When and where can I see the Flying Scotsman on the Severn Valley Railway?

Bosses of the heritage railway have also given thought to the best places to see the locomotive, keen to avoid scenes which saw its inaugural run in February after a 10-year refit halted because of train enthusiasts trespassing on the tracks.

Several farmers along the route have agreed to open their fields to offer extra car parking for train fans eager to get a good look at both the Flying Scotsman and the Tornado in full steam.

The railway runs parallel to the Severn Way, along the river, for much of its journey between Bridgnorth and Bewdley, offering superb vantage points. The Mercian Way cycle route also runs close to the tracks.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We understand people are excited about seeing the famous locomotives and want to ensure you have a great day out. But the railway is a hazardous environment and we would urge people to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not be tempted to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks."

Below is a guide to a number of vantage points along the route that can be reached by public footpaths, cycleways or bridleways, which all offer great views.

Access to Kidderminster, Arley, Highley, The Engine House and Hampton Loade stations will be restricted to ticket-holders only. Free entry to Kidderminster Railway Museum will not be affected. Organisers warn there will be no road access to Hampton Loade or Highley stations during the event.

Parking at Kidderminster is limited to Flying Scotsman and Tornado ticket holders only, while parking at Bridgnorth and Bewdley stations is open to special event ticket holders only. Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport.

Tripods and other intrusive photographic equipment will be banned at stations. Drones must not be operated on or within 50m of Severn Valley Railway property.

Bridgnorth Station

For non-ticket holders there will be access at Bridgnorth Station, if space permits, at £2 per person. The Flying Scotsman will be available for viewing at 9.20am to12.00pm and 4.00pm to 6.40pm. Tornado can be seen at 12.40pm to 3.30pm and 7.10pm to 7.30pm

Eardington Nature Reserve

The nature reserve is offering parking facilities between September 21 to 25 only, opening its gates at 8am each day. The reserve is situated two miles south of Bridgnorth on the B4555 to Highley and lies 100 yards from the railway between Eardington village and Eardington Halt. There is a flat rate daily charge of £3, with the funds going to maintaining the nature reserve. The car park is near a number of public paths overlooking the railway

Eardington Halt

Eardington Halt will be open between September 22 to 26 only. The station will be offer refreshments and limited parking. An event field for parking opposite Eardington Halt, leading to paths and fields giving excellent views of the railway, will be available from 8am to 8pm for £5 per car.

Hampton Loade

A special field with good views of the railway will be available for £5 per car. The field will host a barbecue, hog-roast and ice cream stall. Toilet facilities will be provided. Access to the Severn Way and Mercian Way is also available from this location.

Severn Valley Country Park

The country park at Highley and Alveley will be providing pay-and-display parking on both the Highly and Alveley sides of the river between 8am to 8pm, for £2 a day. The Alveley side of the river offers toilets and a teashop. On September 25 and 26, a minibus will run between the river and the teashop.

Coombys Farm

An event field for parking between Highley and Arley, leading to paths and fields giving good views of the railway will be available from 8am to 8pm for £5 per car. Access to the car park is via a private lane.

Severn Lodge

A field between Highley and Arley, leading to footpaths and fields giving views of the railway and river will be opened for £5 per car from 8am to 8pm. Access is via a country lane; toilet facilities will be provided. There is access to the Severn Way from here.

Arley

Views of Victoria Bridge and the railway can be had from here. A field for parking, will be available during the event for £3 per car from 8am - 8pm. Access to the car park is via a country lane.