We are pleased to present this tour of freight branches, loops and sidings in the Thames Valley, with joining points from Derby via Birmingham and Cheltenham Spa to Swindon. From there we continue east to the Didcot area to visit the Appleford freight terminal (courtesy of Heidelberg), returning round Didcot West Curve to enter Milton Siding. Eastward again then through Reading to Maidenhead and on to London Paddington, traversing as many passenger and freight loops as possible on this intensely used route. A visit is also proposed to the Colnbrook Branch (Oil terminal gates limit requested). A short afternoon break will be taken at London Paddington from 1445-1525.

The return has been requested to take us back through Royal Oak Sidings to Southall, where we reverse in the Yard before traversing the Brentford branch. Back on the main line we have requested traversal of the Kennet Loop and the Festival Line at Reading as we make for our set-down stations.

We are very grateful to a member of Network Rail staff, who was instrumental in devising this tour of Thames Valley freight branches and loops.

CONFIRMED ROUTE: As the pick-up points to Swindon then Appleford Sidings (rev)– Milton Siding (rev) – Didcot Parkway Up/Down Goods Loop – Reading Up Passenger Loop – Reading – Slough Up Goods Loop – Langley Siding – Iver Up Goods Loop – West Drayton Up Goods Loop (rev) – Colnbrook Branch (rev) – Dawley Up Goods Loop – Hayes Up Goods Loop – West Ealing –  London Paddington (short break, rev). Return via Royal Oak Sidings – Southall West Loop (rev) – Brentford Branch (rev) – Slough – Kennet Passenger Loop – Reading – Down Festival Line – Didcot Parkway and as outward.

We can now confirm that the motive power is Top / Tail WCRC Class 57/0 & Class 57/3 throughout. 

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– The Gricers Grill will be served on this train
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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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. 

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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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