Our journey begins in the morning, departing from Derby behind a mighty Colas Rail Class 56 otherwise known as a ‘Grid’ to rail enthusiasts. As we head south, we’ll make pick-up stops at stations across the East and West Midlands, as well as through the Cherwell Valley, before continuing onward to Swindon and straight down to the stunning South West coast.

The route promises some great scenery, offering a diverse landscape as we glide through the Somerset Levels and pass through Exeter St. Davids. From there, we’ll trace the iconic Dawlish Sea Wall — a remarkable stretch of railway running mere metres from the sea, where waves often dance against the tracks. Our first destination is the delightful seaside town of Torquay, before continuing to our journey’s end at the picturesque resort town of Paignton.

Dartmouth

Upon arrival, you’ll have up to three hours to explore the beautiful Torbay Coast, fondly known as the English Riviera for its palm-lined promenades, golden beaches, and charming seaside ambiance. For those seeking a further journey to Dartmouth, there’s also an opportunity to hop aboard the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway diesel hauled service to Kingswear with Class 37 No. 37703 at the helm. (Please note: an additional fare is payable locally for this service.)

37703

As the day winds down, we’ll depart in the early evening, retracing our steps along the dramatic Dawlish Sea Wall once more. At Taunton, our route diverges onto the Berks and Hants line, climbing over Bruton Bank and passing through the historic town of Castle Cary. From Westbury, we’ll loop back along the Melksham single line, rejoining our earlier path at Swindon and making set-down stops at the same stations where we picked up passengers.

We would like to thank Colas Rail for supplying one of their Class 56 locomotives for this rail excursion.

————————–

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!

————————–

No-one quite knows how long ago it was that the people of Cornwall started to celebrate Midsummer (Golowan in the Cornish language), but it was noted as ‘an antiquity’ in 1754.

Once away from Gloucester, with the classic D1015 Western Champion at the helm, our journey is across the flats of Somerset and over the hills to Devon and Exeter. At the waters edge we now run along the Exe estuary and out onto the famed Dawlish Seawall, then inland to Newton Abbot and steeply up and down the edge of Dartmoor to Plymouth. We then cross the River Tamar on Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge and head for west Cornwall.

Choose from one of the following off-train options:

Option A: Truro (Estimated 1225-1645) for Falmouth

Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Truro, a city steeped in history, with architectural wonders, quaint boutiques and crowned by its magnificent Cathedral. Alternatively take the branch line train (payable locally) and enjoy the picturesque scenery on your way to the maritime town of Falmouth.

Option B: St. Erth (Estimated 1250-1610) for St. Ives

Continuing West, we reach St. Erth, where we set down for the branch line train (fare payable locally) to St. Ives, a small coastal town that offers something for everyone: seaside, specialist shops, harbour and even the Tate Gallery.

Option C: Penzance (Estimated 1300-1600)

The end of the line is at Penzance where the Mazey Day festivities will be in full flow throughout the town and waterside. 

Your visit grants you free time to delve into the heart of this quirky town. Meander through its charming streets, indulge in local delights and uncover the tales that echo through its historic corners.

Known for its captivating pirate history, this vibrant destination promises a one-of-a-kind experience and conveniently located adjacent to the railway station. 

The bus station opens doors to local escapades – hop on board for a thrilling journey to must see destinations such as Lands End, Mousehole and the awe-inspiring Marazion, boasting the majestic St. Michaels Mount (all dependant on confirmed timings).

————————–

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!

————————–

From the comfort of your seat, your adventure embarks as we travel across the Cheshire plains via the North Wales coast to Llandudno Junction, where you can alight if you wish. Here, we reverse and will wind our way along the dramatic and captivating Conwy Valley, taking in striking views of Snowdonia. There’s the option to alight at the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed for a break.

Alternatively, you can continue to the lines end of the slate defined town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here, you can explore at leisure, or take the option of a journey along the Ffestiniog Railway. 

 Option A: Llandudno Junction break (Estimated 1130-1730).

Alight here for a short journey by train (fare payable locally) to Llandudno. It boasts a Victorian pier and its own mini-mountain – Great Orme. You can walk up (if you’re feeling energetic!) or take the historic Great Orme Tramway.

Option B: Betws-y-Coed break (Estimated 1225-1625).

Known as the gateway to Snowdonia, disembark at Betws-y-Coed to discover this charming village, with an alpine feel, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Explore the diverse range of quaint shops, cafes and nature walks nestled within the Gwydir Forest.

Option C: Blaenau Ffestiniog break (Estimated 1300-1600).

Our journeys end brings us to Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town steeped in industrial history. The afternoon is yours to explore and admire the surrounding rugged landscape. Take some time to wonder about the hustle and bustle that once adorned this town during the times of slate mining. 

Option D: Ffestiniog Railway (Estimated 1300-1600). (Supplementary fare: (adult £35 / junior £30).

At Blaenau Ffestiniog, join our privately hired train of vintage carriages, on a return journey to Tan-y-Bwlch. Our route twists and turns through the spectacular Snowdonia mountains aboard one of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’.

————————–

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!

————————–

Commencing at Derby our train, appropriately hauled by a pair of class 33 ‘Crompton’ diesel locomotives, will head through the heart of England picking up at intermediate stations along the way.

From our final pick-up at Didcot Parkway we take an unusual route and head for the picturesque Berks and Hants line, passing through the towns of Newbury and Westbury, before taking a turn at Castle Cary to traverse the single track Wessex line through Yeovil to Dorchester and the descent down to the lines end at Weymouth.

Weymouth (break expected from 1330-1600) You’ll have plenty of time to explore this quintessentially British seaside town, known for its golden beaches, tranquil harbour, and attractive promenade. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the seafront, visit the historic river harbour, or indulge in some traditional fish and chips, Weymouth offers something for everyone.

On departure from Weymouth the excitement begins straight away as we are immediately met with the challenging Bincombe Bank, where our heritage diesels will be working hard to reach the summit.

We then continue our circular route along the Dorset and Hampshire Coast, passing through Bournemouth, the New Forest and Southampton areas and along the fast stretches of line via Winchester to reach Basingstoke, where we divert to Reading and Didcot to rejoin our outward route back to the joining stations to round off a quintessential English holiday rail excursion.

————————–

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!

————————–

With convenient pick-ups from the south of England and Severnside, we travel north direct to Derby, a city rich in railway history, and making it the ideal location for the Greatest Gathering.

Those not attending the this remarkable event are welcome to stay on the train to Duffield for connection to the Ecclesbourne Railway, or travel further with us to Chesterfield where there will be a guided coach tour of the Peak District.

Alternatively, stay on board through to Barrow Hill Railway Centre for a couple of hours exploring the stunning collection within one of the UK’s last remaining roundhouses.

Later in the day, our return journey will travel via Leicester from Derby back to Cheltenham to add to the days interest.

Option A: Derby – Railway 200 The Greatest Gathering (1130 – 1655 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – £30 Adult / £15 Junior

With general sale sold out, we have secured a limited number of tickets to attend this significant event celebrating the significance of Britains railway history at Derby’s Alstom site!

Alight at Derby for the Railway 200 event, where passengers will have the chance to explore the exhibitions, displays and activities celebrating 200 years on the modern railway.

If you already have tickets, why not use our train to save hassle in getting to the event?

Option B: Derby Break (1130 – 1655 estimated)*

Option C: Ecclesbourne Railway (1145 – 1640 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – £15.50

Alight at Duffield and transfer to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway platform for a round trip along the edge of the Peak District to Worksworth. Here you can explore the Town, Museum or experience the 1 in 27 grade up to Ravenstor!

Option D: Peak District Coach Tour (1200 – 1625 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare: £20 Adult / £15 Junior

Alight at Chesterfield to enjoy a guided scenic coach tour of the Peak District with a short break in Bakewell, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park.

Option E: Barrow Hill Railway Centre (1225 – 1545 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – Adult £12 / Junior £8

While our train is being serviced, passengers are welcome to explore this unique and popular railway museum and it locomotives, rolling stock and memorabilia.

————————–

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!

————————–

The Heart of Wales line is a rambling railway that time forgets, a single track that sets course from the once disputed borderland and Marches of Herefordshire and Shropshire, right across the hills and valleys of rural central Wales. 

With everyone on board we glide along the South Wales Mainline, through Newport, Cardiff and industrial Port Talbot, as our excursion heads for the Swansea District Line. From here we bear north-east and join the 90 mile Heart of Wales line, meandering diagonally across the rural heartland of Wales. The line follows the Loughor River to Pantyffynnon then into the Towy Valley between the market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. A climb up the Afon Bran valley leads to Cynghordy viaduct and on to Sugar Loaf summit, before descent to Llanwrtyd Wells, famous for its annual Bog Snorkelling World Championships! 

From Victorian Llandrindod Wells we follow the rolling hill country to reach the tunnel marking the summit at Llangynllo, then down the Heyop Valley to cross the castellated Knucklas viaduct. From here we drop down to Knighton, where the station straddles both Wales and England! 

We then pass through sheep country and to Craven Arms, from where we make for Shrewsbury, our destination. Here there will be around 90 minutes to enjoy the splendour of this county market town, set in the loop of the river Severn, with the station near to the centre.

Under way again the route leads south along the picturesque Welsh Marches, with rolling hills providing the backdrop as we skirt the Welsh Border. Before too long we cross the River Usk at Newport and rejoin the South Wales mainline towards England, returning passengers to their joining stations to end this wonderful day out.

A pair of English Electric Class 37 locomotives, courtesy of West Coast Railway Company, are expected to haul this train throughout. 

————————–

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!

————————–