The Cumbrian Mountain Express

This is a wonderful opportunity for passengers from Liverpool to travel with the Railway Touring Company over Shap to Carlisle, returning by the spectacular Settle & Carlisle line. We have a pool of three magnificent Pacific steam locomotives, all restored to top operating condition for hauling; 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and 71000 Duke of Gloucester. A fine and venerable trio.

 

Our train departs from Liverpool Lime Street at around 08:30. We collect passengers at St. Helens then join the West Coast Main Line stopping at Wigan and Preston, our final pick up point before heading north for the steep climbs ahead.

We should have a fast run along the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth where our engine takes water. We will ascend the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg then travel through the beautiful Lune Valley, gaining speed for the ascent of Shap. After crossing the Fells of Cumbria we descend to Penrith and head onwards to the border city of Carlisle.

We stay in Carlisle for almost three hours, giving you the opportunity to explore the ancient castle, cathedral, museum and shops. After which we’re ready for the Settle and Carlisle line, possibly the best known and most dramatic stretch of railway line in the country. The climb begins soon after leaving Carlisle. We stop to take water again at Appleby then steam past scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England, Ais Gill, at 1,169 feet.

We cross magnificent viaducts including the famous Ribblehead, steam through long tunnels with Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough providing an ever-shifting backdrop. A fast run out of the hills through Settle sees us in Long Preston where we take on more water. From here we travel through Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn, taking the direct line to Wigan* then St. Helens and Lime Street, arriving before 20:00.

(*Passengers for Preston change at Wigan).

• 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)