We selected the 9.20 departure so it was an earlyish start to the day as Pickering is over an hours drive from home. We had an uneventful drive and arrived in plenty of time to have a cuppa before setting off.
We stopped at one station for what seemed like an eternity but couldn't see why. It all became clear when we arrived in Whitby as we were pulled by a different loco from the one we set off with. We set off with 92134 and arrived with Southern 825. Two for the price of one...can't be bad.
Eventually it was back to the station for our return journey, once again hauled by Southern 825. On the outward leg our carriage was towards the back of the train but now we were close to the front and were delighted to be able to hear 825 working hard up the hills. A lovely sound!
Eventually we arrived back in Pickering with just enough time for another cuppa and wander round the well stocked gift shop before they closed.
All in all it was a superb day out and all the staff and volunteers were great. The organisation for Covid control was well done and everywhere was well marked out for social distancing. Most of our fellow travellers kept to the rules too which was a bonus.