include a traversal of the remains of the Taunton avoiding line, now part of the Fairwater Yard complex. A number of main line loops have also been requested.

THE SEVERN & WYE COTSWOLDIAN

Join us for a journey through the bucolic English countryside (and a bit of Wales too!). Our circular routing is Bristol-Avonmouth-Severn Tunnel-Newport-Hereford-Malvern-Worcester-Cheltenham-Gloucester-Sapperton Bank-Swindon-Bristol Parkway-Portbury (Portishead) branchline – Bristol, then set down back to Reading.

Highlights include: Bedminster Washing Line, Filton Curves and access line, Avonmnouth Bulk Terminal, Panteg & Pontrilas Goods Loops, Alstone Carriage Siding, Swindon Reception and the Portbury (Portishead) branchline to the Network Rail Limit.

This charter has been broken down into three segments, with a Rover ticket offered for anyone wishing to do all three sections, as well as individual journeys.

The onboard catering will include a buffet service and the Gricers Grill, plus real ale and cider bar.

---

 

ESTIMATED TIMINGS & FARES

FRIDAY – THE THAMES & KENNET COURIER

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £15 per person in First Class 

---

 

FRIDAY/SATURDAY OVERNIGHT – THE EXE & TAW TOURER

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £10 per person in First Class 

---

 

SATURDAY – THE SEVERN & WYE COTSWOLDIAN

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £30 per person in First Class 

---

 

ROVER TICKET FOR ALL THREE TRIPS

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £50 per person in First Class 

---

 

Motive power is expected to be a pair of WCRC Class 37 locomotives in top and tail formation throughout.