Our train departs from Bristol Temple Meads with Tornado at the head as we strike out through Somerset. We pick up additional passengers at Nailsea and Backwell station before racing across the Levels to Taunton where more passengers can join our train. After the long climb to Whiteball Tunnel we cross into Devon and on to Exeter where we take a short break so Tornado can take on water.
We then head along Brunel’s famous sea wall before facing the very steep climbs over the South Devon Banks that guard the route to Plymouth. Beyond Plymouth we pass the Navy Yard before traversing another Brunel masterpiece, The Royal Albert Bridge, and on into Cornwall. Crossing soaring viaducts and with wonderful views all around we pause at Bodmin Parkway for those who wish to visit the preserved railway there. A short distance on we pause at Par station where there is the option to take an add on tour to the Eden Project.
Beyond Par we traverse the steeply graded route to Newquay, on through the Luxulyan Valley and to Newquay itself. For those passengers choosing to travel to Newquay the return is via service train as Tornado and our train will depart back to St Blazey depot in Par to be turned and serviced on the newly refurbished turntable. Passenger will return to Par via service train and join Tornado and its train there.
Our return journey will retrace our outward route via Plymouth and Exeter as we head back to Bristol Temple Meads.
Note: It is planned for our train to be steam hauled throughout, but if the turntable at St Blazey depot is not available as intended, a diesel will haul the train from Par to Plymouth.