When it comes to public transport, one mode of travel has always reigned supreme. Regardless of how you feel about buses, trams, or ferries, nothing truly surpasses the train. This is especially true of steam engines, which remain one of the most elegant and romantic ways to traverse the countryside, and we’re lucky that The Railway Touring Company continues to bring these iconic experiences to rails near us.
Tucked away in a vintage carriage as the landscape flashes by and the whistle sounds, it’s impossible not to feel transported to a bygone era, and one of the premier ways to experience this in the UK is a journey on the Cumbrian Mountain Express.
A scenic escape to the North
This steam-hauled day trip whisks passengers toward the heart of Northern England, following a breath-taking route through the wilds of Cumbria. Operating throughout the year, the journey showcases the shifting beauty of the British seasons—from snow-dusted fields in winter to sun-drenched meadows in the height of summer.
No matter the date on the calendar, the views from the carriage window are guaranteed to captivate. While the trip eventually returns to its starting point, the ‘destination’ isn’t the goal – on the Cumbrian Mountain Express, the magic lies entirely in the journey and the historic rails beneath you.
What does the Cumbrian Mountain Express entail?
The adventure begins early in the morning, departing from the south and heading north to collect eager travellers at various stations along the way – most notably the likes of Crewe, Wigan and Preston. The first leg of the trip is usually handled by a modern locomotive to get the group up north efficiently, so you’ll have to wait to board the historic steam train.
The true spectacle begins once the train passes through Lancaster to Carnforth. It’s here that the steam locomotive is coupled to the train, and the circular steam tour officially commences. The route climbs through Shap to Carlisle before returning via the legendary Settle and Carlisle line, widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in Britain.
Highlights of the Route:
- The ascent: The train climbs through scenic Kirkby Stephen toward Ais Gill, the highest railway summit in England at 1,169 feet above sea level.
- The peaks: Passengers can spot the ‘Three Peaks‘—Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough—as well as the rolling Cumbrian Fells.
- The engineering: The route traverses towering stone viaducts and deep tunnels that define the rugged northern landscape.
After the steam portion concludes, the locomotive is swapped back at Preston for the final leg of the journey home, typically arriving back late in the evening after a full day of nostalgia.
Exploring the ‘border city’
For those looking to stretch their legs, the itinerary includes a generous break in the historic city of Carlisle. This stop perfectly complements the heritage of the rail line, offering passengers about two hours to immerse themselves in local history.
Must-see spots in Carlisle include:
- Carlisle Castle: A fortress with a history stretching back to Roman times.
- Carlisle Cathedral: A stunning example of medieval architecture.
- Tullie House Museum: The perfect place to dive deeper into the heritage of the border regions.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the time—the steam engine waits for no one, and there is still plenty of scenery to enjoy on the return loop!
2026 Cumbrian Mountain Express tour dates
For 2026, the Cumbrian Mountain Express (and its seasonal counterpart, the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express) has several scheduled dates.
The Railway Touring Company has announced several runs for the year:
- February 28, 2026 (Winter edition)
- March 28, 2026
- May 9, 2026
- June 20, 2026
Departure points near Manchester
While the Cumbrian Mountain Express often begins its journey further south, it frequently stops to collect passengers at stations easily accessible from the Manchester area. The closest departure points for those travelling from Manchester are:
- Crewe: Often the primary pick-up point for the North West.
- Wigan North Western: A common stop for those heading toward the Cumbrian fells.
- Preston: The final pick-up point before the steam locomotive typically takes over for the scenic loop.
How much are tickets?
Standard: Adult £115 | Junior £85 | Family £358
First Class: Adult £225 | Junior £160 | Family £690
Premier Dining: Adult £329 | Junior £230 | Family £995
You can find tickets for your Cumbrian Mountain Express journey here.
What’s included?
- Premier Dining: Includes a full English breakfast and a four-course silver-service dinner prepared fresh on the train.
- First Class: Includes morning tea/coffee with a breakfast roll and muffin, followed by afternoon tea with a savoury snack and a scone.
- Standard Class: Includes a reserved seat, typically at a table for four. A buffet car is available for purchasing light refreshments.
Typical schedule on the Cumbrian Mountain Express
While timings can shift slightly depending on the specific date and track work, the general northbound loop follows this pattern:
- Morning: Early departure (approx. 6:30am–7:30am) from various pick-up points (including Milton Keynes, Rugby, and Crewe).
- Midday: Arrival in Carlisle around 12:40pm for a two‑hour break.
- Afternoon: The steam-hauled leg over the Settle & Carlisle line (Ais Gill and the Ribblehead Viaduct).
- Evening: Return to the starting stations between 8:30pm and 10:30pm.