Words by Ian Thomas, pictures by Rich Kelsey
In September 2025 Pathfinder Tours announced they were to cease trading from the end of 2025 (after 52 years of operation), and the final tour would be ‘The Pathfinder Finale’ due to run on Saturday December 20th.
With Class 52 Diesel Hydraulic locomotive D1015 Western Champion booked to haul the tour from Gloucester to the Pennines and back. So, the day arrived and Rich Kelsey had booked five seats on this sell-out tour in advance, and just as well as the rail tour tickets sold out within about 30 minutes!
The tour started at Salisbury (with 2 x Class 57s) and picked up at Westbury, Bath and then avoiding Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Parkway. From here it continued to Gloucester where our trusty Western was put in charge of the train, from here we continued to Cheltenham and to the final passenger pickup point at Birmingham New Street. With all on board, the route was via Bescot, Bushbury, Stafford and via the Potteries to Cheshire and on to Stockport. From here we travelled in a circuitous route to the first set down at Manchester Victoria for those wishing to visit the city and Christmas markets.
Some passengers left the train for a pre-planned visit to the Science Museum, which was a must-see due to family engineering connections in the area. The museum today showcases engineering firms and items made in Manchester—from locomotives and power plants to anything related to transport, engineering, and the textile industries of the Northwest. Meanwhile, others stayed on for a circular afternoon mini tour, traveling through Wigan, Lostock Hall Junction, Blackburn, and into the steeply graded Pennines. The route included the arduous climb over Copy Pit, a line known for its challenging gradients during the steam era. As daylight faded, the atmosphere on board remained pleasant, with refreshments enjoyed as the train continued into West Yorkshire via Todmorden and Rochdale, then back to Manchester Victoria. Later in the afternoon, the journey continued via Warrington, then along the West Coast Mainline through Crewe, and back to the West Midlands, retracing the homeward steps from Stafford. Many familiar faces from previous tours were present, and the mood grew reflective as the end of the journey approached.
Motive power for this tour started with 57-008 (formerly Class 47 No D1644 then 47-060). An historic moment, as this was the locomotive on the very first tour that Pathfinder Manger Peter Watts ran back in June 1973, this was in tandem with 57-314 (ex 47-372). As noted above, from Gloucester the motive power was D1015 ‘Western Champion’ masquerading on one side as D1001 Western Pathfinder, very fitting indeed, with a first for a Western over this Pennine route. And so back to Gloucester for a loco change and finally (for us) a short hop to Cam and Dursley which ended 52 years of touring with Peter Watts as Fielding & Watts and Pathfinder.
Things move on so to speak, but as a tour operator, it will be sadly missed. However, the memories will always be there for the rest of my days. Thankyou Pete and team, for all the fun we had and the great relationship we have with you. Also, many thanks on the day go to the Pathfinder crew, Volunteers, Caterers and the Diesel Traction Group (that own D1015), all these certainly made our final Pathfinder tour one not to forget, and yes certainly going out in style! Cheers again and Thankyou from Ian and friends.
