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westcoastrailways.co.uk · Rail day excursion
Pendle Dalesman
One-day steam excursion on England's Settle to Carlisle Line
West Coast Railways operates the Pendle Dalesman, a one-day steam railway excursion combining vintage diesel and steam locomotives on England's most famous railway. The journey begins in the morning from Carnforth, Lancaster, Preston, or Blackburn and travels north behind a vintage diesel engine to Hellifield. There, one of the oldest working steam engines takes over for the highlight: the crossing of the Settle to Carlisle Line. This historic route climbs over Blea Moor and crosses the world-renowned Ribblehead Viaduct, spanning 20 viaducts and 14 tunnels along the way. Passengers arrive in Carlisle around 11:32 for a four-hour break to explore the city, visit its castle and cathedral, or dine at local restaurants before returning on the same scenic route. The restored vintage MkI and MkII carriages provide a nostalgic atmosphere, and meal service varies by class, from Premier Dining's full breakfast and four-course dinner to Standard Class buffet access.
What to know before you look closer
- Special dietary requirements beyond vegetarian (nut allergy, vegan, gluten-free) cannot be accommodated; confirm your needs with West Coast Railways before booking
- Food and beverages are not included for First Class passengers; items are available for purchase from the buffet carriage
- Standard Class passengers do not receive meals; buffet carriage available for purchases
- A booking fee of £3.75 per ticket applies in addition to the advertised fare
Day by day
- Day 1
Carnforth to Carlisle via the Settle to Carlisle Line
Depart Carnforth (06:51), Lancaster (07:07), Preston (07:39) and Blackburn (08:07) behind a vintage diesel engine. At Hellifield, a vintage steam engine takes over for the scenic journey over the Settle to Carlisle line, crossing Ribblehead Viaduct and Blea Moor. Arrive Carlisle approximately 11:32 for around four hours free time to explore the city. Depart Carlisle 15:15, returning via the Settle to Carlisle line (changing back to vintage diesel at Hellifield). Arrive Blackburn 18:32, Preston 18:54, Lancaster 19:40, Carnforth 19:54.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Vintage steam engine takes over at Hellifield for the climb over the Settle to Carlisle Line, crossing the world-renowned Ribblehead Viaduct
- Day 1Train passes through 14 tunnels including the climb over Blea Moor and crosses 20 viaducts en route to Carlisle
- Day 1Four-hour break in Carlisle to explore the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or local eateries before the southbound return
Included
- Rail travel from pick-up stations to Carlisle and return
- Premier Dining: full English breakfast with complimentary Buck's Fizz on outward journey; champagne and canapés followed by four-course dinner with quarter bottle of wine on return; complimentary tea/coffee on both journeys
- Premier First Class: breakfast roll on outward leg; freshly made sandwiches, scone, jam and butter on return; complimentary tea and coffee on both journeys
- First Class: traditional first class seating with access to buffet carriage
- Standard Class: travel in refurbished vintage MkI or MkII coaches with access to buffet carriage
Not included
- Food and beverages for First Class passengers (available to purchase from buffet carriage)
- Food and beverages for Standard Class passengers (available to purchase from buffet carriage)
- Special dietary requirements beyond vegetarian (e.g. nut allergy, vegan, gluten-free) cannot be accommodated
- Booking fee of £3.75 per ticket
- Optional private table supplement (£20.00 per passenger for First Class and Dining)
Questions travellers ask
- Is rail travel included?
- Yes. The from-price of £42 per person includes rail travel from your pick-up station (Carnforth, Lancaster, Preston, or Blackburn) to Carlisle and return.
- Which trains am I traveling on?
- A vintage diesel locomotive hauls the train from your pick-up station to Hellifield. From Hellifield to Carlisle, a vintage steam engine takes over on the Settle to Carlisle Line. The return journey also follows this route. All coaches are restored MkI or MkII vintage carriages.
- What meals are included?
- Inclusion depends on your ticket class. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast with Buck's Fizz outbound and a four-course dinner with wine on return. Premier First Class includes a breakfast roll outbound and sandwiches with scone on return. First Class and Standard Class passengers can purchase food from the buffet carriage.
- How much time do I have in Carlisle?
- Approximately four hours. The train arrives around 11:32 and departs at 15:15, allowing time to visit Carlisle Castle, the cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or local restaurants.
- What is the itinerary?
- Depart Carnforth at 06:51 (or later stops: Lancaster 07:07, Preston 07:39, Blackburn 08:07). The diesel-hauled section reaches Hellifield, where steam takes over for the scenic Settle to Carlisle line, crossing Ribblehead Viaduct and Blea Moor. Arrive Carlisle around 11:32. Depart Carlisle 15:15 and return via the Settle to Carlisle line.
- How much walking is involved?
- The day is primarily train-based with little walking beyond stations. The four-hour Carlisle break is entirely optional; you may walk the city or stay near the station.
