UK Railtours announces ‘The Heart of Avon’ tour

UK Railtours has announced the first new tour of the 2023 season with an opportunity to visit either Bath or Bristol on board ‘The Heart of Avon.’

The date Saturday, February 18 has been chosen with St Valentine’s Day in mind and will provide those of a romantic inclination the opportunity to join loved ones onboard a vintage train from Paddington. Picking up passengers at Slough and Reading, the tour will take the Great Western main line to first Bath and then Bristol, where those on the tour will have about three hours to explore whichever of the two locations take their fancy.

Back on board for the return trip to London, the train will take a slightly different route around Gloucestershire to provide a scenic backdrop to those enjoying the dining option. The tour then returns to Reading to set down passengers there, at Slough, and finally Paddington.

For further information visit www.ukrailtours.com/product/ the-heart-of-avon

The last week of West Coast Railways’ ‘Jacobite’ runs for 2022 saw the use of Keighley & Worth Valley Railway-based LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 45212, seen just after Arisaig heading for Mallaig on October 25. See also pages 64-67. DAVE COLLIER

LNER A4 No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley at Thornaby station on the Esk Valley Line during the turning around process between Eaglescliffe and Stockton, as the locomotive worked tender first between Battersby and Eaglescliffe on October 26. It was running from Grosmont to Crewe while returning back to Locomotive Services Limited after its spell at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for the autumn gala and Gresley teak specials. TONY WINWARD