Pathfinder Railtours Runs Final Journey as Enthusiasts Turn Out in Force

Trainspotters gathered across the country today to witness the final journey of Pathfinder Railtours, a historic railtour operator that has served enthusiasts for more than half a century.

The farewell service featured diesel locomotive D1015 Western Champion, which departed Salisbury, Wiltshire, at 05:50 GMT as part of the Pathfinders Finale. The locomotive, renumbered D1001 and temporarily named Western Pathfinder on one side, picked up passengers at Westbury, Bath, and Bristol before heading north to Manchester. The service is expected to return to Salisbury by 23:10.

Peter Watts, one of the company’s founders, reflected on the milestone, saying the team hoped to “go out on a high.”

He added:

"We have created a void by not running anymore. But voids and vacuums get filled so I would imagine come the new year there will be someone else ready to step into our shoes."

Pathfinder Railtours is closing following the retirement of company director Barry Cordell. Mr Watts noted that the final arrival back in Salisbury would be a bittersweet moment for the team and the railfan community who have supported the operator for decades.

Videos of this historic final tour have already started appearing on YouTube, we've added one below....