PATHFINDER Tours, having had plans thwarted to run a second special along the Cambrian Main Line to Pwllheli following a bridge strike at Machynlleth on September 1 last year and the imposition of weight restrictions, has confirmed it will promote four tours along the scenic Welsh coastal route this year.
All of the tours will be hauled by a pair of Network Rail Class 97/3s which are fitted with ERTMS. Two tours are planned for May, one in August and the final one in September.
Each of the tours will arrive at Shrewsbury where the 97s will take over, using a variety of routes and calling points, providing a wide passenger base. All tours will be Class 67 hauled to Shrewsbury.
The first tour is on May 13, starting at Oxford (c05.45) and will call at Banbury, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Telford Central and Shrewsbury.