By Bridie Adams

AN ICONIC steam train will pass through Ludlow and other local stations tomorrow as it travels to Shrewsbury.

The Welsh Marches Express will travel through Shropshire after going through the Herefordshire countryside on Thursday, July 27 using an immaculately restored engine.

Saphos Trains, the company running the tour, says: “Traversing the breath-taking beauty of the Welsh Marches route our steam train offers a totally unique day out as we travel through the rolling hills of the pretty Shropshire countryside dividing England and Wales.

“Passing through the Severn Tunnel we take the fast line to Newport where we cross the river Usk. We pass Stokesay Castle and through Church Stretton with outstanding views of the Long Mynd – we then arrive for an afternoon break.”

Saphos Trains will use the Royal Scot, Braunton or Britannia to haul the train.

Tickets start at £165, but even if you’re not climbing aboard, there will still be chances to see the train pass by.

According to realtimetrains.com, the express will leave Bristol Temple Meads at 09.15am and get into Shrewsbury at 1.32pm, after passing Ludlow at 12.30pm, Bromfield at 12.32pm, Onibury at 12.35pm, Craven Arms at 12.38pm, Marsh Brook Level Crossing at 12.44pm, Church Stretton at 12.47pm, Dorrington at 12.54pm, Sutton Bridge at 1.02pm and English Bridge Junction at 1.28pm.

Passengers can then enjoy an afternoon in Shrewsbury, exploring the castle, spires, abbey and medieval houses, walking beside the river, taking a boat trip, and unwinding in the parkland.

Two hours after arriving in Shrewsbury, the express will return through English Bridge Junction at 3.52pm, Sutton Bridge at 3.54pm, Dorrington at 4.02pm, Church Stretton at 4.11pm, Marsh Brook Level Crossing at 4.15pm, Craven Arms at 4.20pm, Onibury at 4.22pm, Bromfield at 4.25pm and Ludlow at 4.27pm.

It will arrive back in Bristol at 7.23pm.