One of Britain’s most iconic trains will be making its way through the North East later this year and if you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot it.
The Flying Scotsman will be passing through the Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne, travelling through Darlington and Durham.
The special trip is part of a series of 2023 mainline steam tour dates planned by the National Railway Museum for the Flying Scotsman’s centenary celebrations.
The train was built in Doncaster in 1923 and was the first steam locomotive to reach 100mph.
🚂 Flying Scotsman pulls away from Bury Bolton St station on the second of two special trips for school children from the local area. #FlyingScotsman100 pic.twitter.com/CgUsT6QVbx
— National Railway Museum (@RailwayMuseum) March 8, 2023
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built for the LNER, the locomotive was named ‘Flying Scotsman’ in 1923 and continued in regular service until 1963, reports The Railway Touring Company.
After many years in service, the train is now owned by the National Railway Museum in York and is operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.
When can I see the Flying Scotsman in Durham and Darlington?
Dates were announced for people to purchase tickets to ride along the Flying Scotsman as part of the centenary celebrations and although the famous train will not be stopping in the region to pick up any passengers, there might still be a chance to catch a glimpse of it.
The train will be passing through Durham and Darlington on Saturday, October 14 as part of ‘The Hadrian’ route from Derby to Carlisle.
According to The Railway Touring Company website, it says: “We leave Carlisle at around 16:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Memories rush back with John Martin's images of #FlyingScotsman on #ForthBridges.
— Steam Dreams Rail Co (@Steam_Dreams) April 13, 2023
Although we won't have the pleasure of the Flying Scotsman on our Edinburgh holiday this year, we're thrilled to be accompanied Sir Nigel Gresley: https://t.co/947zdI8NNw
📸 IG: scottishphotieman pic.twitter.com/HRpGAVaWha
“The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in June 1838 and it runs eastwards, following the river Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson, before we join the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell.
“We can expect some fast running as we head south through Durham to Darlington, where reluctantly, we shall have to say farewell to Flying Scotsman. Our diesel locomotive will now continue to York, home to the National Railway Museum, and back to our outward stations before arriving in Derby late evening.”
On The Hadrian journey, the Flying Scotsman will be stopping at Derby, Long Eaton, Beeston, Ilkeston, Alfreton, Chesterfield and Carlisle.
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