The Settle and Carlisle Railway is famed for its stunning scenery, and what better way to see this marvel of Victorian engineering than from a steam hauled train?

After joining points from Cardiff Central and along the Welsh Marches to Crewe, we soon reach Carnforth in Lancashire to exchange our prosaic diesel locomotive for the ‘poetry in motion’ of steam locomotive, in the form of Merchant Navy Class No. **35018 ‘British India Line’.

We steam through the Lune Gorge and up to the 916ft Shap Summit. Our train then heads down towards the Border City of Carlisle for our lunchtime break. Here there will be time to visit the Cathedral or Castle or take a wander around the shops and eateries in the City Centre.

After the break, with everyone back on board, we begin our return journey along the Eden Valley and over the scenic Settle and Carlisle Railway. From Appleby we journey high along the roof of England. Our steam locomotive will be working extremely hard through Kirkby Stephen and along a ledge on the flanks of the Wild Boar Fell, with Mallerstang Edge towering across the now diminutive river Eden.

At Ais Gill we reach the summit with superb views from the lofty Arten Gill and Dent Head viaducts before a panoramic view of the Three Peaks as we cross the magnificent 24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

And still there is much delight to come, as our train heads down Ribblesdale to Settle and Hellifield, across to Clitheroe, over the 48 arch Whalley Viaduct, up the hard climb to Wilpshire, then down to the cotton town of Blackburn and soon to Preston, from where a diesel will take us homeward, after a reversal.

ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!