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On this Page: Show me the Days Out Pathfinder are currently offering
THE DORSET COAST EXPLORER and GREAT WEY ROUND Saturday 17th May, 2008
A CIRCULAR RAIL CRUISE TO WEYMOUTH AND THE DORSET COASTIn the long daylight hours of Mid May, we offer a land-cruise through eight of the most attractive counties in England, to a choice of destinations in Dorset. The Avon Valley leads to Westbury in Wiltshire, from where we cross Somerset to Yeovil, then on to enter Dorset before Dorchester. Here you have the option of alighting to join your choice of three off train activities, all of which later return you to our train at Wareham. LULWORTH COVE: By road coach to this stunning location on the Jurassic Coast between Swanage and Weymouth, where tearooms and a heritage centre complement the charm of thatched cottages, fishing boats and the sweep of the cove itself, the most visited geological site in Britain. Supplement £8 adult, £4 junior. SWANAGE RAILWAY OPTION : By road coach to the Swanage Railway for a round trip on the line. Supplement £12 adult, £8 junior to include coach transfer and train ride. CORFE CASTLE : By road coach to this attractive village and its majestic ruined castle, with magnificent views over Purbeck and beyond. Supplement £11 adult, £7 junior to include coach transfer and admission to castle. The final choice is to remain on the train for the precipitate descent to the end of the line at WEYMOUTH (1246 - 1443). www.weymouth.gov.uk For the return, we climb back to Dorchester and take the Bournemouth line, crossing mainly heathland to Wareham before skirting Poole Harbour. A steep climb to Bournemouth leads into the Hampshire New Forest and to Southampton, where we turn north through Winchester to a summit before Basingstoke. Berkshire takes us past Reading into Oxfordshire, through Oxford for a run over the full length of the Cotswold Line. For miles the route follows the River Evenlode upstream, to Moreton-in-Marsh, then downhill to Honeybourne and Evesham, where we cross the River Avon before the last leg through Pershore back to our first set-down at Worcester.
Class 33 x 2 (WCR)
Train Locomotives Throughout CONFIRMED TIMINGS
The Cambrian Coaster
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The Lake District & Barrow-in-Furness
Saturday 14th June, 2008
A CRUISE ON LAKE WINDERMERE, ULVERSTON FOR
SIGHTSEEING
OR A RAIL JOURNEY INTO BARROW RAMSDEN DOCKS
This excursion offers interesting options in and around the Lake District. From the last pick-up at Crewe the route lies north, across the Cheshire Plain, over the River Mersey into Lancashire and to Preston. Soon after Lancaster we turn west into the Furness District, now part of Cumbria, for a run along the shores of Morecambe Bay to our destinations. The return journey is as outward back to Warrington, then via Chester, Shrewsbury and Telford. For the afternoon you may choose between :-
ULVERSTON – a market town famous for its festivals, Ulverston is a delight, with friendly specialist shops, olde worlde pubs, cafés, restaurants, fascinating ginnels and cobbled streets that hold many surprises, street market, and the Laurel and Hardy museum, in memory of local boy Stan Laurel. If you want to get away from the crowds for a bit, wander down to the canal, one mile long and the deepest and widest in England. Dating from 1796, it is now a freshwater haven for wildlife. See www.ulverston.net for further information.
LAKE WINDERMERE CRUISE -
Alight from the train at
Grange-over-Sands and join a comfortable road coach for the short
journey to Lakeside. There you will join a lake
cruiser for a near hour cruise to Bowness-on-Windermere, with then
around 1½ hours to explore this waterside town (shops, cafés, views,
etc.) before the coach returns you to Grange-over-Sands to rejoin the
train. A local Blue Badge Guide will accompany the tour.
Supplementary Fare Adults £14.50, Junior £11.50 – to include road
coach and cruise.
BARROW AND BARROW DOCKS - Arriving in Barrow for a two hour break, there is time available for a visit to the Dock Museum (www.dockmuseum.org.uk) or just do some exploring (for other information, see www.visitcumbria.com). Upon departure, the train will return along the main line the short distance to Salthouse Junction, where we will reverse and then run along the (seldom visited by a passenger train) Cavendish Dock freight only line to the terminal at the Associated British Ports' Ramsden Dock. We then return to Salthouse Junction and the main line home.
This train will be hauled throughout by a pair of veteran English Electric Class 37 diesel locomotives.
Projected Timings
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* We regret that Premier Dining is not available from Crewe. Sorry. |
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THE SOMERSET EXPLORER
Saturday 21st June, 2008
GEORGIAN BATH or a COACH TOUR TO CHEDDAR GORGE and WELLS
or CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF THE EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY AT CRANMORE AND AT MEREHEAD QUARRY
This excursion offers a day out from Crewe and stations via the Borders, Shropshire and the West Midlands to a variety of very different destinations in Somerset.
After the journey through Gloucestershire we reach the Avon Valley, followed upstream to BATH SPA. This ancient city became a World Heritage Site in 1987, and has a wealth of attractive architecture, the Roman Baths, the Abbey, Pulteney Bridge (one of only four in the world with shops on both side of the full span), the Royal Crescent - mostly featuring local Bath stone - even the Sainsbury's store incorporates the magnificently restored trainshed of the former Somerset & Dorset Railway's Green Park station. There is so much to see and do, and we will provide information that will help you get the best out of your visit - take a walking tour, a river cruise to Pulteney Weir or a narrow-boat cruise on the Kennet & Avon Canal - or......... www.visitbath.co.uk
CHEDDAR GORGE. For a different afternoon, you may alight at Bath and join the waiting road coach for a tour of North Somerset and Mendip, including a visit to the world famous Cheddar Gorge. There will be at least two breaks along the way, one of which will be in the historic city of Wells. http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/visiting.php
EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY 150. Remain on the train for the journey to Westbury, then along the 'freight' line to Cranmore. Your ticket will entitle you to any combination (subject to available time) of a return steam-hauled run on the East Somerset Railway, a return classic bus trip to Merehead Sidings, where there will be many attractions including steam and diesel locomotives, a coach tour of the quarry, a single or return trip on one of the shuttle trains between Cranmore and Westbury hauled by a Mendip Rail Class 59 top-and-tailed by another 'freight' locomotive. On the outward journey you may alight at Westbury and continue to Cranmore on one of the shuttle trains, or use a shuttle to reach Westbury ahead of our return journey, but you may travel on a maximum of one shuttle journey in each direction - unless you buy another ticket!.
This train will be hauled throughout by Class 47 diesel locomotives.
Projected Timings
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* We regret that Premier Dining is not available from Cheltenham. Sorry. + All fares are inclusive of the journey and of your chosen option, but deduct £10 adult, £5 junior if you intend to only visit Bath Spa. |
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EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY 150 GALA WEEKEND
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008
To commemorate 150 years since the opening of the East Somerset Railway between Witham and Shepton Mallet in 1858, the current Cranmore based East Somerset Railway have got together with Aggregate Industries at nearby Merehead to present a celebration of railways in Mendip.
On each day the format will be the same, so come and join in the fun on either day:
A T T R A C T I O N S I N C L U D E (subject to availability on the day)
* Special passenger shuttle trains between Westbury and Cranmore, hauled by Class 66s
and MendipRail Class 59s operating in 'top-and-tail' mode via the 'Freight Only' line.
* Frequent steam train service on the East Somerset Railway.
* Continuous FREE classic bus shuttles Cranmore - Merehead - Cranmore.
* Locomotive displays - MendipRail Class 59 - Various other diesels.
* Steam locomotives, including BR Class 9F 2-10-0.
* Demonstration Steam and Diesel Freight Trains, including 9F on 1,000 ton stone train!
* Driver experience on both steam and diesel power (additional charge applies)
* Traction Engines * Model railway exhibitions * Fun rides for children.
* Coach Tours round Merehead Quarry.
A Day Rover ticket is valid for one return journey on the Westbury to Cranmore shuttle and for one return journey on the East Somerset Railway, and provides entry to Merehead Quarry.
Adult £13 (£15 on the day), Junior £4 (£5 on the day), Family (2 adult + 2 junior) £30 (£35 on the day) - advance tickets are available up to close of business on Friday 13th June, 2008)
Proposed shuttle times (45 minute journey time each way)
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Saturday |
Westbury depart |
0815 |
0935 |
1055 |
1305 |
1425 |
1545 |
1750 |
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Cranmore depart |
0915 |
1035 |
1155 |
1405 |
1525 |
1645 |
1850 |
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Sunday |
Westbury depart |
0900 |
1020 |
1140 |
1300 |
1430 |
1550 |
1710 |
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Cranmore depart |
1000 |
1120 |
1240 |
1400 |
1530 |
1650 |
1810 |
The Cornish Explorer
Saturday 28th June, 2008
TRURO, RIVER FAL CRUISE, PENZANCE (for 'MAZEY DAY') or LANDS END
~ IN ASSOCIATION WITH
BEAVER SPORTS (YORKS)
LIMITED
~
Cornwall is a favourite British leisure destination, perhaps not surprising in view of the hundreds of miles of superb coastline, with delightful seaside towns and villages, the sub-tropical vegetation found throughout the county, the internationally renowned attractions and the festivals that are a feature of many Cornish towns during Spring and Summer.
This excursion offers you a chance to sit back and relax on a journey through the length of the West Country, right across Somerset from the Levels to the Blackdown Hills, then in Devon down the Culm and Exe Valleys to Exeter. From there the train will wind its way at the water's edge down the Exe Estuary, out onto the sea-wall through Dawlish to Teignmouth and up the Teign Estuary to Newton Abbot. Beyond there the railway is characterised by 'house-roof' gradients, up to Dainton and down across the River Dart to Totnes, then up past Tigley to a winding section along the southern edge of Dartmoor. A sharp descent leads to Plymouth, after which we cross the River Tamar into Cornwall on Brunel's masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge.
Almost continuous curves lead across a succession of viaducts to Liskeard, then down the Fowey Valley to Lostwithiel, then up, down and up again, through Par to St. Austell. A winding course leads to TRURO (http://truro.cornwall.net), where you can choose to have well over four hours to explore the administrative centre of Cornwall, famed for its cathedral.
FAL
RIVER CRUISE : You should also alight at Truro
for an optional cruise on the River Fal (www.falriverlinks.co.uk),
a really delightful way to see the contrasts of the Fal Estuary. There
will also be a short break in either Truro or Falmouth, depending on the
actual times of the train and of the cruise.
Supplementary fare : £12 adult, £8 Junior to
include coach transfer and river cruise.
Finally, we make for the end of the line at PENZANCE (www.penzance.gov.uk) on 'Mazey Day', the culmination of the Golowan Festival, a colourful celebration for the Feast of St. John the Baptist and for Midsummer. You should have around four hours to explore this historic town and its port at nearby Newlyn, and to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival.
LANDS END COACH TOUR : If you prefer, join us on a coach tour to Lands End (www.landsend-landmark.co.uk), the most westerly point of Cornwall, with its superb views out to sea, and with its visitor attractions. Supplementary fare £8 adult, £4 junior.
It is expected that this train will be hauled throughout by heritage Deltic diesel locomotive 55022 'Royal Scots Grey', making only the second ever visit of a class member to Penzance.
Projected Timings
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THE SETTLE & CARLISLE EXPLORER Saturday 5th July, 2008 |
TO THE SPECTACULAR SETTLE & CARLISLE LINE
With
the long daylight hours of high summer upon us, we offer this full day
out to one of the most spectacular railways in Britain. Starting at West
Ruislip and picking-up passengers from Chiltern line and South West
Midlands stations, we head for Crewe, where our modern Class 66 gives
way to a pair of veteran Class 37 diesels, from a select group that have
just been refurbished for a priority Network Rail project, but which
have been specially made available to us for this outing.
After a run on the main line through Warrington and Wigan, we turn east towards Blackburn, and 'make for the hills'. After Wilpshire Tunnel we run downhill to the 24 arch Whalley Viaduct. Pendle, infamous for 'witches', is the key feature as the line twists and turns its way through Clitheroe to Hellifield. At Settle Junction we join the Settle & Carlisle line, following the River Ribble into Upper Ribblesdale to the great viaduct at Ribblehead, with its backdrop of Great Whernside. From Blea Moor Tunnel we emerge into Dentdale, where Dent Head and Arten Gill viaducts help to carry us across the 'roof
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of England'. A curve through Dent, the highest station in England, is followed by viaducts and tunnels, through Garsdale to Ais Gill summit. Now downhill, we run along the flanks of Wild Boar Fell, high above the infant River Eden. Descent is through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby-in-Westmorland, after which the browns of the moorland give way to the greens of the Eden Valley. Perhaps all to soon we will slow for the Border City of CARLISLE, for a break of over two hours, time for a look around this historic city, with its cathedral, castle, excellent range of shops, cafés and pubs. The return journey will be by way of Penrith, Shap Summit, Lancaster and Preston. ULLSWATER CRUISE: As a twist on a theme, we offer this alternative to completing the journey to Carlisle. Alight at Appleby and join the waiting road coach (with a local guide to give a commentary) for the short transfer to Pooley Bridge at the head of Ullswater. Here we join a lake cruiser for a cruise south to Glenridding. A half or so break will be taken in this delightful village before the coach takes you to Penrith to rejoin our train. Supplement £12 adult, £6 junior
+ There is a reduction of £10 adult / £5 junior in Standard Class for passengers joining at Crewe - limited seating only. |
Projected Timings |
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Pick-up points |
Depart |
Return |
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West Ruislip |
0630 |
2355 |
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Gerrards Cross |
0640 |
2340 |
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High Wycombe |
0650 |
2330 |
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Saunderton |
0700 |
2320 |
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Princes Risborough |
0710 |
2310 |
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Haddenham & Thame Pway |
0720 |
2300 |
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Bicester North |
0735 |
2245 |
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Banbury |
0750 |
2225 |
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Coventry |
0830 |
2130 |
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Birmingham International |
0845 |
2115 |
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Crewe*+ |
1015 |
1945 |
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Fares (all points) |
Adult |
Junior |
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Standard Class + |
£59.00 |
£29.50 |
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First Class Plus |
£99.00 |
£79.00 |
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Premier Dining* |
£169.00 |
£149.00 |
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Private 'Table for Two’ seats available in First Class Plus and Premier Dining at a supplement of £15 per person. |
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* With regret, Premier Dining is not available from Crewe. |
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It is expected that this train will be hauled to Crewe by an EWS Class 66, and from Crewe to Carlisle by a pair of Network Rail Class 37 (97/3) diesels.
THE SNOWDONIAN
Saturday 12th July, 2008
ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR COAST LINE FROM ABERDOVEY THROUGH BARMOUTH TO PORTMADOC AND PWLLHELI
HAULED BY A DELTIC DIESEL - A FIRST TIME FOR THIS ROUTE
For lovers of stunning scenery, the railway that clings to the shoreline from Dovey Junction through to Pwllheli is hard to beat - and the sixty mile hike across the mountains of mid-Wales to get there is pretty good as well!
Away from the last joining point, sit back and enjoy the view from the window as the train heads through rural Shropshire to Shrewsbury, where we bypass the station and take the Cambrian line, making our way through pleasant countryside and over the border into Wales, to return to the Severn Valley at Welshpool. Westward the line climbs to Newtown, then into the valley of the Afon Carno at Caersws to reach the summit at Talerddig. Passage through the great rock cutting presages the long descent through Llanbrynmair and Commins Coch to Machynlleth, once the capital of Wales.
At Dovey Junction we cross the Dovey Estuary and head for Aberdovey, at times right on the water's edge, with the mountains closing in to the east. A climb onto the high cliff at Friog is followed by descent to the Mawddach Estuary, crossed on the lengthy Barmouth bridge, dominated by Cader Idris. We pause at BARMOUTH (1245 - 1745), where you may leave the train, with time possibly for a round trip to Fairbourne, out over the bridge by local train or on foot (a toll is payable), a trip on the Fairbourne Railway, then the ferry back across to Barmouth. Please check the appropriate train times. www.barmouth-wales.co.uk www.fairbournerailway.comThe train will continue past Harlech, dominated by the castle, then to Minffordd, where you may alight for the FFESTINIOG RAILWAY, for a thrilling return journey on this narrow-gauge railway, right through to Blaenau Ffestiniog, high in the mountains. Supplement: £13 adult, £1 accompanied junior. www.festrail.co.uk
Only a short distance on is PORTHMADOG where you can alight to visit this pleasant town, or stroll over to the adjacent Welsh Highland Railway. www.whr.co.uk
And finally we reach PWLLHELI (1415- 1615). www.llyn.info/pwllheli
It is expected that this train will be hauled throughout by no.55022 Royal Scots Grey, a first ever visit by a Deltic diesel to the Cambrian lines west of Newtown.
Projected Timings
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