Stroud-based Pathfinder Railtours has announced it will be running its final trains this year with the retirement of boss Barry Cordell.
The company today issued a statement: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that the management and staff of Pathfinder Railtours announce that after more than five decades of running excursions and charter services, the Stroud-based company will close its doors in December this year.
‘With two November railtours advertised, and open for bookings, these will be some of the final trains operating under the well-known and trusted brand. We’ll be heading to the popular destinations of the South West, Shrewsbury and Chester. We propose to run the last-ever Pathfinder Railtours excursion on 20th December 2025, with the itinerary to be announced shortly. Subject to availability, it will feature ‘Western’ No. D1015 Western Champion, courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group.
‘Today, the railway industry is in a totally different place to where it was in 1973, when Tony Fielding and Peter Watts set out with their first excursion from Gloucester to Pwllheli, under the brand of ‘F&W Railtours’. This was the precursor to today’s Pathfinder Railtours company. Pathfinder Railtours was born in 1987, when Peter Watts rebranded the company. The following year, it was one of the first train charter businesses to introduce a full dining service.
‘Over the last 50 years, the team at Pathfinder Railtours have run special trains to just about everywhere and have done just about everything! From steam trips over unusual routes, to taking a diesel-hydraulic ‘Western’ locomotive to the north and west of Scotland, reaching Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. It has been a pleasure to provide high quality days out to our thousands of customers, and whether you have travelled once or numerous times, the staff at Pathfinder, both past and present, would like to offer our sincere thanks for your custom and company. Pathfinder Railtours would also like to thank its customers for their support of the on-train raffles that has helped raise more than half a million pounds for charity.
‘Business founder, Peter Watts commented: “When five years is a long time in the rail industry, to have achieved more than 50 years of continued operation, is truly remarkable, and something that I am incredibly privileged to have undertaken. Equally, I am proud, not only of the team, that over the years has delivered our programme, but also our wonderful stewards who have volunteered their time on board to ensure safe operation of the trains. Finally last but not least, my sincere thanks to our loyal passengers who have supported us, enjoyed numerous excursions, and hopefully travelled to many places they may not, otherwise, have visited.”
‘Barry Cordell, the now Chief Executive and owner of Pathfinder Railtours said: “Over the almost 30 years I have been involved with the company, we have achieved so much, but I now feel it is the right time to step back and retire. I would like to join Peter in thanking our team, our volunteers and our passengers for all their support and loyalty over the years, and we wish you all well in the future. The positive support that we have enjoyed from the majority of the rail industry has always been appreciated and my thanks also go to them and the TOCs that have run our many charter trains over the years.”
‘We would like to emphasise that Pathfinder Railtours remains operational during this period. It’s not insolvent in any way and it will be wound down in an orderly fashion, leaving no outstanding debts. We are looking forward to running our final tours, ahead of bidding farewell, following the operation of the soon to be announced pre-Christmas charter in December.
‘As a company, it has been our pleasure and privilege to serve our passengers, who have shared our passion and enjoyment for travel over more than five decades. We hope that many will join us on our final trains for a last journey with “Pathfinder” and no doubt, to reminisce about days gone by!’
Pictures by Jack Boskett
