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4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" and 4936 "Kinlet Hall" are paired together for this journey to Newport along the Welsh side of the Severn Estuary. Our outbound route takes us from Tyseley Warwick Road station, through Birmingham’s Jewellery District and down Old Hill through Kidderminster and Worcester Shrub- Hill, before a water-stop at Gloucester. Unusually, we continue through Gloucester, crossing over the River Severn, then following the Welsh side of the Severn Estuary all the way through Chepstow and Caldicot to the city of Newport. The origins of Casnewydd-ar-Wysg (New Castle on the Usk) can be traced back to the Bronze-age when fisherman settled around the fertile estuary of the River Usk. Newport obtained its first charter in 1314, and grew to a large market town protected by the first of several castles, completed in 1386. The industrial revolution saw a huge expansion in the nation’s appetite for coal; Newport was well positioned to supply these needs and by 1830 had become Wales’ leading coal port.
After a luncheon break in Newport, we return to the Midlands along a similar route, pausing again at Gloucester and stopping at Worcester. However, here we turn back towards the Midland Mainline for a double-headed assault on the Lickey Incline! Coming to a stand at Bordesley Junction, the lead Hall will run-round as the train reverses for a tender-first, top-and-tailed return to Tyseley Warwick Road.
Commencing at Tyseley Warwick Road platform, with additional pickups at Worcester Shrub Hill and Gloucester.
We hope the tour goes well.
Chris Nelson
