The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

Start the year with a memorable winter steam journey from the North West into the magnificent landscapes of Cumbria and the Pennines. Travelling north over the West Coast Main Line and the celebrated climb to Shap, we make our way to Carlisle, where there will be time to discover this historic Border city. Our return journey takes us over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway – and, should there be snow on the hills, the winter scenery promises to be especially impressive. Steam haulage is planned throughout the principal part of this wonderful circular journey.

Our train departs Manchester Victoria behind our steam locomotive, calling at Wigan North Western to pick up passengers before joining the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We continue north to Preston, our final joining point, before travelling through Lancaster to Carnforth, where our locomotive will pause to take on water. Leaving Carnforth, the steam locomotive faces its first serious challenge as we tackle the climb towards Grayrigg. From here, we pass through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay before gathering momentum for one of the great main-line steam climbs – the ascent of Shap.

With gradients as steep as 1 in 75, Shap has long held a special place in railway history. In the great days of steam, heavy northbound trains were frequently assisted by banking locomotives from Tebay for the demanding climb to the summit. Having crossed the Cumbrian Fells, we descend through Penrith and continue north to Carlisle.

Around two hours will be available in Carlisle, giving you the opportunity to explore this fascinating historic Border city. Attractions include Carlisle Castle, its impressive cathedral and Tullie House Museum, while the compact city centre offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, refreshments or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll.

In the afternoon, our steam-hauled train departs Carlisle for an altogether different journey south as we join the legendary Settle & Carlisle Railway. Widely regarded as one of Britain's greatest railway journeys, this spectacular route takes us through some of the finest upland scenery in England.

The gradients soon begin to make themselves felt as our locomotive climbs through the Eden Valley. At Appleby, we pause to take on water before continuing through Kirkby Stephen towards Ais Gill, the highest point on the Settle & Carlisle Railway at 1,169 feet above sea level. From here, the railway threads its way through a dramatic landscape of sweeping fells, tunnels and impressive viaducts. Among the highlights is the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct, with wonderful views towards the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. In winter, this already spectacular landscape can be transformed by frost or snow, making the journey particularly atmospheric.

Descending from the high Pennines, we enjoy the run through Settle before reaching Hellifield, where our steam locomotive will make a further water stop.

From Hellifield, we continue through Clitheroe and across Lancashire to Preston, where we bid farewell to our steam locomotive. Diesel traction then takes over for the final part of our journey, calling at Wigan North Western before returning to Manchester Victoria and bringing a memorable winter day of main-line steam travel to a close.

Classes and Fares

Approximate timings shown

Destinations Route