A series of rare vintage train journeys on the world’s second greatest railway journey this summer are selling out fast. Seats on the June and July trains running along England’s most scenic railway line – the Settle to Carlisle – have already sold out. There are just six trains remaining in this summer’s programme with availability left for August and September.
The trip takes passengers on the awesome 72-mile Settle to Carlisle line, which was named second only to South Africa’s Blue Train Journey and ahead of the Transiberian Express by ABC Television in America.
Michael Williams, the author of new book On The Slow Train:12 Great British Railway Journeys, also named the route as Britain’s best slow train journey. He wrote: “Drama abounds on this magnificent ride over the “roof of England.” A masterpiece of Victorian engineering.”
The special trains – a vintage coal-powered steam train called “the Fellsman,” offer a rare chance to relive the nostalgic era of Victorian Rail. Passengers can book first-class Pullman dining in the ornate carriages and enjoy life onboard a Brief Encounter-style locomotive, as it makes it way along the spectacular high-altitude route.
Alternatively, they can bring their own picnics. You can buy tickets for standard class, first class or premier dining. Tickets are £236 for a family of four standard class return, or up to £580 for Premier class. You can find out times and prices by going to http://www.statesmanrail.com/fellsman10.html
The Settle-to-Carlisle route starts in the small North Yorkshire village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and concludes in Carlisle before the return leg. It took 6,000 men seven years to build, starting back in 1869. There are nine country stations between start and finish along with 14 tunnels and over 20 viaducts to cross as well as some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in England.
