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 Crewe to Carlisle over Shap and the Settle & Carlisle
The Railway Touring Company's Cumbrian Mountain Express is a one-day steam rail excursion designed for passengers in Merseyside and Lancashire, departing Crewe in the morning. The train travels north via Liverpool, Wigan, and Preston to Carnforth, where a steam locomotive takes over for the dramatic climb up Shap toward Carlisle. Passengers have time to explore Carlisle and visit its cathedral and castle before boarding the return journey on the scenic Settle & Carlisle Railway, passing the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and passing views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The day combines two of England's most celebrated railway routes with a choice of dining tiers, from Standard reserved seating to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. This trip suits repeat rail enthusiasts and photographers drawn to steam traction and the Lake District landscape.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure listed: July 2026 at £120 (Standard) to £335 (Premier Dining).
- Premier Dining with table for two guaranteed requires a £50 per person supplement and is subject to availability.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
Crewe/Liverpool to Carlisle over Shap, return via the Settle & Carlisle Railway
Diesel-hauled from Crewe via Runcorn to Liverpool Lime Street, then via Broad Green, St. Helens Central, Wigan and Preston to Carnforth, where a steam locomotive takes over for the climb via Shap to Carlisle. Time in Carlisle, then return via the Settle & Carlisle Railway over Ais Gill and Ribblehead to Preston, where diesel haulage resumes for the run back to Liverpool, Runcorn and Crewe.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive takes over at Carnforth and climbs the 1 in 75 gradient at Shap toward Carlisle.
- Day 1Return journey traverses the Settle & Carlisle Railway, passing over Ribblehead Viaduct.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company's from-price of £120 includes the entire day's rail journey from Crewe to Carlisle and return.
- What trains will I travel on?
- Diesel-hauled from Crewe to Carnforth via Liverpool, Preston, and Wigan. Steam locomotive from Carnforth over Shap to Carlisle, then return via the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- The evidence does not specify whether the trip includes a guide; contact The Railway Touring Company to confirm.
- What meals are included?
- Standard includes a reserved seat. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board.
- How much time do I have in Carlisle?
- The itinerary states time to explore Carlisle, its cathedral and castle, but does not specify the exact duration.
- What is the physical difficulty?
- This is a relaxed day trip. You sit on the train for most of the journey; the main activity is walking to explore Carlisle on your own.
