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 - 19 July 2026
Steam locomotive day trip York to Carlisle via Settle & Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company operates a single-day steam train excursion on 19 July 2026 that departs from York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton and travels to Carlisle over the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of Britain's most celebrated rail routes. Passengers spend the entire day on board a steam locomotive hauled train, crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct, passing through Blea Moor Tunnel, and climbing 15 miles to Ais Gill Summit while viewing the Pennine Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The train arrives in Carlisle in the mid-afternoon, leaving roughly two hours to explore the city's castle, cathedral, museum, or shops before the return journey. Standard Class passengers receive a reserved seat; First Class and Premier Dining tiers add substantial meals. This excursion suits first-time rail travellers, steam enthusiasts, history lovers, and budget-conscious day-trippers seeking a complete journey in a single outing.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure listed: 19 July 2026. Confirm current availability with The Railway Touring Company.
- Premier Dining is not available on departures from Skipton.
- Two hours in Carlisle allows time to explore but does not constitute an escorted tour of the city.
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 1Crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct and passing through Blea Moor Tunnel on the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
- Day 1Views of the Pennine Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough from the train.
- Day 1Ascent to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet, the highest point on the route.
Questions travellers ask
- What trains are used?
- A steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool hauls the train from York through Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton to Carlisle over the Settle & Carlisle Railway, returning the same day.
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. The price from 120 GBP (Standard Class) covers the round-trip rail fare.
- Which cities can I board from?
- York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton.
- What meals are included?
- Standard Class includes a reserved seat. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and afternoon tea with scones. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, not available from Skipton.
- How much time is there in Carlisle?
- Around two hours to explore Carlisle's castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or the Lanes Shopping Centre before the steam-hauled return journey.
