August 31st 2025

31/8/2025

The launch of Belmonds
'Britannic Explorer'
Clive Smith, Andrew Hickson, Jonathan Harbage, Joe Birchall, Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, Andrew Triggs, Jason Snow & Andrea Mant

Saturday 30th August brought the highly anticipated debut visit to Cornwall of Belmonds new luxury touring train, 'The Britannic Explorer'.

The train ran from London Victoria to Bishops Lydeard on Friday, and on Saturday morning made its way to Penzance, arriving early afternoon.

Later in the evening, the train ran from Penzance to Fowey, where it would spend the night.

Today, Sunday 31.08, the train will run from Fowey to Cranmore (East Somerset Railway), and on Monday 01.09 it will run back to London Victoria.

If you missed this one, don’t panic - several more visits are scheduled. Details of the pathings and future dates are available in our railtour calendar.

GBRf liveried 66744 brings up the rear of the 1Z62 09.00 Bishops Lydeard - Penzance 'Britannic Explorer' at Exeter St Davids with 66748 in the same livery as the stock on the front. 30.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

66748 heads the Britannic Explorer towards Powderham running 37 minutes early. It is on its 2nd day of a 4 day trip to Cornwall having stopped overnight at Bishops Lydeard. Anyone who missed this trip will be glad to learn that it is running again on the 19th of September. If you like to be aboard then it will cost you a mere £7,000 each! 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

66744 brings up the rear. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

Here is 66748 and 66744 heading towards Truro on the Britanic explore on the 30/08/25. The leading engine is named after St Michael’s mount. But with it raining the question is will they see St Michael’s mount from the train. 30.08.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

Joe and Jonathan must have been side-by-side on the bridge, as here is Joe's shot of the train approaching Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

66744 on the rear, near Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

The classic Cornish scene at Scorrier as 66748 passes the engine houses of Wheal Busy. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

In the 'Mizzle' passing Marazion 66748 'St Michael's Mount leads 1Z62 09.00 Bishops Lydeard GBRf-Penzance. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Shortly after arrival at Penzance, and prior to going to Long Rock for servicing, the train is seen beneath the roof at Penzance. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Passing Ponsandane with 66744 'Heart of Wales' leading 5Z62 14.26 Penzance-Longrock T&RSMD, with 66748 at the rear. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66748 'St. Michaels Mount' along with its namesake. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

66744 awaiting 17.30 Penzance departure for Fowey Docks Carne Point at Platform 2. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Departing Penzance for Fowey, the driver of 66744 'opens the taps' at Marazion. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

66748 trails 1Z64 17.30 Penzance-Fowey Docks Carne Point in the late afternoon sun, with 66744 leading the formation away up Marazion Marshes. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66748 “St.Michaels mount” bathed in sunshine tagged on the rear of the Britannic Explorer as it passes St.Erth signal box on its way to Fowey. Copyright Andrea Mant (With thanks to Jason Snow).

66744 leads the returning train, and is seen just east of Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

The driver piles on the power as 66744 tackles the climb out of Par and is seen at Treesmill. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Now on the Fowey branch, the train is seen crossing the causeway at Golant. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Viewed from the upper part of the village at Golant. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

A final shot for me as the train crosses the level crossing at Golant before heading on to Fowey. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks to everyone who has contibuted to this article. It was great to see the train finally 'used in anger' after many set backs. Long may it continue.

Marsh Barton Steam
David Tozer

34046 ‘Braunton’ with the late running 1635 1Z72 Kingswear to Bedford. On the rear was 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ Earlier the sun was out then drizzle. 30.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks as always, Dave.