From a leisurely Sunday morning start at Salisbury, there are joining points through Wiltshire and the Avon Valley to Filton Abbey Wood, from where we descend into the Severn Tunnel, emerging then in Wales. The scenery is very varied from here, with industry interspersed with open country. Across the River Usk at Newport and over the River Taff at Cardiff, onward then to Bridgend and Port Talbot, through the Neath – Swansea area to Llanelli, and soon along the sea-wall leading to the Towy Estuary and to Carmarthen, where the train reverses.

Underway westward again the scenery is pastoral to Whitland, where we turn to the south onto the heavily graded single track line that leads to TENBY, regarded as one of Wales’ best seaside towns, with glorious beaches, warm atmosphere and fine Victorian houses – and a castle. Over three hours should be available to explore.

If you are happy for a shorter break, remain on the train as it heads for the end of the line at Pembroke Dock before a return to TENBY.

Departure late afternoon takes us back east, bypassing Carmarthen station and heading back through Llanelli and the Swansea area to pick up the outward route.

For those interested in route detail,  we have requested that the train is routed one way from Port Talbot to Llanelli via Landore, the other way by using the Swansea District Line, both routes featuring different scenic crossings of the Loughor Estuary.

The train will be hauled from Salisbury to Carmarthen and from Pembroke Dock back to Salisbury by a pair of veteran Class 33 diesels, revisiting lines where they were once a very familiar sight. As the locomotives are unable to run-round west of Carmarthen, another West Coast Railways diesel will provide the power from Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock.

On 8 June 1953, British Railways named their principal train from London Paddington to Tenby and Pembroke Dock the ‘Pembroke Coast Express‘. Although the name was not used after a last run on 7 September 1963, the through train has continued to operate ever since, although now only on summer Saturdays. Pathfinder Railtours would like to thank the present Great Western Railway, successor to British Railways, for confirming that they are happy for us to use the name for our own train.

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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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