Pathfinder Railtours

24/12/2025

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

Dear Friends,
As the year draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to say a very heartfelt thank you.

Thank you to everyone who travelled with us on The Pathfinder Finale on Saturday 20th December.

It was a truly special and emotional day, and we are immensely grateful that so many of you chose to be part of it. Your support, warmth and enthusiasm made it a fitting and memorable farewell.

Just as importantly, thank you to everyone who has travelled with Pathfinder Railtours over the years. Whether you joined us once or many times, you helped shape a company that has proudly delivered 52 years of railtour history, memories, friendships and unforgettable journeys across the network.

As Pathfinder Railtours now comes to an end, our website will transition to a holding page, which will also include links to other railtour operators so that your passion for rail travel can continue into the future.

Please note that this holding page will remain live for a limited period before being withdrawn, and our social media channels will no longer be active after today. In addition, the Booking Office at Giddynap Lane, Stroud, will be unmanned from 1pm today.

From all of us, it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you.
We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we thank you sincerely for your loyalty, support and friendship over the years.

With our very best wishes,
Peter Watts and the Pathfinder Railtours Team - Barry, Brenda, Wendy, Jack, Will, Alice, Elle and Howard

PS. We are pleased to announce that the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway will be paying tribute to Pathfinder Railtours on the Sunday of their Cotswold Diesel Gala 26th July 2026.
Visit their website closer to the date for confirmed details www.gwsr.com
So do come along and celebrate with us one last time!

20/12/2025

20/12/2025

Today’s the day we celebrate 52 years of fun with The Pathfinder Finale! What a day!

16/12/2025

Limited Edition Pathfinder Finale Merchandise!

We’re excited to share that we have a special limited-edition range of products created exclusively for this Saturday’s Pathfinder Finale railtour. These items are strictly limited and will only be available on board in Coach E during the journey.

Not travelling with us? Don’t worry — you still have a chance!

Peter will be at the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Day on 29th December at Kidderminster Station, where a small number of these items will also be available.

But remember… once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Pathfinder history.

13/12/2025

One week to go!

In just a week’s time we’ll be celebrating 52 years of our very own founder, Peter Watts in the railtour industry with ‘The Pathfinder Finale’, and we’re delighted to share a first look at the ceremonial headboard that will be carried on the train. It will be displayed on the front of D1015 Western Champion, which will be renumbered and named D1001 Western Pathfinder on the one side.

Our sincere thanks go to the DTG for accommodating the special renumbering and renaming for the occasion, and to Mark Alden for painting two superb headboards for the railtour. One of the headboards carried will be auctioned on board on Saturday, with proceeds going to charity.

Tickets should now be with all those travelling with us. Please note that part fares cannot be accommodated, as the train is completely fully subscribed.

We are looking forward to marking this historic occasion.

www.pathfindertours.co.uk

11/12/2025

Not long to go now until The Pathfinder Finale on Saturday 20th December!

Our souvenir tickets and window stickers have arrived and are ready to roll. All tickets have now been posted to those joining us on the train, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

The confirmed timings are also with us and are now on the website.

www.pathfindertours.co.uk

24/11/2025

On Saturday, we operated our penultimate railtour, running from Oxford Parkway to Chester for the Christmas Market. 🎄

We hope everyone who travelled with us had a fantastic day out and enjoyed the festive atmosphere!
We’re now looking forward to welcoming everyone booked on 20th December for the Pathfinder Finale! 🚂

www.pathfindertours.co.uk



📸 Jack Boskett

17/11/2025

LAST CALL for our penultimate railtour - The Chester Christmas Explorer on Saturday 22nd November.

An additional First Class carriage has been added to our train, and we’re introducing a new ‘Standard Class Plus’ option for those who’d like a little extra comfort while travelling in Standard Class.*

Don't forget our Pennines Mini Railtour too! We're offering limited seats for the Mini Tour option , which is available to book in advance ONLY through the booking office (01453 835414) for £25 or £30 cash on the day.

We cannot wait to see you on board our final railtours of the company. We will be offering some very special souvenirs on our last trains!

To book, visit: www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-chester-christmas-explorer
Or call our Booking Office today between 0900-1630 on 01453 835414

*Please note that at-seat service will not be available in Standard Class Plus.

13/11/2025

UPDATE: THESE SEATS HAVE NOW SOLD.

FINAL CALL for The Pathfinder Finale- Saturday 20th December 2025

An additional First Class carriage has been added to our train, and we’re introducing a new ‘Standard Class Plus’ option for those who’d like a little extra comfort while travelling in Standard Class.*

This is the final call for anyone who wishes to join us on our last ever train. We have just three seats left in Standard Class Plus, which includes two table of two seats for something a little more special.

We cannot wait to see you on board our final ever railtour!

We will also be offering some very special souvenirs on our last trains. It's going to be a momentous day, so don't miss out!

To book, visit: https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-pathfinder-finale/ or call the booking office on 01453 835 414

*Please note that at-seat service will not be available in Standard Class Plus.

13/11/2025

FINAL CALL for our penultimate railtour - The Chester Christmas Explorer on Saturday 22nd November.

An additional First Class carriage has been added to our train, and we’re introducing a new ‘Standard Class Plus’ option for those who’d like a little extra comfort while travelling in Standard Class.*

Don't forget our Pennines Mini Railtour too! We're offering limited seats for the Mini Tour option , which is available to book in advance ONLY through the booking office (01453 835414) for £25 or £30 cash on the day.

We cannot wait to see you on board our final railtours of the company. We will be offering some very special souvenirs on our last trains!

To book, visit: www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-chester-christmas-explorer
Or call our Booking Office today between 0900-1630 on 01453 835414

*Please note that at-seat service will not be available in Standard Class Plus.

15/10/2025

Limited Availability Alert!
Only a few seats remain in Standard Class and Premier Dining for The Chester Christmas Explorer on Saturday 22nd November, with First Class now fully booked.

This will be our penultimate railtour before we close our doors at the end of the year, so don’t miss this final opportunity to travel with us and enjoy a truly memorable day out.

Plus, keep an eye out for our exclusive new Pathfinder souvenir gifts, available to purchase on board our last two tours!

Book now at: www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-chester-christmas-explorer