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| Franchise(s) | Railtour Operator |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Part of the Riviera Trains group |
| Other | |
| Website | www.pathfindertours.co.uk |
Pathfinder Tours is a railtour operating company operating in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1973 by Peter Watts, who organised a rail journey through British Rail from Severnside to the Cambrian coast. The company organises tours for both rail enthusiasts, and general tours to places of interest. After British Rail's demise the company operated in conjunction with several spot-hire companies, most notably E.W.S., FM Rail and Direct Rail Services, who provided locomotives, and Riviera Trains, who provided rolling stock.
This relationship was solidified in 2006, when Riviera Trains purchased the parent company of Pathfinder Tours. A new company named Pathfinder Tours (2006) Ltd was formed to continue operating railtours with the exclusive use of Riviera's supply of rolling stock. Although it will primarily use DB Schenker and Direct Rail Services locomotives, occasionally a preserved locomotive will be chartered from one of the major preservation organisations (notably the Class 40 Preservation Society, Diesel Traction Group, the Deltic Preservation Society or the A1 Trust). The company also acts as a booking agent for other companies such as A1 Trust and sister company Torbay Express Ltd.