Settle & Carlisle Railway celebrates 150th year of steam train with journey through Wigan
To celebrate 150 years after the first passenger train travelled over the Settle and Carlisle Railway, a train companyn is hosting a number of special anniversary journeys across the North West with a stop in Wigan.
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 Wigan people can still take that journey by steam train and step into a piece of history and re-live this breath-taking journey.
For passengers in the North West, on Saturday, July 11, The Cumbrian Mountain Express will depart from Crewe, Runcorn, Liverpool Lime Street, Broad Green, St Helen’s Central, Wigan North Western and Preston, with steam from Carnforth to Carlisle and as far as Preston on the return.
Kelly Osborne, The Railway Touring Company’s MD, said: “Justifiably internationally famous, the Settle and 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.”
To mark the anniversary, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust have also organised a range of activities throughout the year.
This includes refurbishing the Ribblehead visitor centre and tearoom, free walks, talks, heritage events and days out.
To find out more visit: www.railwaytouring.net and https://settlecarlisletrust.org.uk/