june, 2023
Event Details
SATURDAY 10 JUNE 2023
OUR CELEBRATORY 50TH ANNIVERSARY EXCURSION
TO THE SUNNY SEASIDE TOWN OF WEYMOUTH
Peter Watts
Join us as we celebrate Pathfinder’s 50th anniversary to the seaside town of Weymouth behind BR Class 40 No. D345/40145.
On 10 June 1973, our very own Peter Watts co-organised his first train, which departed Gloucester Eastgate heading for Pwllheli. Fifty glorious years have since passed and we are still running charters across the country.
To celebrate the occasion, and to mark just how far we have come, we present this very special train to Weymouth with class 40 locomotive No. D345/40145 proudly organised by Peter himself, with the very grateful support of the Class Forty Preservation Society.
Starting at Burton-on-Trent, our special train picks up at locations through the Midlands to Cheltenham from where we head along the Golden Valley and over Sapperton summit to the Great Western Mainline. With everyone on board, we soon reach Reading where we head south to Basingstoke and the southwestern mainline.
D1644 with The Snowdonian at Gloucester Eastgate. The first Railtour Peter Watts co-organised in 1973. ©Norman Preedy
From here we can expect more fast running before passing through maritime Southampton and the New Forest scenery before arrival into the seaside resort; Weymouth for an afternoon break. Here we have ample time to explore and relax. Enjoy a walk along the promenade, have an ice cream or perhaps a stroll around to the harbour and a visit to Nothe Gardens, or sample the fish and chips on the beach.
The excitement begins straight away on the return journey as our English built locomotive attacks the 1-50 Bincombe Bank before heading for Yeovil and onto Westbury.
After further meandering via Bath, we skirt Bristol and attack Filton Bank as we begin our final run over the ex-Midland Railway lines as we begin our journey home.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate what we believe will be a fitting tribute to our first 50 years!
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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Travelling in style in 1960’s MK1 carriages
– 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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CONFIRMED TIMINGS
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Party x4 | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Class | £139 | £70 | £536 | FULLY BOOKED |
| First Class | £189 | £149 | £736 | FULLY BOOKED |
| Premier Dining | £299 | £259 | £1176 | LAST FEW SEATS REMAINING |
Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £40 per person in First Class and Premier Dining.
First Class Passengers will each receive vouchers towards refreshments from the buffet car during the journey.
Passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of travelling in 1960’s ex-BR MK1 carriages.
*Swindon is an outbound pickup point only.
**Bristol Parkway is a set down only stop on the return journey.
Photographs: Adam Smallwood & James Hartley
