Edinburgh Summer Explorer — Saphos Trains

Saphos Trains, a luxury steam-train operator based in St Erth, Cornwall, sells the Edinburgh Summer Explorer as a return day tour from York to Edinburgh Waverley. The operator describes it as a steam-hauled journey through the Scottish Lowlands to the heart of Scotland's capital, with an afternoon for shopping and sightseeing.

The tour boards at York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Darlington, Durham, Chester-le-Street, MetroCentre, Hexham, Haltwhistle and Carlisle. The train travels north to the border city of Carlisle, where, the operator says, a steam locomotive takes over: it runs past the Solway Firth and through the Lowlands, with the steep climb to Beattock Summit as the highlight, to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley for an afternoon break of around three hours. The station sits below Princes Street, and the operator suggests the Old Town and Royal Mile, Holyrood, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia or an open-top bus tour.

The train returns over the same route and, at Carlisle, a more modern form of traction is attached for the homeward journey. Steam therefore covers the Carlisle to Edinburgh sections, not the whole day, and the stretch from York to Carlisle is not described as steam-hauled.

Two or three classes are sold, depending on the tour. Pullman Dining is a seated meal service at tables dressed with linen and crockery: the operator lists bucks fizz and a full English breakfast, tea or coffee with pastries, then champagne with canapés and a five-course dinner on the return. First Class is non-dining, with complimentary tea or coffee and light snacks at the seat, the option of bringing a picnic, and a traditional Afternoon Tea available as a supplement.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator names a pool of restored steam locomotives for the tour and its booking terms say every effort is made to run with the advertised engine but that, in times of difficulty such as high fire risk or locomotive failure, it reserves the right to substitute locomotives, including replacing a steam locomotive with a diesel as a last resort, with no refund or compensation.

A very long day out: a morning departure from York, around three hours in Edinburgh and a late-evening return (timings are approximate). Pullman Dining carries a smart-casual minimum for dress, and there is no set dress code in Standard or First Class. Children are welcome in First and Standard Class; Pullman Dining is reserved for adults and children aged 12 and over. The operator says the tour is not suitable for guests who need a wheelchair or have severe mobility issues.

Boards at York station, Station Road, York, with pick-ups at Thirsk, Northallerton, Darlington, Durham, Chester-le-Street, MetroCentre, Hexham, Haltwhistle and Carlisle. All trips are return and the return journey is included; the operator never sells a one-way service. Passengers who want to join further up the line can ask when booking, and the same fare applies wherever they join. The heritage carriages do not allow wheelchair boarding and the operator asks guests with mobility needs to contact it before booking. Lavatories are at each end of every carriage. Own food and drink may be brought in Standard and First Class but not in Pullman Dining. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and pescatarian meals are catered for in Pullman Dining as standard and must be requested at least 7 days before travel. Travel documents and boarding cards are emailed no later than 7 days before the tour.