The Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire has announced that this year it is once again running its popular driver experience days.

Anyone who has had the desire to sit in the driving seat and take control of a diesel locomotive can now enjoy the experience in one of four different heritage diesel locomotives and will get the chance to drive a train through nine miles of beautiful scenery between Bedale and Leyburn.

The railway is offering the choice between driving a Class 37, Class 14, Class 142 Pacer, and later this year, their award-winning Class 121 single-car diesel multiple unit. Driving experiences last about two hours and include:

• a Welcome Pack;
• a full safety briefing;
• the choice of one of four heritage diesel locomotives to drive between Bedale and Leyburn;
• lunch with the crew, with the option to include the driver’s friends and family;
• a Commemorative Certificate to celebrate the day;
• complimentary one-year membership of the Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust).

The cost of a Driving Experience day starts from £275 per trip. Experience days are available on most Thursdays throughout the year until the end of October, except throughout August. Each day, three time slots are available, starting at 09:00, 11:30, and 14:00. To avoid disappointment, it is essential to book in advance.

The Driving Experience days are ideal for that special occasion, as a gift to a loved one, or even as a treat for yourself. They can also be arranged so that the driver’s family and friends can be part of the experience too.
For more information about the Driving Experience days, visit the website at https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/driver_experiences/, call: 01677 425 805, or email: [email protected]

Nick Keegan, Fundraising and Marketing Manager for the Wensleydale Railway, said, “Our Driver Experiences days are always incredibly popular with customers. They offer a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience our railway from the driving seat whilst enjoying spectacular scenic views on the journey to Leyburn.”