In the world of public transport, one mode of travel has always reigned supreme. Regardless of how you might feel about buses, trams or ferries, nothing has ever really surpassed the train. And this is particularly true when the discussion turns to steam trains, which, even in the modern day and age, remain one of the most gorgeous and romantic ways to travel. Ensconced within a carriage, with the landscape flashing by and the train horn sounding, it’s impossible not to feel transported to another time. And one of the best ways to experience this in the UK is to take a ride on board the Cumbrian Mountain Express.
Whisking passengers away from London up to the north of England, the steam train day trip travels along a scenic route up through the sights of Cumbria. Running throughout the year, the journey exposes riders to stunning landscapes year-round. You might see snow-flecked fields, flower-y meadows, or sun-drenched vistas. No matter when you travel, you’re sure to be captivated by the sights from your carriage window.
Now, you might be wondering, where does the Cumbrian Mountain Express take travellers? Well, the trip ends right back where it began. But that’s because it’s not about the final destination. It’s about the journey, and the sights along the way.
Travelling on the Cumbrian Mountain Express
It starts bright and early at London’s Euston station, with a 6:30 departure time. The train then passes through a handful of stations to pick up other travellers on the way. Now, it bears noting that you won’t start the journey in a steam train. That comes later. They’ve got to get you up north first!
After picking up the other passengers, the train will pass through Lancaster to Carnforth, where the fun begins. It’s here that the steam locomotive comes into play. And then it’s time for a circular steam tour. The journey will travel out via Shap to Carlisle before coming back via the Settle and Carlisle line.
As part of the journey, the train will climb “through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level”. On the way, it will also travel along “the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain”.
And along the way, the carriage windows will reveal sights such as the Cumbrian Fells, as well as the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. All the while, the train will travel over tall viaducts and through tunnels. But everything must come to an end. Passengers will say goodbye to the steam locomotive at Preston before the journey heads home.
It’s a pretty quick journey back, and you should glide on into London Euston at around 10:30pm. And no doubt, it’ll be straight to bed after such a long day!
Visiting Carlisle
At some point along the way, you’ll likely get restless and fancy some time off the train to stretch your legs. Fortunately, this steam train journey takes you to a perfectly appropriate destination. In keeping with the stunning sights and the history of the route, passengers will get the chance to explore the historic ‘Border’ city of Carlisle.
The train stops here for about two hours, providing plenty of time to explore. Be sure to check out Carlisle Castle for a dose of Roman history. And while you’re there, go for a wander around the Carlisle Cathedral and the Tullie House Museum. But don’t spend too long exploring – the journey has only just begun!
Find out more about the Cumbrian Mountain Express and other steam train day trips here.