Travelling from Cardiff Central to Reading whilst tunnel closed

[whole diary]

[BerkshireBugsy]

Hi all,

I have a friend whose son may need to travel from Cardiff to Guildford during the time the tunnel is closed.

I am thinking the best (maybe only!) way of doing this is to change at Reading

I think this will be on a Saturday or Sunday (not sure which yet). Looking at the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) site am I right in thinking that this go via Gloucester and be in the reverse direction when leaving Gloucester? This lad is a bit nervous so if the train leaves Gloucester in a different direction he may not be comfortable with it so I am just trying to pre-empt as many challenges as I can.

Regards and thanks as always

BB

[chrisr_75]

As far as I know everything to/from South Wales is going via Gloucester, adding approximately 40 minutes to the journey time.

Looking at the map, it looks as if a reversal at Gloucester will not be necessary as trains will approach from the north (diversion along the north bank of the Severn via Chepstow) and pass through Gloucester station to reach the line via Stroud/Kemble to Swindon. Reversal only required if passing through the Severn tunnel via Gloucester.

No additional calls en route either (in fact one less as Bristol parkway is left out), so there shouldn't be masses of extra passengers joining, although I believe the s.wales services are down to hourly throughout the closure, which, however, is normal for a weekend I think.

[BerkshireBugsy]

As far as I know everything to/from South Wales is going via Gloucester, adding approximately 40 minutes to the journey time.

Looking at the map, it looks as if a reversal at Gloucester will not be necessary as trains will approach from the north (diversion along the north bank of the Severn via Chepstow) and pass through Gloucester station to reach the line via Stroud/Kemble to Swindon. Reversal only required if passing through the Severn tunnel via Gloucester.

No additional calls en route either (in fact one less as Bristol parkway is left out), so there shouldn't be masses of extra passengers joining, although I believe the s.wales services are down to hourly throughout the closure, which, however, is normal for a weekend I think.

Thanks Chris - for a nervous traveller knowing what is going to happen in advance may make all the difference.

[phile]

No reversal Gloucester.

[BerkshireBugsy]

No reversal Gloucester.

Thanks Phil

[bobm]

..and sit on the right hand side in the direction of travel when leaving Cardiff.  The view of the Severn is *almost* as good as the seawall at Dawlish.

[BerkshireBugsy]

..and sit on the right hand side in the direction of travel when leaving Cardiff.  The view of the Severn is *almost* as good as the seawall at Dawlish.

Thanks Bob - I used to do that journey quite often when I live in Risca and used to love the view from the windows

[Timmer]

Yes as far as diversions go, this one is a good one when the Severn tunnel is closed. The view of the Severn and the Stroud Valley is a nice part of the journey too.

[eightf48544]

From Swindon Via Gloucester is part of Brunel's South Wales  Line to Neyland. Which he hoped to make into a major trans Oceanic Port