York dates for Settle & Carlisle railway 150th steam trains

The historic route, first opened to passenger steam trains in 1876, will be celebrated with a series of special journeys operated by heritage rail operator, The Railway Touring Company.

The Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Line. (Image: The Railway Touring Company)

Its popular summer service, The Waverley, will run on four dates – July 19, August 9 and 23, and September 13 – departing from York as well as Leeds, Keighley and Skipton. Booking is required.

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The trips will see passengers travel the full length of the iconic line behind a steam locomotive, with the outward and return journeys both steam-hauled. Travellers will also have time to explore Carlisle, including its castle and cathedral, before returning.

The Settle & Carlisle Railway is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most scenic routes, taking in landmarks such as Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel and views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, as well as steep climbs to Ais Gill and Dent.

The Railway Touring Company has run the service each summer since 2010, bringing thousands of passengers to the route.

York dates for Settle & Carlisle railway 150th steam trains have been revealed. (Image: The Railway Touring Company)

Kelly Osborne, managing director of the company, said: The Settle & Carlisle Railway is an experience on many people’s bucket list.

“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.”

This year’s trains are expected to be hauled by Battle of Britain Class locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere, built in 1947.

Alongside the excursions, organisations including the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust are planning additional events to mark the anniversary.

More information and booking details are available at railwaytouring.net.