22. The Pennine Explorer-14.10.78

By the late 1970s it was clear that the future of the Woodhead route very much in doubt. With closure looking increasingly likely and the consequential disposal of the unique 1,500V DC class 76s, a number of railtours were organised that traversed the line. One of these railtours was run by the D1041 Preservation Society titled 'The Pennine Explorer'. With a teacher from school and some friends, we travelled on this railtour picking it up at Bristol Parkway. Travelling north, it went via Birmingham New Street, Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly. Here it traversed the Woodhead line in its entirety featuring doubled-headed class 76 haulage. The return route was via the same route with us departing the train at Cheltenham.