Class 37s tour to criss-cross Pennines

THE exploration of the three routes across the Pennines by rail is on offer for a tour on January 22, with the bonus of Class 37 haulage.

Promoted by Pathfinder, the 'Pennine Wayfarer' will start at Bristol Parkway, calling at

Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham

Spa, Worcestershire Parkway, Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street, Tamworth, Burton, Derby and Chesterfield before the first crossing of the Pennines via the Hope Valley.

Taking the east side of Manchester, the tour climbs through Rochdale and into Summit Tunnel before running downgrade through the Calder Valley before taking Bradley Wood Jct to access the line to Huddersfield and Standedge Tunnel. At Manchester Victoria, passengers will be able to alight for a couple of hours or continue to Bolton for a shorter break.

Requested traction is a pair of DRS Class 37s. Fares are £109 standard (£55 junior), £165 first class (£115 junior) and £299 premier dining (£249 junior). Tables for four are available in all classes from £416 to £1176 premier dining.