But any doubts about the wisdom of this expedition were soon dispelled when the Green Express heritage diesel train arrived and about 30 of us climbed on board.

Green Express Railtours has had the brilliant idea of emulating those wonderful British Rail Merrymaker day excursion trips of the 70s and 80s but this time with several extra twists that keep customers coming back for more.

Once a year Cheshire passengers have the opportunity to join one of these trips when the railtour promoter runs a special train calling at Warrington Bank Quay station; this year it was the Georgian Bath Explorer/Salisbury Cathedral Express.

The Warrington contingent joined those who had already boarded at Leeds, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Stalybridge and Manchester to make a total of 600 passengers.

The 12 vintage coaches were all from the 1950s and 1960s, some revamped, others not, but all comfortable and divided into first and standard class with reserved seats for everyone. Symbols of a by-gone age were reflected in the table lamps and pretty lampshades on the ceiling lights, but the downside of this less technologically sophisticated era was the absence of a PA system in some of the coaches.

For the rail enthusiasts there was an information sheet on each coach, giving its individual name, details of where and when it was made (usually Swindon) and the dimensions.

We passed through some spectacular scenery through the Cheshire Plains, the beautiful Welsh Marches Line via Shrewsbury, past the 'Little Alps' of Church Stretton, then through the Severn Tunnel to emerge in Avon and the City of Bath.

Volunteers travel on each of Green Express's charter trains to ensure everyone has a good time, has plenty to eat and drink and to ensure there are no delays getting on and off the train. Everyone was given leaflets about the journey and the line's attractions.

Craig, the first class steward, who is also a lorry driver from Pontefract made sure we all boarded the train safely and quickly before handing out tourist information and selling bus tickets. Nick Harvey, Green Express, Proprietor looked after everyone in second class.

Damien, in real life a night bus cleaner and Andrew a gardener, who called themselves 'the trolley dollies' kept everyone amused with their jokes and well-informed facts about the journey as they trundled the trolley service up and down the aisles. Damien said he loved the work because he received much more respect from people than in his other job. He is helping to support the restoration of a train engine. Andrew a gardener, said he was donating any money he received from the trip to the Green Party.

Running the popular buffet and real ale bar was Andy Storey, a former submariner in the Royal Navy who runs a tidy and efficient operation. Traditional hand pulled real ale from the Riverhead Brewery in Marsden was on sale throughout the journey as well as wine and refreshments. The beer was specially 're-racked' for the train, a process that takes 24 hours.

His father Len was also aboard. Aged 77 he joined his first brass band in 1936 and has played an instrument every since. To the delight of passengers he brought along his cornet, giving a short recital in each carriage.

A straw poll of those on board revealed about half were serious train enthusiasts while the rest were attracted by the romantic idea of travelling on a vintage train on a Bank Holiday day out.

Amanda Graham said: "This is the fifth trip I've been on and they've all been great. I love going to places by train and like the idea of having everything organised for me. There's always a great atmosphere on the train."

Another passenger Anna Gilchrist said: "I like these trips because you can leave everything you don't need on the train without worrying. It all makes for a very satisfactory day out."

During the journey it soon became apparent why the company was known as the Green Express. Rubbish was collected regularly and segregated for re-cycling and real knives and plates were used to cut down on landfill waste.

Those of us who left the train in Bath had six hours to explore the city while those who travelled on to Salisbury had five hours to visit the cathedral or take a bus to Stonehenge.

In Bath, passengers toured the remarkable Roman Baths and temple, one of the finest Roman buildings in the world; Bath Abbey; Royal Crescent; the Jane Austen Centre, the Bath Spring Flower Show in Royal Victoria Park or walked along the banks of the River Avon.

The heritage diesel train was hired by Green Express from the West Coast Railway of Carnforth, an independent train operating company who have their own drivers and guards.

Sadly this West Riding to Salisbury trip will not be repeated because of the difficulties involved in organising and running heritage rail journeys in today's conditions. However there are several other trips are planned for later this year and in 2005.

For further information, please phone Green Express Railtours on 01484 422920 or for a brochure send a sae to: Green Express, 49 Byram Arcade, Westgate, Huddersfield, HD1 1ND.