Vintage Trains has unveiled a series of mainline steam journeys for 2026, continuing to provide memorable railtours with its fleet of historic locomotives.

Among locomotives used by Vintage Trains, the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is credited with achieving the highest recorded power output for the class on the Settle and Carlisle line, while Clun Castle has replicated demanding Western Region schedules, including a 1964 Devon banks ascent and non-stop running from Bristol to London Paddington, as well as a precise recreation of a 1965 farewell-to-steam itinerary.

The 2026 programme includes ‘The Golden Hind’ to Plymouth on 23 May, hauled by Western Champion, running non-stop between Slough and Plymouth.

On 12 June, ‘The Cathedrals Express’ to Newcastle will see Clun Castle make the first Castle class arrival at the city’s station.

‘The Mayflower’ on 12 September features double-heading by Clun Castle and Earl of Mount Edgcumbe over the Devon banks, before the latter’s withdrawal for wheel maintenance.

The Birmingham-based charity marks more than sixty years of activity, during which its locomotives have established what its chairman describes as an “unmatched performance record in preservation”.

“We have been fortunate to run several signature trains in this 60-year period which have taken our Castle locomotives over some beautiful scenic routes, to interesting destinations, and on these journeys, they have delivered some spectacular performances. No one else can do this.”

Michael Whitehouse, Vintage Trains chairman.