The Snow Flake
Diesel trainNationwide

The Snow Flake

Finsbury Park → Barrow Hill
Photo: The Land, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonWinter
  • RunsSingle date: Saturday 5 December 2026
  • DurationFull day
  • TractionDiesel, locomotives to be confirmed (typically top-and-tail pair)
  • OperatorBranch Line Society

Branch Line Society's December 2026 mainline track-bashing tour, following the society's Toots Express and Paxman Quarrier tours earlier in the year.

The Snow Flake is the Branch Line Society's newest mainline fixture, opened for booking in September 2026 for Saturday 5 December. As with all BLS tours, the itinerary is built around unusual track: freight lines, yard loops, depot roads and curves that ordinary passenger trains never use.

The society's 2026 tours have included The Paxman Quarrier around Bristol in April, with visits to Bristol East depot and the Rhubarb Curve, and the Toots Express to Edinburgh in September behind Class 50s 50007 and 50049 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Full route details, traction and pick-up points for The Snow Flake are published on the society's fixtures page, where online booking is mandatory. Members get priority and discounted fares.

Which side to sit

Finsbury Park → Barrow Hill

A rare-track tour whose interest is in the lines covered rather than one side's scenery.

Either side1 sights on the left · 0 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationFinsbury ParkClass 47 to King's Cross
  2. 3mi
    StationLondon King's CrossClass 99 takes over
  3. 8mi
    LandmarkAlexandra Palace
  4. 16mi
    StationPotters Bar
  5. 25mi
    Viaduct · on the lineWelwyn ViaductDigswell Viaduct, 40 arches
  6. 30mi
    StationStevenage
  7. 79mi
    StationPeterborough
  8. 91mi
    StationStamford
  9. 105mi
    StationOakham
  10. 115mi
    StationMelton Mowbray
  11. StationEast Midlands Parkway
  12. Junction · on the lineTotonYards and depot
  13. StationChesterfieldAlternative set-down point
  14. Engine shed · on the lineBarrow Hill RoundhouseLast operational roundhouse in Britain

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

Upcoming dates

DateFromTractionStatus
Sat 5 Dec 2026 Finsbury Park
Listed as open for booking. London to Barrow Hill (or Chesterfield); departs just after 06:30 per RailAdvent.
GBRf Class 47/7 and Class 99 On sale

On board

  • Bar

Highlights

  • Rare track and freight lines
  • Top-and-tail heritage diesels
  • Charity fundraising
  • Online booking via the fixtures page

Classes of travel

StandardFirst Class
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

Do I need to be a member?

No, but members book first and pay less; membership costs £12 or less a year.

What is a tracker tour?

A tour designed to cover lines and junctions not normally used by passenger trains.

Where do I find the route?

On the BLS fixtures page once details are released.

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