Next March the Branch Line Society is running its three-day members-only BWC Two rail tour to discover the nature and scenery in Scotland that can be seen from the comfort of a spacious First Class seat.

Thanks to the SRPS Diesel Group, Class 37 37403 Isle of Mull operated by GB Railfreight will be at the head of the Mk 2 coaching stock throughout all three days from Friday, 8th March to Sunday, 10th March 2024, although on Day three a GBRf Class 66 will assist with reversals around the Glasgow area.

On board, there will be a Real Ale and Cider Bar with a selection of Scottish hand-pulled real ales, whilst the Buffet Car will offer a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light refreshments, as well as freshly cooked hot food.

All profits from the tour will be donated to Martin House Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital, and each day there will be a charity raffle, with a wide range of fantastic prizes.

Day One – Fort William Outward Bound

The tour starts at 9.30 at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway and travels Fort William via Manuel, Bo’ness and Kinneil Link Line, Linlithgow (pick up), Gorgie Jn, Edinburgh Suburban Line, Niddrie West Jn, Edinburgh (pick up), Bo’ness DPL, Greenhill DGL, Cowlairs East Curve, Dalmuir (pick up), Craigendoran Jn, Garelochhead, Crianlarich, Cruach Snow Shed, Spean Bridge. And arrives at Fort William at 18.48.

Day Two – Over to Oban

After a 6.40 start from Fort William the tour heads via Roy Bridge, Corrour, Rannoch, Upper Tyndrum (set down), Crianlarich, Ardlui (two-hour lunchtime break, photo stop and run round), Crianlarich, Tyndrum Lower (pick up), Taynuilt, Oban (break and run round), Falls of Cruachan, Dalmally, Crianlarich (run round), Bridge of Orchy, Tulloch, and arrives at Fort William ay 18.00.

Day Three – The Mallaig Extension

Dat three start from Fort William at 8.00, then heads via Glenfinnan, Mallaig (run round), Arisaig, Fort William (run round), Crianlarich, Dalmuir (set down), Westerton, Cowlairs West Jn, Springburn, Bellgrove, Shields Jn, Dunrod Loop, Wemyss Bay (set down), Glasgow Central (set down), Up & Dn Smithy Lye, Shields Road Jn. Bellgrove, Springburn, Cowlairs South Jn, Glasgow Queen Street High Level (set down), Cowlairs Dn Loop, Eastfield Loop, Cadder Loop, Gartshore Loop, Falkirk High, Polmont South Loop, Polmont (set down), Bo’ness Ground frame, and Manuel to arrive back at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway at 21.50.

The GBRf Class 66 will be attached at Wemyss Bay and will haul the train to Glasgow Central, Shields Road Jn to Glasgow Queen Street High Level and from Bo’ness Groundframe to Manuel.

Fares do not include meals, and are £299 or £349 at a guaranteed table for two, with a £149.50 reduction for accompanied under 18s.