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 - 9 August 2026
Steam train day trip York to Carlisle via Settle & Carlisle Railway
The Railway Touring Company runs a single-day steam-hauled excursion on 9 August 2026, departing from York, Leeds, Keighley, or Skipton and traveling to Carlisle over the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of Britain's most famous railway routes. A steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool hauls the train northward, climbing 15 miles mainly at a 1-in-100 gradient. En route, passengers see the Pennine peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, cross the Ribblehead Viaduct, pass through Blea Moor Tunnel, and reach Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet. The journey revives nostalgic steam-era travel through countryside scenery. Upon arrival in Carlisle, you have about two hours to visit the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or explore local shops before boarding the steam train for the return. Standard Class offers a reserved seat; First Class and Premier Dining options add onboard meals and refreshments.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure currently listed: 9 August 2026.
- Premier Dining option is not available from Skipton.
- Two-hour stop in Carlisle is the only time off the train; the itinerary does not specify return time to York or other gateways.
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 1Steam locomotive crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct and passes through Blea Moor Tunnel with views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
- Day 1Train climbs to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet on the Settle & Carlisle Railway.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the steam-hauled service. From-price of 120 GBP (Standard Class) covers the rail fare.
- Which trains are used?
- A steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool hauls the train from York through Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton, then over the Settle & Carlisle Railway to Carlisle.
- What meals are included?
- Standard Class includes a reserved seat only. First Class (from 225 GBP) includes morning refreshments with a roll and sweet, plus afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (from 335 GBP) includes full English breakfast and four-course dinner, silver-served at your seat.
- How much time do I have in Carlisle?
- About two hours to explore Carlisle's castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, or shopping areas before the steam-hauled return journey.
- What scenery will I see?
- Views across the Pennine Three Peaks (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough), crossing of the Ribblehead Viaduct, passage through Blea Moor Tunnel, and ascent to Ais Gill Summit at 1,169 feet.
