Lune Rivers Trust

Carnforth to Carlisle & Return via the Settle to Carlisle Line

Departing: Carnforth

Operated by West Coast Railways on behalf of the Lune Rivers Trust, this annual special steam train, formerly known as "The Lune Habitat", begins its trip at Carnforth.

The Lune Rivers Trust is an environmental charity. As the name implies, their work is focused on the Lune catchment. As well as the River Lune and its tributaries, their catchment also includes the River Keer, River Conder, River Cocker, Pilling Water and Ridgy Pool. For more details about the trust, please visit their website Lune Rivers Trust

This majestic journey passes a list of impressive views and landmarks, starting from Carnforth and returning via the famous Settle to Carlisle line.

Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter café and continue north. At Oxenholme we pass by the junction for Kendal and Windermere for the Lake District. Continuing north we commence the long climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, (Tebay was once the junction for a line east across to the Settle Carlisle route. Now closed of course.), before the notoriously steep ascent to Shap. Along this stretch we have spectacular views to the west across the Cumbrian mountains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells, we descend to Penrith, and then head towards Carlisle.

Carlisle is a cathedral city in the ceremonial county of Cumbria which boasts a great deal of amenities to consume your free-time during this trip. Amongst the shops, restaurants and beautiful listed buildings, Carlisle has many other famous British landmarks and is well renowned for its Castle. For around 900 years the Castle has dominated the City's landscape and is an iconic place to visit and explore. Situated on Castle Way, it's great to stroll through the Castle grounds through the various tours on offer. The Castle has medieval rooms and Mary Queen of Scots was even held captive here.

There are carvings and markings which prisoners made when they were held at the Castle and further exploration shows off the arts, weapons and huge collection which span over hundreds of years.

Return Via the Settle to Carlisle Line: 

After a break in Carlisle of around 2 hours, we continue steam hauled and our return journey to Carnforth will be via the famous Settle to Carlisle line and Hellifield. After Hellifield, we take the branch line Via Bentham back to Carnforth. 

Once you have booked you will be given a booking reference, your tickets and confirmed timings will then be sent to you 7 days before travel. Early booking is advisable as this train has been oversubscribed in previous years.

This day has always proved to be a terrific family day out.