The Branch Line Society has announced that it will run the Pines Express from Leeds to Swanage in Dorset and back on Tuesday 26 September.

The trip provides enthusiasts with a chance to mark CrossCountry’s impending withdrawal of the High Speed Train (HST) after more than forty years. It will feature a CrossCountry HST with air-conditioned Mark 3 coaches.

Passengers can also take an additional trip on The Bournemouth Belle mini excursion from Swanage to Bournemouth and back. Those who do will be able to enjoy scenic views across the Isle of Purbeck and of Corfe Castle in the area made famous by Thomas Hardy’s novels.

Highlights will include the heritage railway connection from Swanage Railway to Worgret Junction via Creech Bottom and Furzebrook. There will be a brief photo stop at Bournemouth.

People taking this trip will need to buy a separate ticket.

The Branch Line Society hopes that this trip, which it is running on behalf of CrossCountry and Modern Railways, will repeat the success of last year’s visit to the Severn Valley Railway.

The 125 Group will run a sales stand, stocked with a wide range of HST souvenirs.

Proceeds from the trips will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity, in memory of Jo Taylor, who died in 2021. Jo was popular among her CrossCountry workmates, having worked at both Leeds and Bournemouth over her fourteen years with the company.

Subject to availability, there will be a trolley service of drinks, snacks and light refreshments. Passengers will be able to buy  bottled real ales from breweries along CrossCountry’s routes.

Indicative route and timings:

Leeds P16 (PU 06.35) – Wakefield Westgate P1 (PU 06.48) – Sheffield P6 (PU 07.25) – Derby P2 (PU 07.54) – Burton-on-Trent P2 (PU 08.05) – Tamworth P4 (PU 08.20) – Bordesley Jn – Leamington Spa P3 (PU 09.02) – Oxford Through Line – Didcot – Reading P13 (PU 10.16 / RM) – Basingstoke – Southampton Central – Bournemouth – Poole – Wareham – Worgret Jn – Norden – Corfe Castle – Harman’s Cross – Swanage (SD 12.42)

Swanage (PU 16.18) – Harman’s Cross – Corfe Castle – Norden – Worgret Jn – Wareham – Poole – Bournemouth – Southampton Central – Eastleigh – Romsey – Laverstock Curve – Basingstoke – Reading P12 (SD 19.38 / RM) – Didcot – Oxford Through Line – Leamington Spa P2 (SD 20.48) – Bordesley Jn – Tamworth P3 (SD 21.50) – Burton-on-Trent P1 (SD 22.04) – Derby P1 (SD 22.18) – Sheffield P1 (SD 22.52) – Wakefield Westgate P2 (SD 23.34) – Leeds P9 (SD 23.49)

The standard class fare is £95. There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member.

The Bournemouth Belle mini excursion

Indicative route and timings:

Swanage (PU 13.10) – Harman’s Cross – Corfe Castle – Norden – Worgret Jn – Wareham – Poole – Branksome – Bournemouth P3 (SD 14.40)

Bournemouth P3 (PU 14.52) – Branksome – Poole – Wareham – Worgret Jn – Norden – Corfe Castle – Harman’s Cross – Swanage (SD 15.45)

For further information and to book, visit the Branch Line Society’s website.