HDL Lydd Ranger railtour

Sunday 13 March 2005

This page last modified on Sunday 13 March 2005

This page refers to a railtour which has now taken place. All information is left here for interest only! A news article has been created which contains photos of the tour.

Itinerary

For our spring trip this year we enjoy some of the lines around eastern Kent, and take a rare opportunity to travel the freight branch line down to Lydd and Dungeness.

Our train first travels from Hastings to Tonbridge, allowing passengers to join us at principal stations along that line. From Tonbridge we travel down the main line to Ashford (where passengers may also board), and then across the Romney Marsh to and from the terminal point near Dungeness power station.

After returning to Ashford, our next port of call is Canterbury where we will have a break of about two hours. This provides an opportunity to wander around the historic city centre, to visit the cathedral or just look around the shopping area — which features several major stores that open on Sundays.

From Canterbury our itinerary will take us first to Margate, then to Dover Priory where we will reverse; the final stretch back to Tonbridge for Hastings will run via Deal, the Minster Curve, Canterbury West and Ashford.

Timings

These are the final timings as received from Network Rail.
NB: Tickets for this tour were sent out on Monday 7 March and should be received by mid-week.

Outward
Hastings depart	`0928`
St. Leonards Warrior Square	`0931`
Battle	`0943`
Etchingham	`0957`
Tunbridge Wells	`1015`
Tonbridge platform 1	`1030`
Ashford International platform 2	`1058`
to/from Dungeness
Ashford International depart	`1325`
Canterbury West arrive	`1345`

Return
Canterbury West depart	`1542`
Margate depart	`1623`
Dover Priory depart	`1720`
Ashford International arrive	`1830`
Tonbridge	`1900`
Tunbridge Wells	`1919`
Etchingham	`1936`
Battle	`1950`
St. Leonards Warrior Square	`2004`
Hastings due	`2009`

Fares

Fares for return travel on the entire trip

From all stations Hastings to Tonbridge inclusive:
- £36 (standard); £130 (bay of four standard seats); £52 (Club Class).
From Ashford International, reduced prices apply:
- £31 (standard); £110 (bay of four standard seats); £47 (Club Class).

Club Class

Travel at a seat with a table, with refreshments provided throughout the trip plus a meal with wine on the way home. Seating is likely to be in a DEMU trailer coach; payment of the additional £5 supplement assures travel in Tunbridge Wells power car.

Power Cars

A £5 supplement should be added to individual (not bay) fares for travel in power cars (both Club and Standard classes). Capacity is limited.

Refreshments

Our train includes a Buffet Car; a selection of hot & cold snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day at reasonable prices. There will also be a trolley service.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any part of our train.

Latest information: Tuesday 8 March 2005

This tour was sold out by 18 February, both in Standard Class and in Club Class sections.

However, in case there are any cancellations, it might be worth telephoning […] to check for possible availability.

Bookings

Bookings have closed and this railtour has taken place.