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 train day trip
The Waverley - 13 September 2026
Steam train day trip York to Carlisle via Settle & Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company operates this one-day steam train excursion over the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of Britain's most celebrated railway routes. Departing from York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton on 13 September 2026, a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool hauls passengers northward to Carlisle. The journey climbs 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100, crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct and passing through Blea Moor Tunnel while ascending to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet. Along the way, passengers see across the Pennine Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Upon arrival in Carlisle, travellers have approximately two hours to explore the castle, cathedral, museum, or shopping centre before the return journey. Standard Class is a reserved seat at a table for four; First Class and Premier Dining tiers add progressively more substantial meals prepared on board. This trip suits history lovers, photographers, and rail enthusiasts drawn to the romance of steam-era travel through dramatic northern landscape.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is listed: 13 September 2026. Confirm future steam service dates with The Railway Touring Company.
- Premier Dining is not available from Skipton; check your boarding point before selecting that tier.
- The two-hour stop in Carlisle requires independent exploration; no guided tour is mentioned.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
York to Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle Railway
Steam-hauled round trip from York, Leeds, Keighley and Skipton over the Settle & Carlisle Railway to Carlisle, with around two hours to explore Carlisle before the steam-hauled return.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The steam locomotive crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct and passes through Blea Moor Tunnel while ascending to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet
- Day 1Views across the Pennine Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough from the train
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes. Standard Class is GBP 120 and includes a reserved seat. First Class (GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with breakfast roll and afternoon tea with scone. Premier Dining (GBP 335) includes full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- Which train operates this trip?
- A steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool hauled the train on this departure, travelling from York via Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton to Carlisle over the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
- How much time do I have in Carlisle?
- Approximately two hours to explore Carlisle's castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or the Lanes Shopping Centre before the steam-hauled return journey.
- Where can I board?
- The Railway Touring Company picks up passengers at York, Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. Premier Dining is not available from Skipton.
- What is the route?
- The train departs York and travels to Church Fenton, then to Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. It stops at Hellifield for water before joining the Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. The route climbs 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100, crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct, passing through Blea Moor Tunnel, and reaching Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet before arriving in Carlisle.
