The Settle to Carlisle Railway
The Settle to Carlisle Railway is railway line in northern England, running through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells. The rail route is famous for its Victorian architecture, vast stone viaducts, quaint station buildings and long tunnels. The last great mainline railway to be built in the UK, the railway was completed in 1876 by Midland Railway and still part of the UK network to this day – not a preserved heritage railway.
Travelling from Settle in North Yorkshire to Carlisle on the English/Scottish border, travellers can enjoy local produce on-board and take in the sights of some of the area’s most remote communities and attractive scenery. The train runs every day all year round, apart from Christmas and Boxing Day.
Prices from: £39
Departing from: Settle, Carlisle
Journey length: 1 hour, 40 minutes
The Settle to Carlisle Railway route
The Settle-Carlisle railway route beings in Settle at the foothills of the Pennines, known as the gateway to the Three Peaks, Pen-y-Ghent, Whenrside and Ingleborough. The train then heads north through the dales stopping at Ribblehead, home of the famous viaduct that spans Batty Moss, Dent – England’s highest mainline station – and the attractive market town of Appleby.
After a handful of other picturesque stops the train pulls into Carlisle, the 2,000-year-old border city between England and Scotland. Attractions along the way include Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, Skipton Castle, the Folley Museum of North Craven Life, Appleby Castle and Carlisle Citadel and Castle. The entire journey covers 73 miles and takes 1hour40mins.
Settle to Carlisle Railway trains
Regular modern diesel trains run across the route seven days a week, though special private chartered steam trains sometimes make an appearance in summer. On board the regular mainline railway trains run by Northern Trains there is a refreshment trolley focusing on locally produced food. Cakes and biscuits made by Country Fare in Mallerstang, ale produced by Penrith’s Eden Brewery and locally made ice cream is all available, along with hot and soft drinks and snacks. Passengers can also pre-order refreshments like packed lunches and afternoon tea (for groups of up to four), champagne and strawberries and birthday cake.
Why we love it
The incredible scenery of Yorkshire and Cumbia and the modern and comfortable train. Passengers can sample local delights (try the ice cream) while whizzing past Victorian architecture and rolling hills and even bring their dog or bike on board.