Special steam train to depart from Preston to mark 150 years of Settle to Carlisle railway line

150 years after the first passenger train travelled over the Settle & Carlilse Railway, today you can still travel over England’s most dramatic and scenic line by steam.

During this anniversary year, The Railway Touring Company has a number of steam specials scheduled to run across the world-famous railway- including one which wil start right here in Preston!

What is the Settle & Carlisle Railway?

The Settle and Carlisle Railway line runs between Settle in North Yorkshire and Carlisle in Cumbria - traditionally with no stops in Lancashire.

On May 1, 1876, the first passenger service steamed over the Settle and Carlisle Railway’s numerous viaducts, including the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, through tunnels, up challenging climbs and down steep descents with views of the mighty Three Peaks along the way.

In 2026, you can still take that journey by steam - the railway having been saved from closure in the 1980s.

How is the 150th anniversary being celebrated?

To mark the anniversary, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust have organised a range of activities throughout the year, working with communities along the line.

As part of celebrations, a special train for passengers in the North West, ‘The Cumbrian Mountain Express’ will depart from Preston on Saturday, July 11, with steam from Carnforth to Carlisle and as far as Preston on the return.

Available to book online here, tickets start from £90 for juniors and £120 for adults.

This Preston departing steam special joins the already announced special Charter Steam Train that will take passengers from Carlisle to York on May 25, the spring bank holiday.

Other celebrations include an 150th Anniversary Photography competition, the comissioning of a new play, a Ride to Stride walking festival, a model railway fair and a conference and study day with the Midland Railway Society and Lancaster University.

What has been said about the anniversary celebration?

Kelly Osborne, The Railway Touring Company’s MD, said: “Justifiably internationally famous, the Settle & Carlisle Railway is truly breathtaking, a journey made even more exciting when combined with steam.

“Our steam hauled trains offer that opportunity both to new generations of rail enthusiasts and to people simply looking for a memorable day out.”

You can find out more by keeping up to date with the latest news on the Settle and Carlisle Trust website and www.railwaytouring.net.