Set to celebrate a major milestone this year, the Settle & Carlisle Railway is inviting Yorkshire folk to experience one of Britain’s most scenic rail journeys as it marks its 150th anniversary.
The historic route first opened to passenger steam trains in 1876, and to commemorate the occasion, a series of special journeys will be operated by The Railway Touring Company. Its popular service, The Waverley, is set to run on four dates from Leeds, Keighley, Skipton, and York: 19 July, 9 August, 23 August, and 13 September.
Passengers will travel the full length of the iconic line behind a steam locomotive, with both the outward and return journeys steam-hauled. Along the way, they’ll take in some of the route’s most spectacular sights, including the Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel, and stunning views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, as well as the challenging climbs to Dent and Ais Gill. It’s widely regarded as one of the UK’s most scenic railway journeys.
The Railway Touring Company has operated the service since 2010, carrying thousands of passengers along the famous route. Meanwhile, organisations including the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust are also planning a range of events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.
Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said: “The Settle & Carlisle Railway is an experience on many people’s bucket lists. Taking the journey by steam is the icing on the cake, with passengers young and old never failing to be excited by the combination of a magnificent steam locomotive and this dramatic route.”
These trains this year are expected to be hauled by Battle of Britain Class locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere, built in 1947.
If this sounds like a bit of you, head over to The Railway Touring Company website here.
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