When and where to see Flying Scotsman this weekend

One of the world’s most famous steam locomotives will pass through Gloucestershire this weekend.

The Flying Scotsman will be pulling steam train The Cotswold Venturer from London to Worcester and back again this weekend.

While the only stops being made between London Paddington and Worcester Shrub Hill are to pick up passengers in Slough, Reading and Didcot, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the locomotive as it thunders across the country.

After leaving Didcot at 8.30am the train continues through Oxford and, at Wolvercote Junction, joins the Cotswold Line.

It then passes through Finstock, Charlbury, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh, then through Campden Tunnel, and down Honeybourne Bank to Evesham – arriving in Worcester at 11.20am.

The steam train leaves Worcester at 4.35pm and returns by a different route. At Abbots Wood Junction, its join the ex-Midland Railway route to Bristol. It heads south to Cheltenham, by-passes Gloucester, and joins the Golden Valley route at Standish Junction.

It will pass through Stroud and climb up the Stroud Valley to Sapperton Tunnel, continuing through Kemble and on to Swindon where it joins the ex-Great Western Main Line.

The train will call at Didcot 7.10pm, then Reading and Slough before arriving in London at 9.45pm.

Where are the best places to see it?

For those wanting to see The Flying Scotsman pass through Gloucestershire in daylight, Moreton-in-Marsh could be the place to go. Timings are only approximate but the train is expected to pass through at around about 10am.

The return journey offers a number of possibilities. The bridge over Standish Junction is usually popular, while Stroud and Kemble stations are also options.

Gazette Series: The Flying Scotsman entering Kemble Station last year. Photo: Antony SlaterThe Flying Scotsman entering Kemble Station last year. Photo: Antony Slater

We expect the train to pass through this bit of the county between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Other spots that have made for great photos in previous years include the Beards Lane footbridge…

Gazette Series: Photo: Jeff HorwoodPhoto: Jeff Horwood

Bowbridge…

Gazette Series: Photo: Pete KinsellaPhoto: Pete Kinsella

And the viaduct at Capel’s Mill.

Gazette Series: Photo: Jenny HardingPhoto: Jenny Harding

Wherever you choose, please stay safe and off the tracks. We’d love to see your photos so share them with us via the Gloucestershire Camera Club Facebook page

Lancs Gazette Series | Gloucestershire