SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025
THE PATHFINDER FINALE

Starting at Salisbury, our festively decorated special train picks-up at principle stations via Bath Spa and Bristol to Cheltenham. From there we head northwards through Worcestershire and the West Midlands into Staffordshire.

The requested route will take us through the Potteries and on along the western flanks of the Pennines, by way of Congleton and Macclesfield to Stockport. A twisting route through suburbia will lead to our destination at MANCHESTER VICTORIA (arrive 1300 / depart 1630), right by the city centre.

As well as some three hundred individual Christmas stalls, there will be festive displays in the streets, shops and markets. And, of course, Manchester has so much to offer the visitor at all times of year.

To add great interest to the day, our liveried train is booked to be hauled from and back to Gloucester by 1960’s Swindon built veteran ‘Western’ Class 52 diesel D1015 ‘Western Champion’, courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group. This powerful locomotive will be making a class debut on some of the northern parts of the route as they spent most of their working lives south and west of the Paddington to Birmingham line. A West Coast Railway Co diesel will haul the train from Salisbury to Gloucester and back. The return journey should be routed via Warrington and Crewe to complete our grand day out!

PENNINE ADD-ON RAILTOUR
Supplementary fare £20.00
Please note: This option is exclusively available to passengers booked on the main railtour. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any bookings on the day due to limited capacity.

As an alternative to the afternoon in Manchester, we offer this add-on tour heading firstly in the direction of Preston, but just before turning east towards Blackburn and on into the Pennine hill country through Accrington to Burnley. From there we climb to the wilds of Copy Pit Summit, then down into the head of the Calder Valley. Another climb then, through Todmorden to Summit Tunnel and down through Rochdale and back to Manchester Victoria, where those who have spent the afternoon there will rejoin us.

————————–

Our caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in both Premier Dining and First Class, with a festive twist.

————————–

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!

————————–