The much-awaited visit to Weardale by the iconic steam train, the Flying Scotsman, has been cancelled.
The trip was organised by ‘Fox and Edwards Events’, a company founded in 2017 by two steam train enthusiasts. An announcement on their website is as follows:
It is with deepest regret that unfortunately we have to inform you that these journeys are unable to run this weekend due to an operational issue for the train operating company – who are responsible for the running of these services.
We were notified by the operator late last night, and are taking the first opportunity to contact you.
Despite every effort by ourselves and the several organisations involved, we are unable to reach a conclusion. Therefore, the operator has been left with no alternative other than to cancel these trips.
We understand how disappointing this news will be and we are equally as upset that we are unable to bring this great opportunity to you. Rest assured, we are in the process of issuing full refunds to all visitors which will arrive via the original payment method in the coming days. These can take some days to go through the banking system. You do not need to contact us for this process.
Once again, we sincerely apologise for having to share this news so close to these journeys. We hope we can welcome you in 2027 for one of our many trips.‘
The train was scheduled to visit the Weardale Railway for two days from November 13th to 15th with the legendary locomotive due to depart from Darlington for a scenic 60-mile journey over the Weardale Railway taking in beautiful views of the Northern Pennines Natural Landscape. It was due to have two departures a day with each journey taking up to four hours, including time in Stanhope, giving a boost to the local economy in the Dale.
Disappointment is running deep in the Dale with local businesses who had prepared for the influx of visitors left high and dry. Rail enthusiasts too, whether or not they had booked the tickets, are left severely disappointed too.
A spokesperson for the Weardale Railway, the train operating company, broke the news today with the following statement:
‘It is with great disappointment that we have to announce that the planned visit of the Flying Scotsman to Weardale Railway has been cancelled by the train operating company.
Unfortunately, this decision is outside of our control, and despite our best efforts and preparations, the visit will no longer be going ahead.
We understand how much excitement and anticipation there has been surrounding this special event and appreciate how disappointing this news will be for everyone who was looking forward to seeing this iconic locomotive.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, as well as the local businesses and communities who have shown such tremendous enthusiasm and support.
Anyone who has pre-purchased platform tickets will automatically be issued with a refund within the next 7 days.
We sincerely apologise for the disappointment and any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their understanding and continued support of Weardale Railway. We hope there will be another opportunity to welcome this iconic locomotive to the Durham Dales in the future.
We would like to reiterate that this cancellation is entirely outside of our control and does not affect any of our other scheduled services or activities.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.’
