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 West Midlands and Gloucestershire to our final pick up at Swindon, where we also swap to our steam locomotive for the West to historic Exeter.

With the steam locomotive at the helm, we travel out via Westbury and Honiton, with a break at the Yeovil Railway Centre along the way, before arrival into Exeter itself, with the choice of alighting at Central or St. David’s stations. Here you will be able to enjoy an afternoon break of approximately 2 hours in this old cathedral city, with many interesting buildings at its heart.

The return journey from Exeter St. Davids takes a fast route back via Taunton and Bristol to Swindon, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive and the diesel locomotive takes over to complete the day by returning everyone to their joining stations.

STEAM LOCOMOTIVE
We have been advised by West Coast Railways (this excursions operator) that they expect to provide ex-Southern Railways Bulleid Pacific No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ as the steam locomotive*, having recently returned to mainline duties. It is normally based at the Swanage Railway by its owners Southern Locomotives Ltd. *Subject to availability.

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Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in both 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
– First Class passengers receive tea or coffee service with a breakfast bap and a festive treat on the outward and Sandwiches and cake on the return journey
– 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 rail excursion 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 seventy or so quality seasonal market stalls will be set out close to Chester Cathedral, and the city will be decked with festivity in mind.

Commencing at Oxford Parkway, we speed along the Great Western Mainline to Swindon and through the Golden Valley to Stroud. The bare winter trees should give open views beyond Gloucester as we head along the north Severn Estuary. On the outskirts of Newport we turn north up the bucolic Welsh Marches route through Abergavenny to Hereford, then on past Leominster and Ludlow to Church Stretton before crossing the more infant River Severn again and into Shrewsbury for the first optional set down. (See Below)

 The final leg of the outward journey takes us by way of Gobowen and Chirk, passing the Dee Viaduct. Then onto Wrexham before dropping downhill to our days destination – Chester. We are expecting an estimated break here of around four hours.

Option A – Shrewsbury (1200 to 1735 estimated timings)

Here you may wish to alight to enjoy approximately five and a half hours in this Medieval market town where you can marvel at Shrewsbury Castle, the Abbey, perhaps visit the prison or just shop, eat and browse within the historic centre, birthplace of Charles Darwin.

Shrewsbury Castle. Photo by Virtual Shropshire

Immerse yourself in all that’s on offer in this, the county town of Cheshire.

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, decorations, Christmas market and festive arrangements.

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

Once everyone is back aboard after the afternoon activities above, we will return south in our special train, retracing much of the outward routing to complete a most enjoyable day.

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 two of the 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 both 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
– First Class passengers receive tea or coffee service with a breakfast bap and a festive treat on the outward and Sandwiches and cake on the return journey
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and a four course Christmas Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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