Castle Combe Steam Rally (16th - 17th May, 2026)
This is one of a series of pages which I have uploaded to illustrate facets of steam rallies we have attended in the UK. Such events occur all over the country in the summer months, they are easily found by using your favourite search engine and may have anything between a handful of steam engines and over a hundred at an elite few (Old Warden, Welland and Weeting). Click here for the overall index for 2026.
Castle Combe is a 'local' rally for us, at least as far as the crow proverbially flies and one we go to as often as not if the weather is set fair. We've been back from Penang for 6 weeks and needed a change from constant medical related appointments for us and BB, so ventured forth on the Sunday even though the weather forecast didn't look great. There were only 16 engines present, a few more would have been appreciated. In the years since the pandemic, it has yet to produce more than 20 engines and all looked familiar. The owners for the most part looked pleased to be out of the house and in no hurry to find out when they would be required to do a circuit or two of the ring. The only other gricer present sloped off with the clouds overstaying their anticipated departure, he will have earned some ever welcome 'Brownie Points' and it more or less guaranteed what happened next.
Yuehong knew better, she had found a notice proclaiming that owners' attendance would be required at 14.15 and eventually they collectively stirred themselves into some gentle action. Having recorded a set of 'just in case' pictures, I noticed that it had turned a bit brighter and walked up and down and recorded another set. The crowds politely left the ring and the clouds largely dissolved leaving some gentle sunlight as the engines followed them. In the end it was almost as good a turkey shoot as 2025.
Yuehong's knee is now better than it has been for many years, the English countryside was at its best and we again brought back a set of red Salvia for her patio. Further north, we ran into serious rain which will have put a few welcome inches in the water butts as well as refreshing our lawns. A perfect afternoon excursion in other words. Next up will be another small local rally, Abergavenny, a gentle rural trundle from home, and at the moment the forecast is ridiculously good...
Steam Rollers
General Engines
Showman's Engine
