The Dalesman
STEAM ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE
Choice of two journeys
To Carlisle from York, via the Settle to Carlisle line (steam from Hellifield):
Running Thursdays on 5th June, 10th July, 7th August, 4th and 18th September 2025. Departing from York, Castleford, Woodlesford (Leeds) Keighley and Skipton View Journey
To Carlisle from Chester. Outbound journey via the Settle to Carlisle line, (with steam from Hellifield). The return journey is via the West Coast Mainline, (with steam to Carnforth):
Running Tuesdays on 10th June, 22nd July and 19th August 2025. Departing from Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Leyland and Preston. View Journey
From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by diesel for the first part of the journey, then from Hellifield the steam engine pulls the train to Carlisle. The train stops in historic border city of Carlisle in Cumbria for a break of around 2 hours. Stroll between the Castle and Cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - you will be surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE
First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best.
STEAM
On the trip departing from Chester:
Outbound Journey: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line.
Return Journey: It is steam all the way to Carnforth along the West Coast Mainline. Passing the Lake District via Shap.
On the trip departing from York:
From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line.
SETTLE STATION
The station first opened in May 1876 and was originally named 'Settle New' to distinguish it from the nearby station on a different route, and has a beautiful large Derby Gothic style station building.
RIBBLEHEAD VIADUCT
The Ribblehead Viaduct is an impressive feat of engineering 28 miles north-west of Skipton in Yorkshire. The Grade II listed structure, designed by engineer John Sydney Crossley. 1.5 million bricks were used in its construction, with some of the blocks weighing 8 tons each.
DENT STATION
The highest mainline railway station in England. In the past steam locomotives were able to pick up water from troughs here whilst still moving.
DENT HEAD & ARTEN GILL VIADUCTS
Two of the most impressive structures on the line, they are are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Arten Gill Viaduct is constructed from 'Dent marble' - a dark limestone with high fossil content, and has eleven impressive arches.
BLEA MOOR TUNNEL
Located between Ribblehead Viaduct and Dent station, it is the longest tunnel on the line. Rise Hill Tunnel. Built by the Midland Railway, it passes 500 feet below the moor after which it was named.
CARLISLE
The Scotland/England border city, the Romans established a settlement here to service the forts of Hadrian's Wall. Carlisle castle has watched over the city for over 9 centuries, and has witnessed many important moments in British history.