I’ve been away from the heritage/preserved scene for absolutely ages, as I’m very much in two minds about attending things like galas these days. We’ll not discuss that though, we’ll be here all day and I have stuff to do!
In terms of lines I’d like to do, the Spa Valley Railway is definitely up there. I’m never organised enough to do it until I’m in the area on other missions, then I remember it. Last time I did consider a quick spin up the line, but it was on a model railway weekend and it looked pretty busy, so I didn’t bother. Maybe next time!
Unlike others, I’d not mind revisiting the Wensleydale as I’m actually quite open to having a ride on a Pacer again. It’s been years since my last one and it would be fun to do a 142 or 143 again. Maybe even a 144 if they got preserved. After all, they formed part of the early years of my time on the railway, so I have actual nostalgia for them! I’ve not been on the line since a top and tailed special with 31s ran from Darlington, on a Community Railfest thing. 2006 I think? Painfully long ago! It’s an awkward line to get to unless driving from what I recall, however I am open to looking into it more thoroughly soon
That line out of Aviemore would be cool to do, probably in combination with that other operation up the Cairngorms. I can’t remember the name of it now, definitely something of interest and a trip that needs thorough research. I’d be combining it with some ScotRail trips, as I have a lot of stations up there to visit not to mention cycling/walking adventures. Again, all part of the research!
I’d not say no to revisiting the Great Central Railway either, another 2006 trip which I think will hit the 20 year anniversary in September. I couldn’t tell you what I travelled on that day, it’s far too long ago! This is also something to do when the link to the GCRN finally opens, if it hasn’t already. I’m well out of the loop with this sort of thing! Not done the GCRN before so a ‘two birds, one stone’ kind of thing. Plus adding the walk to/from the railway to my Strava, as well as a proper explore of Loughborough and Leicester.
Battlefield Line needs a visit, as with other lines I forget it exists. I think it’s a relatively short cycle ride from Tamworth but I need to research things properly. I don’t even know what runs there these days. Same with that line in Butterley, Midland Rail Centre? Another one that escapes my memory on a regular basis.
East Kent Railway would be nice to do, my knowledge on it is basically nil so I’d need to look further into it. Same for the Brecon Mountain Railway, I think it’s been extended since my visit many years ago so would be good to do again. Plus linking both of these examples to further exploring.
The other big ones I’d like to do include basically all the narrow gauge lines in North Wales. I’ve cycled basically the whole length of the Fairbourne Railway, which is longer than I expected it to be and definitely worth a proper visit. The big names like the Ffestiniog Railway, which I was originally doing in September 2005 but didn’t due to a timetable mis-read, are all waiting to be done too, when I’ll get to them I’m not too sure. I keep saying I’m going to book time off just to do the little railways of Wales, it just doesn’t happen though!
Similar for that Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, I’m not good at remembering it exists, likewise for actually dropping funds into a full-on visit of North Wales. Usually when I want to go it ends up being when there’s a big event on or the school holidays are going on. No chance am I willing to put up with epic overcrowding on the North Wales Coast!
I know there are others like the Bodmin line and Seaton Tramway I’d like to do, but I’ll be here for ages thinking about which ones I’d like to do!
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