The chug-chug of the train and connection to our industrial past, a great appeal to visitors enjoying a trip on the famous Settle Carlisle Railway. So popular is it that tickets are booked up several months in advance. So what is its appeal?
There is something precious about historic steam trains and the survival of the railway line that connects rural places together on this fantastic corridor from the Southern Dales through Cumbria and north to Carlisle.
The sense of a journey is magical. Peering through the windows, taking in the views. Imagining and reliving stepping back in time.
The shared experience with other passengers on the train, but shared also with avid onlookers and trainspotter enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of the historic steam train.
The treat of a ‘day out’ – something different that takes us away from the ordinary day to day.
Being part of an act of preservation, by the very taking part in the journey. There is some fantastic work taking place by the friends of the Settle Carlisle railway and other interest groups. A wonderful collection of walks can be found in the Dales Rail Trails guide, inviting you to step off the train and take a walk, before joining the train again later.
Newton Grange is just over 7 miles from Long Preston train station, where you can join the chartered steam train. This summer the Fellsman train has been travelling the route once a day on Wednesdays in June, July and August, leaving Long Preston at 10.50 and returning at 17.50 – a lovely day out. Many of the seats book up in advance, but to find out more visit www.statesmanrail.com.
For more information on the Settle Carlisle Railway, visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk.
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