The Railway Touring Company
The Cumbrian Mountain Express
Steam day trip from London over Shap to Carlisle via Settle line
1 dayfrom $161
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip
The Cumbrian Mountain Express
Steam day trip from London over Shap and Settle & Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company's final Cumbrian Mountain Express for 2026 is a one-day round-trip from London Euston to Carlisle and back, combining two of the finest rail routes in northern England. The journey departs from London on a blue Class 86 electric locomotive, calling at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, and Crewe before reaching Carnforth, where a steam locomotive takes over. From there, the train climbs through the Northern Fells to Shap, with a gradient of 1 in 75, then descends to Penrith and Carlisle. After around two hours exploring Carlisle, including its castle, cathedral, and museum, the return leg follows the celebrated Settle & Carlisle Railway, passing over Ribblehead Viaduct with views across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, before the Class 86 resumes from Preston to London. Three dining options are offered, from seating only to a full breakfast and four-course dinner. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, photographers attracted to fell-country landscapes, and history enthusiasts keen to explore Carlisle's heritage.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure confirmed: October 2026. This is stated as the final Cumbrian Mountain Express of the 2026 season.
- A reserved seat in Standard Class is usually at a table for four; solo or couple travellers may share the table with others.
- Tables for two in Premier Dining and First Class are available only as an optional extra at GBP 50 per person, subject to availability.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
London Euston to Carlisle over Shap, return via the Settle & Carlisle Railway
Electric-hauled from London Euston via Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston to Carnforth, where a steam locomotive takes over for the climb via Shap to Carlisle. Around two hours in Carlisle, then return via the Settle & Carlisle Railway over Ais Gill and Ribblehead to Preston, where the Class 86 electric locomotive resumes for the run back to London Euston.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive climbs to Shap (gradient 1 in 75) through the Northern Fells, descending past Penrith to Carlisle.
- Day 1Return journey traverses the Settle & Carlisle Railway, passing over Ribblehead Viaduct with views across the Fells.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The price includes the round-trip rail journey from London Euston to Carlisle and back via the Settle & Carlisle Railway, with electric and steam haulage as described. Meals vary by class: Standard is seating only; First includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, plus afternoon tea with a savoury and scone; Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, silver-served at your seat.
- Which trains are used?
- A Class 86 blue electric locomotive hauls the train from London Euston to Carnforth and from Preston back to London Euston. A steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool operates the circular route over Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
- What is included in each class?
- Standard (from GBP 120) is a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First (from GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury followed by a scone. Premier Dining (from GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver-served.
- How much time do I have in Carlisle?
- Around two hours. You can explore Carlisle Castle, the cathedral, or Tullie House Museum.
- When does this trip run?
- One departure is confirmed for October 2026. The operator describes it as the final Cumbrian Mountain Express of the 2026 season.
- Where can I board?
- The train departs from London Euston and picks up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, and Crewe. It then continues to Preston, Lancaster, and Carnforth. The return journey ends at Warrington and London Euston.
