TWO STEAM hauled excursions are set to call at Barnt Green and Worcestershire Parkway when heading to Somerset and south Wales delighting passengers and enthusiasts alike, writes Neil Gordon.
Vintage Train’s ‘Whistling Ghost’ is set to visit Minehead later this month, while the ‘Cathedrals Express’ goes to Swansea in July to mark the 175th anniversary of the line opening between Chepstow and Swansea.
The ‘Whistling Ghost’ tour on Saturday, May 31, also includes a trip on the preserved West Somerset Railway with leisure time in the seaside resort of Minehead.
Provisional times are 8.40am pick up and 10.36pm set down at Barnt Green and 9.08am pick up and 9.12pm set down at Worcestershire Parkway, with the locomotive working the tour to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Castle class steam locomotive 45596 ‘Bahamas’ will be hauling the ‘Cathedrals Express’ on Saturday, July 5, as part of Railway 200, a year-long nationwide campaign to celebrate 200 years of modern train travel in 2025.
A Vintage Trains spokesperson said: “We are excited to start our summer by visiting Minehead and the West Somerset Railway. “With a day full of heritage steam there is something for everyone.”
Visit www.vintagetrains.co.uk for more details on these tours and for dining options.
