Toots Express

Our friends at The Branch Line Society present this very special train, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. It will be one not too miss, and we can’t wait for you to join us as we take a pair of Class 50 diesel locomotives to the Scottish Capital of Edinburgh for an early Autumn break. Here you will have time to explore this beautiful City, enjoy some true Scottish hospitality, or just wander along the Royal Mile to the Castle for some spectacular sights.

We start our day in the slightly unusual location of Alexandra Palace, where our two Class 50’s and full rake of comfortable MK3 coaching stock will depart just after 05.30. We head North, picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Royston, Cambridge, Ely, March and Peterborough, before making a diversion along the ‘Joint Line’ through Lincoln to Doncaster and onwards to York. Here, our final pick up will be mid morning, and will give us the opportunity for a short leg stretch and to get those all important photos. As we head further North, although our ultimate aim is Edinburgh, we are giving you the opportunity to alight earlier if you so wish and explore the amazing Cities of Durham or Newcastle. If not, we carry on and will be pleased to set you down in Edinburgh Waverley at 14:00 for your City exploration to begin.

Returning to the station for our departure just after 16.30, our Class 50’s will whisk you Southbound alongside the beautiful North East Coastline, where views of Bamburgh Castle – on its rocky hill, can be seen. Quick Pick-ups in Newcastle and Durham, before we arrive at our first set-down in York. We continue back towards London, dropping our passengers off at the same locations as our outward journey, before we say a final goodbye to the remaining passengers at Finsbury Park just after midnight after an epic adventure.

This charter will be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Our very good friend Nick Collins, Network Rail Charter’s Team Leader, who has been supporting the operation of Charters across the UK for a number of years, unfortunately lost his wife Suzanne (affectionately known to Nick as Toots) recently to the horrible disease of cancer. In her memory we are truly honoured to be working with all of our partners to bring you this day out.

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer is rising and more people are surviving cancer than ever before. This means the nature of cancer care itself needs to adapt and evolve to meet the rapidly changing needs of people living with cancer. But current cancer care provision is approaching a crisis point. Existing support services are struggling to cope, yet the number of people living with cancer continues to grow. We need to act now to prevent a crisis in cancer care. Macmillan Cancer Support is here to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, and they work with various partners to provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience.

All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the day are available. This tour is promoted by The Branch Line Society, with UK Railtours acting as booking agent. Locomotives are provided by The Class Fifty Alliance, coaching stock by Eastern Rail Services and the train will be operated by GB Railfreight.

UK Railtours standard terms and conditions of booking apply, and UK Railtours will have representatives onboard to help you enjoy your day to the full. 

 First Class Dining includes the Great British Breakfast on the way to Edinburgh and a four course dinner, served at your seat by the fantastic Railway Diners on the return. First Class Dining is not available from, or back to, York, Durham or Newcastle.

A well stocked Buffet Car will serve a wide range of snacks, drinks and light refreshments and will be available for those travelling in First Class Non Dining and Standard Class. A real ale bar will be available throughout.

Timings now confirmed.