Steaming to the Coast
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Steaming to the Coast : Minehead, Somerset
Channel Events runs a trail running event in 2026 that uses the longest standard gauge steam railway line in the UK. Entrants register at Minehead Station and travel by steam train along the heritage line from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, a village at the foot of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are three distances on offer:
- 11 km starting from Washford
- 11 miles starting from Williton
- Marathon (26.2 miles) starting from Bishops Lydeard
Marathon entrants disembark at Bishops Lydeard to run back to Minehead along a trail route that includes views from the Quantock Hills main ridgeline. The route then descends to Williton and follows sections of the Steam Coast Trail and the England Coast Path. The 11 mile and 11 km entrants ride the train back to their respective start points and run into Minehead, finishing outside Minehead Station, which is described as the gateway to Exmoor National Park.
A second train will operate in 2026 after the first two years sold out quickly. The event description also mentions fish and chip supper and Somerset cider as post-race fare. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
