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

After the festival was banned on the grounds of ‘health and safety’ – in the 1890s(!) – it ‘slept’ for near a century until revival in 1991, re-established now as a leading annual event. Journeying from the midlands, on our very special train, sit back and enjoy crossing the Somerset Levels to Taunton, over the Blackdown Hills and down to Exeter.

At the water’s edge we now run along the Exe Estuary and out onto the famed sea-wall, then inland to Newton Abbot and steeply up and down along the edge of Dartmoor to Plymouth before the crossing of the River Tamar on Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall. 

There is little straight or level track now right through to journey’s end, but there are deep valleys and lofty viaducts amidst delightful scenery, as we pass through Liskeard to Lostwithiel and St. Austell to Truro.

Option A: Truro (1320-1705)

You may alight here for a four hour break in this small Cathedral City, or perhaps take the regular branch line train to Maritime Falmouth (fare payable locally).

Option B: St Erth (for St. Ives) (1350-1635)

Continuing west we reach St. Erth, where we set down passengers for the branchline 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 (1400-1625)

Just five miles west is line’s end at Penzance, where the Mazey Day festivities will be in full flow throughout the town and waterside. For something slightly different, the bus station is adjacent to the railway station and offers local journeys to Lands End, Mousehole, Marazion (for St. Michaels Mount) and more.

This excursion will be hauled by a pair of recently refurbished GBRf owned Class 69’s, a first for the class to work a passenger train to Penzance.

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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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