On track for old-fashioned railway treat in Nuneaton
Feb 3 2012
WITH its many viaducts, including the majestic Ribblehead, bridges and steep climbs, the Settle and Carlisle line has become Britain’s most famous rail route.
Now, over four Saturdays, rail enthusiasts and day trippers alike will be able to board a vintage train at Nuneaton to experience it for themselves.
Heritage operator, The Railway Touring Company, is to run a weekly vintage train service from Nuneaton during February.
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express, a train of restored 1950s and 1960s rail carriages, will stop to collect passengers early in the morning and, hauled by a modern blue class 86 electric locomotive, will speed north to Carnforth where the train will be joined by a historic steam locomotive for the challenging Settle and Carlisle stretch.
The 60-year-old steam locomotive 70013 Oliver Cromwell, famed for hauling British Railways’ last steam passenger service in 1968, or Black ‘5’ No. 45305 will be at the ready to haul the train along the arduous route, which includes gradients of 1 in 100, a 1,169 feet climb up to Ais Gill Summit, a pass through Blea Moor Tunnel, and through Dent, England’s highest railway station.
In addition to travelling in comfortable style, passengers who choose the dining option on these trains will also have the chance to relive on-board dining as it used to be – with food freshly cooked by on- board chefs, silver service and white table linen.
The first of the trains will depart on Saturday, with weekly Saturday departures until February 25.
Booking is necessary.
For details and reservations contact The Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500 or visit www.railwaytouring.co.uk.
* The company is offering Trinity Mirror readers a £5 per person discount on tickets booked with the promotional code FOA.
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