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 - 23 August 2026
Steam train day trip York to Carlisle on Settle and Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company operates a one-day steam-hauled excursion on 23 August 2026 from York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton to Carlisle and back. The journey travels the Settle and Carlisle Railway, one of Britain's most celebrated railway routes, crossing the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and passing through Blea Moor Tunnel while climbing 15 miles to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet. Passengers enjoy views across the Pennine Fells to Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. A two-hour stop in Carlisle allows exploration of the castle, cathedral, and Tullie House Museum. Standard Class, priced from GBP 120, provides a reserved seat; First Class and Premier Dining add on-board meals and beverages. This trip suits history lovers drawn to a famous railway heritage route, photographers attracted to dramatic Pennine scenery, repeat rail travellers seeking nostalgic steam travel, and budget-conscious day trippers seeking excellent value.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is currently listed: 23 August 2026. Confirm availability with The Railway Touring Company before planning.
- Premier Dining is not available from Skipton; check boarding location and meal tier eligibility when booking.
- The two-hour stop in Carlisle is unguided; you arrange visits to attractions independently.
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 on the Settle and Carlisle Railway, with views across the Fells to Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
- Day 1The train climbs 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100 to reach Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The price covers the steam-hauled round trip from your boarding point (York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton) to Carlisle and back.
- What meals are included?
- Standard Class includes a reserved seat only. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll and a sweet treat, plus afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and a scone with butter and jam. Premier Dining, not available from Skipton, includes a 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, traveling from York via Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton over the Settle and Carlisle Railway to Carlisle.
- How much time is there in Carlisle?
- Around two hours. Passengers may explore Carlisle's castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or the Lanes Shopping Centre before boarding the return journey.
- When does this trip run?
- This trip departs on 23 August 2026. The Railway Touring Company offers this steam-hauled service as a summer series.
