Winding its way through the picturesque landscapes of northern England, the Settle to Carlisle Railway is one of England’s most scenic rail journeys. Over the 72 miles between the towns of Settle in North Yorkshire and Carlisle in Cumbria, the line is renowned for its breathtaking views, impressive engineering, and rich history.

The railway was conceived as part of a grand plan by the Midland Railway to establish a direct route to Scotland, without having to negotiate complex arrangements with rival operators. Construction began in 1869 and it would take seven years and more than 6000 workers to reach completion. The work was dangerous and many died during construction, either from injury or as a result of several outbreaks of smallpox – there are a number of memorials along the route to workers who lost their lives.

The line is designed to follow a natural path through the Pennine hills, in order to compete for business with high-speed trains served the Anglo-Scottish market.

This meant that the route demanded some remarkable feats of engineering. Among the biggest challenges were the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Blea Moor Tunnel, with complex terrain, deep valleys, and towering hills to overcome.

The viaduct alone took four years to build and required the labour of more than 2000 workers. With its 24 towering stone arches, Ribblehead has become an icon of Victorian engineering, while the mile-long Blea Moor Tunnel is carved through the dense rock of a rugged hillscape.

When it finally opened in 1875, Settle to Carlisle quickly became key to the movement of goods and passengers between the north and south of England.

A LINE OF BEAUTY

The route offers breathtaking views of some of England’s most beautiful landscapes – the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District. Passengers are treated to rolling hills, rugged mountain views, charming villages, and pristine rivers as the train meanders through the heart of northern England.

The whole of the line was designated as a conservation area in 1992 to protect the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the region.

Many of the stations along the line retain their original Victorian architecture. Stop at Settle, Appleby or Carlisle stations for a glimpse into the past.

THE JOURNEY

Starting at the Southern end, the journey begins in the historic market town of Settle, nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales – there’s great access to the stunning countryside surrounding the town.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale station is the starting point for those looking to climb the famous Three Peaks of Yorkshire: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.

Ribblehead Station attracts visitors from around the world. Ribblehead itself is a small, attractive village, but the star of the show is the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct.

Dent Station, in the picturesque Dentdale, is home to the highest mainline station in England at over 1150 feet above sea level. With its quaint stone buildings and peaceful surroundings, Dent offers a tranquil stop along the journey – you can even stay the night at the station, which offers self-catering accommodation.

The charming town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is known for its wellpreserved historic centre. The station provides a convenient starting point for exploring the town’s 11th Century castle and winding streets.

At the end of the line is Carlisle – a vibrant city with a rich history. The station, located near the city centre, offers connections to other major cities in the UK and serves as a gateway to the beautiful Lake District.

Although mainline steam trains stopped running on the line in 1968, as diesel took over across the country, charter trains and historic trips still run and are popular with tourists and history buffs alike.

With a rich history, stunning views, and impressive engineering Settle to Carlisle is a must-visit destination for those seeking a nostalgic journey and some glimpses of a bygone age.