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The Journey Shrinker
Diesel trainWales

The Journey Shrinker

London Paddington → Swansea via Bristol Temple Meads
Sit on the left Photos
Photo: Cupar & District Model Railway Club, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonAutumn
  • RunsSingle date: Saturday 3 October 2026
  • DurationFull day
  • Distance191 miles
  • TractionInterCity 125 HST (125 Group Class 43 power cars and Mark 3 coaches)
  • Operator125 Group

125 Group's HST fiftieth anniversary tour from Paddington to Swansea in original InterCity livery, recreating the 1976 Western Region launch.

The Journey Shrinker takes its name from British Rail's 1976 advertising for the new InterCity 125 and celebrates fifty years since the HST entered service on the Western Region. 125 Group's preserved set, restored in the original blue and yellow livery, runs from London Paddington via Reading and Swindon to Bristol Temple Meads, then through the Severn Tunnel to Cardiff and Swansea.

The return route is via Chipping Sodbury, giving a different run back to London. A companion tour, The Rio Revival, runs from St Pancras to Manchester the following day.

Seating is in original Mark 3 coaches in Standard and First Class, booked through 125 Group's ticketing site.

Which side to sit

London Paddington → Swansea via Bristol Temple Meads

Windsor Castle, the Uffington White Horse, Port Talbot and Swansea Bay are all on the left heading west.

Sit on the left4 sights on the left · 0 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationLondon Paddington
  2. 7mi
    Viaduct · on the lineWharncliffe ViaductBrunel's first major structure, at Hanwell
  3. 21mi
    CastleWindsor CastleDistant view south of Slough
  4. 24mi
    Bridge · on the lineMaidenhead BridgeBrunel's flat brick arches over the Thames
  5. 36mi
    StationReading
  6. 53mi
    StationDidcot
  7. 70mi
    LandmarkUffington White HorseBronze Age chalk figure on the Downs
  8. 77mi
    StationSwindon
  9. 99mi
    Tunnel · on the lineBox TunnelBrunel's 1.8-mile tunnel
  10. 107mi
    StationBath SpaGeorgian city rising on the right
  11. 118mi
    StationBristol Temple Meads
  12. 131mi
    Tunnel · on the lineSevern TunnelOver four miles under the estuary
  13. 144mi
    StationNewport
  14. 156mi
    StationCardiff Central
  15. 186mi
    LandmarkPort Talbot SteelworksBlast furnaces between the line and the sea
  16. 190mi
    CoastSwansea BaySweep of the bay towards Mumbles
  17. 199mi
    StationSwansea

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

On board

  • Bar
  • First Class

Highlights

  • Original InterCity 125 livery
  • Fifty years of the HST
  • Severn Tunnel to Swansea
  • Full line speed on the Great Western

Classes of travel

StandardFirst Class

Photos of the The Journey Shrinker

3 photos · tap to enlarge
Power car 43002 in InterCity 125 livery at Reading
Power car 43002 in InterCity 125 livery at Reading
43184 in InterCity 125 livery on the sea wall at Holcombe
43184 in InterCity 125 livery on the sea wall at Holcombe
Western portal of the Severn Tunnel near Caldicot
Western portal of the Severn Tunnel near Caldicot
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same as a GWR HST?

It is a preserved set restored by 125 Group, not a service train.

Where do I book?

Via the link on the 125 Group railtours page to its ticketing site.

Is there catering?

A buffet is normally provided; check the tour page.

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