UK Railtours to run last tour to Aberthaw

WHAT is expected to be the last railtour, perhaps even one of the last trains, to work over the Aberthaw Power Station loop will run on March 28, just three days before the dormant power station closes completely.

The ‘Aberthaw Farewell’ is the latest in UK Railtours’ series of ‘Forgotten Tracks’ excursions, offering a rare opportunity to travel over the branch, which has seen very few passenger trains in the past half-century.

In fact the tour’s proposed itinerary includes traversal of several lines that require Goods Lines Authority.

The tour is expected to start from London Victoria at 07.50, picking up at Slough and Reading, before running via Didcot Parkway, Swindon, Wootton Bassett Junction, Bristol Parkway, Newport, Cardiff Central, Bridgend, and on to the Vale of Glamorgan railway for the run to Aberthaw.

Entire loop

The tour will cover the Aberthaw Power Station loop in its entirety, then return to the Vale of Glamorgan line for the onward run to Cardiff Central, where a break will be taken.

From here the tour retraces the morning’s route back via Bristol to the Great Western Main Line and the homeward run to London and a 21.00 arrival at Victoria.

Those wishing to book on the tour should be aware that the power station’s owner, RWE Generation, has strict security restrictions.

Therefore full names of all passengers will be required, and passengers will be requested to carry a valid form of identification.

Tickets are priced at £94.50 for adults and £84.50 for children in Standard Class, with First Class non-dining costing £134.50.

For details and bookings visit: www.ukrailtours.com/ product/the-aberthawfarewell/