Tornado's destination is the proud West Country city of Exeter, a round trip of over 350 miles with steam all the way! This is a slightly circular tour of Wessex. Beginning with a journey down the winding Great Western 'Berks & Hants' line as far as Castle Cary, the train turns left on to the single track branch to Yeovil Pen Mill before taking the little-used spur to Yeovil Junction and join the Southern Railway's West of England Main Line. Entering Devon near Axminster there will then be the chance to enjoy the sound of Tornado hard at work on the ascent of Honiton Bank. On the outward journey the train will stop briefly at Exeter Central, close by the cathedral and the excellent shopping centre, before arriving at Exeter St. Davids for a break of around three hours.
Departure is from Exeter St Davids (only) and if passengers chose to alight at Central the walk is downhill, or there are frequent local trains for the two minute journey. The homeward run is over Whiteball summit, through Taunton to Castle Cary where the train rejoins the outward route. The head chef will have prepared a special dinner featuring locally sourced products from local Somerset and Dorset farms and suppliers tobe enjoyed by those who have opted to dine on board - enjoy!
Tornado is seen beside the Kennet & Avon Canal at Crofton on the Berks & Hants route - Mick Rogers
Station Depart Arrive
London Paddington 07.50 21.55
Slough (for M25) 08.15 21.20
Reading 08.50 20.45
Newbury 09.20 20.15