The Cornishman
Saturday 21st June 2008
Join us on this very special tour from the West Midlands to the Royal Duchy of Cornwall, steam hauled from Bristol by a pair of steam locomotives, 6024 King Edward 1st and 71000 Duke of Gloucester.
Departing from Birmingham International, hauled by a diesel locomotive, our train calls to pick up more customers at Birmingham New Street, Barnt Green, Worcester Shrub Hill and Cheltenham. At Stoke Gifford, near to Bristol Parkway, we change from diesel to steam.
Our two locomotives, 6024 and 71000, will take our train down the bank into the magnificent train shed of Bristol Temple Meads, our final pick up point for customers.
We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Following a short water stop, our two steam locomotives will be fully extended as they tackle the climb to Whiteball Summit on the border of Somerset and Devon. There is another short break for our locomotives to take water at Exeter St David’s station where you can disembark to take photographs should you wish to.
On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary with its picturesque fishing boat views, and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish, one of the most famous and superb stretches of railway in Britain. At times you almost feel like you are floating, as the train races through tunnels and rock cuttings right on the edge of the sea all the way to Newton Abbott. From here the King and the Duke will be able to demonstrate their true power as they tackle some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes. Here starts the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. After Plymouth we cross over the Tamar River on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge. He designed this bridge for the Cornwall Railway Company after Parliament rejected his original plan for a train ferry across the Hamoaze. It was opened in 1859 and has fine views over the Estuary.
Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside, over high slender viaducts and through short tunnels flashing refreshing views through your carriage windows.
Soon we arrive at Penzance where there are almost three hours to explore the town.
Located on the shores of Mount’s Bay, Penzance is Cornwall’s largest and most westerly borough. Only 10 miles from Land’s End, the town is surrounded by an area of Celtic culture and outstanding natural beauty. It has numerous museums, including the Penzance and District Museum and Art Gallery in Penlee Park, galleries and other attractions as well as the best of Cornish food and drink.
We will be leaving our two steam locomotives at Penzance and a diesel will take us back to Birmingham International setting down customers at all the outward station stops.
Our two locomotives, 6024 and 71000, will take our train down the bank into the magnificent train shed of Bristol Temple Meads, our final pick up point for customers.
We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Following a short water stop, our two steam locomotives will be fully extended as they tackle the climb to Whiteball Summit on the border of Somerset and Devon. There is another short break for our locomotives to take water at Exeter St David’s station where you can disembark to take photographs should you wish to.
On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary with its picturesque fishing boat views, and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish, one of the most famous and superb stretches of railway in Britain. At times you almost feel like you are floating, as the train races through tunnels and rock cuttings right on the edge of the sea all the way to Newton Abbott. From here the King and the Duke will be able to demonstrate their true power as they tackle some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes. Here starts the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. After Plymouth we cross over the Tamar River on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge. He designed this bridge for the Cornwall Railway Company after Parliament rejected his original plan for a train ferry across the Hamoaze. It was opened in 1859 and has fine views over the Estuary.
Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside, over high slender viaducts and through short tunnels flashing refreshing views through your carriage windows.
Soon we arrive at Penzance where there are almost three hours to explore the town.
Located on the shores of Mount’s Bay, Penzance is Cornwall’s largest and most westerly borough. Only 10 miles from Land’s End, the town is surrounded by an area of Celtic culture and outstanding natural beauty. It has numerous museums, including the Penzance and District Museum and Art Gallery in Penlee Park, galleries and other attractions as well as the best of Cornish food and drink.
We will be leaving our two steam locomotives at Penzance and a diesel will take us back to Birmingham International setting down customers at all the outward station stops.
Approximate Timings
| Station | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham International | 06:30 | 23:30 |
| Birmingham New Street | 06:45 | 23:10 |
| Barnt Green | 07:10 | 22:40 |
| Worcester Shrub Hill | 07:30 | 22:20 |
| Cheltenham | 08:20 | 21:30 |
| Bristol Temple Meads | 09:40 | 20:35 |
| Plymouth | 12:35 | 18:53 |
| Penzance | 14:14 | 17:05 |
Fares
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £179 | £122 | £525 |
| First | £118 | £60 | £350 |
| Standard | £88 | £49 | £250 |
• Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)