Flying Scotsman will be steaming into Plymouth this weekend

One of Britain’s most iconic trains will be making its way through the South West on Sunday. Get ready to witness a magnificent sight as the legendary Flying Scotsman steams its way from Bristol to Cornwall – passing through Plymouth.

The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown.

The iconic locomotive, which has been wowing train enthusiasts for 100 years will be passing through the city and the stunning landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. The special trip is part of a series of 2023 mainline steam tour dates planned by the National Railway Museum for the Flying Scotsman’s centenary celebrations.

The train was built in Doncaster in 1923 and was the first steam locomotive to reach 100mph. After many years in service, the train is now owned by the National Railway Museum in York and is operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.

The train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman in the morning and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit.

It will then stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. It will then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed.

After Newton Abbot, the steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par.

There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium.

After leaving Plymouth, diesel hauled, it will cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall, through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown.

It will then leave Par steam hauled by Flying Scotsman late in the afternoon and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there, before the return to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton enroute.

For safety reasons, timings are not available for public viewing. The train is fully booked.

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References

  1. ^ here (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)