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 London to Carlisle via Shap and Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company's Cumbrian Mountain Express is a one-day steam excursion departing London Euston in June 2026, climbing the Northern Fells to Carlisle and returning via the Settle and Carlisle Railway. The journey begins with a modern Class 86 electric locomotive hauling passengers northwest along the West Coast Main Line through Milton Keynes, Rugby, Crewe and Preston to Carnforth. There, steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere takes over, climbing the dramatic 1 in 75 gradient at Shap through the Lune Gorge and descending to Carlisle. The train spends two hours in the city, allowing time on foot to visit Carlisle Castle and Cathedral. The return follows the engineering marvel of the Settle and Carlisle Railway, crossing Ribblehead Viaduct with views across the Fells, before the electric locomotive resumes for the final run back to London. Three dining tiers are available, from Standard reserved seating to Premier Dining with full English breakfast and a freshly prepared four-course dinner served at your seat.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is currently scheduled (June 2026); confirm availability and book well in advance.
- Passengers are picked up and dropped at multiple stations from London Euston to Preston, so journey times vary by boarding point.
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 steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere 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 No. 34067 Tangmere takes over at Carnforth and climbs the 1 in 75 gradient at Shap through the Northern Fells.
- Day 1The return journey travels the Settle and Carlisle Railway, crossing Ribblehead Viaduct with views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
- Day 1Two hours in Carlisle to visit the castle and cathedral before the electric locomotive returns the train to London Euston.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes, the price from £120 (Standard) includes the full rail journey from London Euston to Carlisle and return via the Settle and Carlisle Railway, hauled by steam and electric locomotives.
- What are the three dining options?
- Standard (£120 onwards) is a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class (£225) includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (£335) offers a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- How long does the train stop in Carlisle?
- Around two hours, allowing time to explore Carlisle Castle and Cathedral.
- Which locomotives haul the train?
- A Class 86 electric locomotive runs London Euston to Carnforth and Preston back to London. Steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere operates Carnforth to Preston via Shap and the Settle and Carlisle Railway.
- Can I guarantee a table for two in dining cars?
- Tables for two are available in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person, subject to availability.
- When does this trip depart?
- One departure is scheduled for June 2026.
