SATURDAY

With the trees leafless (and perhaps snow on the mountain tops), we visit the wonderfully picturesque Settle & Carlisle line on this Saturday excursion. After a diesel-hauled run from the south over Shap Summit we break at Carlisle (1155 to 1415). Here the steam locomotive takes over (will be 60163 Tornado as 60009 Union of South Africa is now undergoing work to its piston/valve rings).

We head up the Eden Valley to Appleby for a water stop and into the hills, through Kirkby Stephen and along the flanks of Wild Boar Fell to Ais Gill summit and the ‘Roof of England’. Tunnels and viaducts through the mountains lead to a highlight as we cross the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct followed with a run down Ribblesdale, past Penyghent to Settle Junction. Then we leave the Settle & Carlisle line and approach Hellifield. Next we turn to the west, past Pendle Hill, and through Clitheroe to cross the 48 arches of Whalley Viaduct, with extensive views across to Bowland on the hardest climb of the day, to Wilpshire.

Continuing homeward via Blackburn and along the West Coast Main Line; it’s farewell to our steam loco at Crewe, from where we return diesel hauled to our joining stations.

No tables for two remain. We have seating available in Standard Class and Premier Class only.

CONFIRMED TIMINGS