Great Central (Steam) Railway & Grand Union Canal day walk
18 people attending
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5 people waitlisted
The Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.
CHANGE OF PLAN
Since originally writing the event page the timetable changed at the Great Central Railway. I still plan to arrive at the same time as previously stated (by 10am), but the steam train does not go until 11:20am, this will give us enough time to look around the museum before getting on the train.
We'll be getting on the Steam Train at 11.20am sharp for the trip from Loughborough to Rotherley about a 20min ride, the 11.20am train is the griddle car.
After a jolly good ride on the train, we'll find ourselves in Rotherley where we'll need to start the shorter than previously advertised10mile walk back.
The route will take us through Mounsorrell and around Swithland Reservoir, where hopefully we'll see the Steam Trains in operation from the sidelines (calling all Train Spotters) whilst heading back towards the Grand Union Canal for the last leg to bring us back to Loughborough Central Station where we started.
What to bring
- Walking Boots
- Socks
- Gaiters (optional)
- Walking Trousers (not jeans)
- Base Layer
- Fleece
- Waterproof Trousers
- Waterproof Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Rucksack
- Food & Water
- Money for the steam train (£6 single ticket, £11 return) and breakfast (I don't have prices for this) and maybe a crafty pint.
Food & drink
What better way to start the day than with a hearty Great Central All Day Breakfast, with eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausages, black pudding, fried bread, sauté potatoes and tomatoes, all served aboard a steam train? For breakfast connoisseurs, join me on the griddle car for a feast to set you up for the long walk back.
Other hearty hot meals can be got on the griddle car too - all without the need for an advance reservation.
You’ll find these favourites aboard the griddle car, along with a bar serving beers, wines, spirits and hot drinks.
You will definately still want to bring a packed lunch to this one, the walk is 16miles long, and although fairly flat you'll want to keep your energy up. Make sure you bring plenty of re-hydrating fluids to drink too.