The legendary Flying Scotsman steamed through Deeside today

A video sent in by Ian Jones shows the Flying Scotsman thundering through Shotton Station on Friday morning.

The Flying Scotsman – steam locomotive 60103 – took to the tracks today, Friday November 8, for a tour through North Wales.

This is a summary of the tour as published on the Railway Touring Company Website: 

Our journey to North Wales commences in London Euston early in the morning as we make our way northwards to Crewe hauled by vintage electric 86259 Les Ross. Calling at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby and Lichfield Trent Valley, we will soon arrive at Crewe, where Flying Scotsman will be attached to our train for the run to Holyhead and back to Crewe.

Leaving the famous railway town and junction of Crewe, we head across the Cheshire plain past the lofty Beeston Castle towards Chester. Passing through Roman Chester, with its ancient castle, cathedral and racecourse, we soon enter Wales at Saltney and follow the Dee Estuary closely, with open view across the waters towards the Wirral. As we pass through the seaside towns of Rhyl and Colwyn Bay, views will start to appear of the Irish Sea and the Great Orme at Llandudno.  There will also be distant glimpses of Snowdonia coming into view as we head towards Llandudno Junction.

A break will be made at Llandudno Junction to water Flying Scotsman, where you will be able to see the locomotive close up during our brief stay.  With water supplies on board, Flying Scotsman will now continue its journey to Holyhead as we pass through Stephenson’s tubular bridge over the Conwy, and beneath the walls of Edward I’s impressive castle.  A number of tunnels and covered ways give tantalising glimpses of the cliffs and the sea as we head westwards through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with distant views of Puffin Island.  After travelling through Bangor, noted for its cathedral dedicated to its founder St Deiniol and its Victorian pier, we then pass over the Menai Straits on Britannia Bridge, linking mainland Wales with the Isle of Angelsey.

The final part of our journey cuts right across the windswept island, with extensive views across to Snowdonia in the far distance.  RAF Valley is close by to the railway before we cross the causeway and enter Holy Island and reach our destination at the sea port of Holyhead. Here Flying Scotsman will be serviced and turned ready for the journey back along the North Wales coast to Crewe.  Time will be available to visit the nearby town, with the remains of its Roman fort of Caer Gybi, and the quaint church of St Cybi.  There are also a number of pleasant walks to the marina and breakwater.

We will retrace our steps back to Llandudno Junction for water, continuing via Chester to Crewe, where we will exchange Flying Scotsman for more modern traction for the journey back to London Euston.  Demand is expected to be very high for this trip so early booking is recommended.

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