The Cumbrian Mountain Express

This is a wonderful opportunity for customers from Crewe and Manchester to travel with the Railway Touring Company over Shap to Carlisle, returning by the spectacular Settle and Carlisle line. We have a pool of three magnificent steam locomotives, all Pacifics and restored to top operating condition for hauling these trains. They are 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 60009 Union of South Africa and 71000 Duke of Gloucester.

Our train departs Crewe around 07:30 steam hauled and takes the line over Chat Moss to join the West Coast Main Line near Golborne calling at Wigan and Preston for customers. This will be our last pick up point before we head north to face the steep climbs ahead.

We should have a fast run along the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth where our locomotive takes water. It climbs the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg, then travels through the beautiful Lune Valley, gaining speed for the ascent of Shap. Perhaps we will beat the record time up these gradients. After crossing the Fells of Cumbria we descend to Penrith, then head onwards to Carlisle. We stay at this border city for nearly three hours allowing us the opportunity to visit the castle, the cathedral or the museum, or visit the shops and have a drink. We set off on the Settle and Carlisle line, probably the most well known and beautiful stretch of railway line in the country.

The climb begins soon after leaving Carlisle, stopping to take water at Appleby. Leaving here we pass Kirkby Stephen and reach the highest railway summit in England, Ais Gill at 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous Ribblehead, through tunnels and see Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
Our train should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until our locomotive stops to take water. From here we will travel through Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn taking the direct line to Wigan and Manchester Victoria arriving about 20:00. Customers for Preston change at Wigan.
Our train continues steam hauled to Crewe.

• Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.

A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)