Charity rail tour “Gerald of Wales” to run rare Mark 4 journey across Wales

Transport for Wales has teamed up with the 225 Group and the Branch Line Society to launch a one-day charity rail tour aimed at raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Railway Children.

The special service, named the “Gerald of Wales”, will depart Holyhead railway station at 07:08 on Saturday 25 April. The route will take in the North Wales coastline before heading through the Welsh Marches towards Newport and Swansea, returning along the same route later in the day. Passengers will also be able to board at intermediate stations including Chester railway station and Crewe railway station.

The tour offers a rare opportunity to travel between Chester and Crewe on a Mark 4 set hauled by a Class 67 locomotive, a combination not normally seen on this stretch of railway. The itinerary also includes sections of track that are seldom used by passenger services, such as freight loops, through lines and the Leckwith Loop between Ninian Park and the South Wales Main Line.

Onboard catering will reflect Transport for Wales’ seasonal Spring/Summer menu, showcasing Welsh produce. Standard Class passengers will be able to purchase freshly prepared breakfast options and evening meal packages created by onboard chefs.

First Class customers will receive a full cooked breakfast on the outward journey, followed by a curated dining experience on the return leg featuring premium Welsh ingredients.

• Grilled Wye Valley asparagus

• Dewi Roberts lamb served with Caerphilly champ

• A macerated strawberry and honey Marches trifle

All profits from the tour will be donated to Railway Children and Alzheimer’s Society, with the latter serving as TfW’s charity of the year for 2026.

Tickets are priced at £99 for Standard Class adults and £79 for under-18s, while First Class Dining is available at £225 for adults and £205 for under-18s. Discounts are also offered to members of the Branch Line Society and 225 Group, as well as TfW staff.

Tickets can be booked online via the Branch Line Society website which can be found here.

Image: Transport for Wales