With convenient pick-ups from the south of England and Severnside, we travel north direct to Derby, a city rich in railway history, and making it the ideal location for the Greatest Gathering.

Those not attending this remarkable event are welcome to stay on the train to Duffield for connection to the Ecclesbourne Railway, or travel further with us to Chesterfield where there will be a guided coach tour of the Peak District.

Alternatively, stay on board through to Barrow Hill Railway Centre for a couple of hours exploring the stunning collection within one of the UK’s last remaining roundhouses.

Later in the day, our return journey will travel via Leicester from Derby back to Cheltenham to add to the days interest.

Option A: Derby – Railway 200 The Greatest Gathering (1110 – 1705 confirmed timing)*

Supplementary Fare – £30 Adult / £15 Junior

With general sale sold out, we have secured a limited number of tickets to attend this significant event celebrating the significance of Britains railway history at Derby’s Alstom site!

Alight at Derby for the Railway 200 event, where passengers will have the chance to explore the exhibitions, displays and activities celebrating 200 years on the modern railway.

If you already have tickets, why not use our train to save hassle in getting to the event?

Option B: Derby Break (1110 – 1705 confirmed timing)*

Option C: Ecclesbourne Railway (1200 – 1650 confirmed timing)*

Supplementary Fare – £15.50

Alight at Duffield and transfer to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway platform for a round trip along the edge of the Peak District to Worksworth. Here you can explore the Town, Museum or experience the 1 in 27 grade up to Ravenstor!

Option D: Peak District Coach Tour (1220 – 1630 confirmed timing)*

Supplementary Fare: £20 Adult / £15 Junior

Alight at Chesterfield to enjoy a guided scenic coach tour of the Peak District with a short break in Bakewell, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park.

Option E: Barrow Hill Railway Centre (1235 – 1545 confirmed timing)*

Supplementary Fare – Adult £12 / Junior £8

While our train is being serviced, passengers are welcome to explore this unique and popular railway museum and it locomotives, rolling stock and memorabilia.

*Timings are now confirmed as below. Due to the volume of trains on the network (owing to this special Rail 200 event) we will retrace our outward route, rather than return via Leicester.

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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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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. 

**Please note this excursion will now pick up/ set down at Longbridge, instead of Barnt Green, due to pathing constraints. The confirmed timings above have resulted in a longer day for us. This is due to our original direct route to the north of Swansea being closed because of additional rail engineering work unfortunately not known about when this excursion was announced. We are nor routed through Neath, Swansea and Gowerton to Llanelli, with new views of the Gower Peninsula and the Lougher Estuary. We apologise for this late change.

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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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Our journey begins in the Midlands at Dorridge, before heading southwest via Worcester Shrub Hill and on to the vibrant city of Bristol. As we leave Bristol Temple Meads, take in the breathtaking scenery as your journey unfolds through the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of Somerset and Devon. Gaze out at patchwork fields, quaint villages, and gently winding rivers as you travel deeper into the heart of the West Country.

The adventure continues as the train descends towards the historic naval city of Plymouth, where coastal views begin to emerge and the landscape hints at the dramatic beauty to come. Then, in one of the highlights of the route, the train crosses the magnificent Royal Albert Bridge—an engineering masterpiece designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel—spanning the River Tamar and marking your arrival into Cornwall.

The Tamar Bridge. Photo by Jack Boskett

From here, the far South West opens up before you, with rugged coastlines, charming seaside towns, and sweeping ocean vistas that define this unique and captivating corner of Britain. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this is a journey rich in heritage, natural beauty, and unforgettable views.

Choose from one of the following off-train options:

Option A – Plymouth* (1200 – 1800)

Plymouth. Photo by Visit Plymouth

Take the opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved free time in Plymouth at your leisure. Whether you choose to stroll along the historic Barbican waterfront, explore the shops and cafes of the city centre, or visit landmarks such as the Mayflower Steps and Plymouth Hoe, there’s plenty to see and do. From maritime history to modern attractions, Plymouth offers something for everyone during your unhurried visit.

Option B – Port Isaac (1240 – 1725)

Supplementary Fare – £25 Adult / £20 Junior

Photo by Shutterstock

Alight at Bodmin Parkway and transfer to road coach for a scenic guided tour to Port Isaac. This picturesque fishing village nestled on the rugged north coast of Cornwall. Steeped in history and charm, its narrow winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, and dramatic sea views have captivated visitors for generations. The village dates back to the Middle Ages and was once a bustling hub for fishing, slate export, and coastal trade.

Today, Port Isaac is perhaps best known as the filming location for the popular TV series Doc Martin, but its timeless character runs far deeper. Wander through the quaint streets, explore independent shops and galleries, or relax at one of the cosy pubs and seafood restaurants serving the freshest local catch. The working harbour remains the heart of the village, where you can often see fishing boats bringing in their daily haul.

Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the South West Coast Path, Port Isaac is also a haven for walkers, nature lovers, and photographers. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the clifftops or listening to the Fisherman’s Friends sing sea shanties on the Platt, Port Isaac offers a truly authentic Cornish experience. Supplementary Fare Applies.

We will then return to Par where you rejoin the train.

Option D – Newquay (1400 – 1620)

Newquay Port. Photo by Visit Newquay

Journey all the way to the vibrant Cornish coastal town of Newquay, where you’ll have ample free time to explore and unwind at your own pace. Renowned for its golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back surf culture, Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most iconic seaside destinations.

Whether you’re looking to take a relaxing stroll along the beach, enjoy fresh local seafood, explore charming shops and cafés, or simply soak in the stunning ocean views, Newquay offers the perfect setting for a memorable day out. From the bustling harbour to the scenic coastal paths, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

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Traction will be in the form of Class 47’s, reviving the days of Cross Country Summer Saturdays on the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s.

Pathfinder wishes to thank Great Western Railway for use of the name ‘The Atlantic Coast Express’ for which the 1135 departure from London Paddington and 1120 from Newquay bare the name.

Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in Premier Dining and First Class.

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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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Our journey commences at Eastleigh, diesel hauled, with joining stations through Hampshire and Wiltshire, including over Salisbury Plain. Just before our final joining station of Oxford, we exchange our diesel locomotive for our majestic steam locomotive. As we leave Oxford Station, with all passengers on board, we proceed to travel north to Banbury where we briefly pause for a photo-stop (subject to final timings). Continuing through the town of Leamington, we arrive at Stratford-upon-Avon (1225 – 1530), our destination for the afternoon.

The town has gained popularity as a tourist destination owing to its status as the birthplace of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare. From the station, it is virtually a level walk to the river frontage with various hostelries, cafes and shops along the way. Take time to wander through the Bancroft Gardens or relax adjacent to the river, and watch the array of river traffic pass by.

William Shakespeare’s home. Photo by Jack Boskett

Our return journey follows a circuitous route, beginning with the steady climb along the picturesque North Warwickshire line through Henley-in-Arden, before we catch a glimpse of the Birmingham skyline. We pass by the ever developing HS2 project, as we make our way towards the West Coast Mainline where our steam locomotive stretches its legs for a sprint south. At Bletchley we climb to the high level platforms and begin our ground-breaking run along the Varsity Line towards Bicester, making history as we do so!

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Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in Premier Dining and First Class.

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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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This tour name may strike a definite chord with Monty Python fans (by pure coincidence of course!), but in fact reflects two important rivers in Somerset and Devon that are crossed along our route.

We start our day diesel hauled at Dorridge, with Joining stations through the Midlands and Gloucestershire to our final pick up at Swindon, where we also swap to our steam locomotive for the journey to Exeter.

With our steam locomotive at the helm, we travel out via Westbury and Honiton, with a break at Yeovil Railway Centre along the way. With everyone back on board we continue to our final destination of Exeter (Central). Here you will be able to enjoy an afternoon break (approximately 2 hours) in this old cathedral city, with many interesting buildings at its heart.

Cathedral Green. Photo by Exeter Cathedral

Our return journey from Exeter St. Davids takes a fast route back via Taunton and Bristol to Swindon along Brunel’s ‘Billiard Table’ where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive and our diesel loco takes over to complete the day by returning everyone to their joining stations.

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Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in Premier Dining and First Class.

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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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This tour offers passengers joining in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and Severnside an enjoyable day out, travelling in our festively decorated carriages, to one of Britain’s most historic cities. An expected 70 or so quality seasonal market stalls will be set out close to Chester Cathedral.

Commencing at Oxford Parkway, we speed along the Great Western Mainline to Swindon and through the Golden Valley of Stroud, where bare winter trees should give open views beyond Gloucester as we head along the north Severn Estuary. On the outskirts of Newport we head north along the Welsh Marches through Abergavenny to Hereford. On past Leominster and Ludlow to Church Stretton before crossing the more infant River Severn again at Shrewsbury.

Option A – Shrewsbury (1200 – 1735 estimated timing)

Here you may wish to alight to enjoy approximately 5 and a half hours in the Medieval market town where you can marvel at Shrewsbury Castle or shop, eat and browse at Market Hall.

Shrewsbury Castle. Photo by Virtual Shropshire

 The final leg of the outward journey takes us by way of Gobowen and Chirk to the Dee Viaduct. Then to Wrexham before dropping downhill to our days destination – Chester. We are expecting an estimated break here of around four hours, plenty of time to immerse yourself in all that’s on offer. Enjoy time to visit the cathedral, see important Roman remains, shop, or perhaps just take some time out in an eatery or hostelry. The city should look very seasonal with its lights and decorations.

Chester Christmas Market. Photo by Visit Chester

If Christmas markets aren’t your thing, why not stay on board as we turn the train ready for our evening journey home – by means of a ‘spin’ around the Pennines! We depart Chester, first heading to Manchester via Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay and Eccles. With the Mancunian cityscape surrounding us, the sound of our locos will be heard echoing around as we climb the steep grade of Miles Platting. Leaving the urban landscape behind, we continue through Rochdale and up into the wilds of Copy Pit, our second gruelling climb of our turning move! After dropping down through Blackburn, we pick up the West Coast Mainline and head south back through Warrington Bank Quay to Frodsham and finally to Chester.

Frodsham. Photo by Woodland Trust

A Christmas menu will be served to those in Premier Dining, whilst our special train re-traces the outward route back to the south.

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Motive power for the day will be very capable class 37 locomotives from the West Coast Railway’s fleet.

Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in Premier Dining and First Class.

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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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