Tornado and Flying Scotsman from West Coast Main Line Stations

Our day commences behind an electric locomotive that speeds us along the West Coast Main Line picking up at Tamworth, Stoke on Trent, Crewe, Wigan and Preston.

On arrival at Preston, Tornado will be ready to attach to the south end of our train and we set of under steam towards Blackburn and Clitheroe. After taking water at Hellifield we pass through Settle Junction and begin the long climb to the famous Ribblehead Viaduct as we are now on the famous Settle and Carlisle Railway.

A slow pass off the viaduct proceeds the long Blea Moor Tunnel before we continue a more gentle climb to Ais Gill summit. From here it is down hill virtually all the way to Carlisle, passing beautiful isolated farms, small villages and  stunning countryside.

We then arrive into the border city of Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city, with its museum and castle and large pedestrian area with many shops, cafes and pubs.

For our return journey we will retrace our route from the morning but this time with Flying Scotman leading our passage. The magnificent scenery will unfold through the window as our locomotive takes us through the Eden Valley, Appleby and up the climb to Ais Gill summit. Once we crest the summit some 1169 feet above sea level it is then downhill passed dry stone walls and picturesque villages before we pass Settle Jn again and we are slowing for our water stop at Hellifield. Our return route is then as per our outward via Clitheroe and Blackburn to Preston. 

At Preston we say goodbye to Flying Scotsman as our electric locomotive once again hastens us back to Tamworth and other joining stations.