The Branch Line Society has organised the BWC Charter, a three-day charity rail tour that will travel along the Highland Main Line and Strathcarron to scenic Kyle of Lochalsh to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
The charter will be operated by GB Railfreight on behalf of GBRf Charity Railtours, and will run from Wednesday, 29th March to Friday, 31st March. It will be hauled by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society Diesel Group's Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull with Mk.1 coaching stock and all first-class accommodation.
Subject to pathing and operational requirements, it is hoped that the charter will feature a number of sought-after loops, the Rose Street curve in both directions and the little-used diversionary route between Winchburgh Junction and Dalmeny Junction. The tour is expected to arrive at platform 1 at Kyle of Lochalsh and depart from platform 2.
A team from the Scottish Railway Preservation Society will be in a Buffet Car to serve a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light refreshments, and a number of real ales.
During the tour, there will be a charity raffle with all proceeds donated to the Alzheimer's Society, which is the new charity partner of GBRf.
The provisional route and timings are as follows:
Wednesday, 29th March
Linlithgow (PU 10:20) – Linlithgow UPL – Winchburgh Jn – Dalmeny Jn – Dalmeny DPL – Inverkeithing (PU 10:50) – Cowdenbeath – Thornton DPL – Ladybank (PU 11:40) – Ladybank Up & Dn Loop – Hilton Jn – Perth UPL – Kincraig Loop – Aviemore – Slochd Loop – Inverness (SD 15:00)
Thursday, 30th March
Inverness (PU 11:00) – Millburn Jn (RM) – Rose Street Curve – Dingwall – Garve – Strathcarron – Plockton – Kyle of Lochalsh P1 (75-minute break / RM) Kyle of Lochalsh P2 – Plockton – Strathcarron – Garve – Dingwall – Rose Street Curve – Millburn Jn (RM) – Inverness (SD 20:15)
Friday, 31st March
Inverness (PU 11:00) – Moy Loop – Tomatin Loop – Slochd Loop – Perth P3 (SD 13:30) – Stirling (SD 14:15) – Polmont (SD 14:45)
Fares for the tour will be £129.00 (non-dining), and accompanied under 18s are £64.50.
There is no surcharge for non-Branch Line Society members.
Bookings should be made online at the Branch Line Society's booking page at https://branchline.uk/fixture-form.php
It might be worth going on the train as you might be able to have, the unusual experience, of being able to have a drink on a train in Scotland (cheating nanny knows best).