Historic Settle-Carlisle railway celebrates 150th anniversary with special steam journeys
One of Britain's most celebrated railway lines is marking its 150th anniversary this year with a series of special steam-hauled excursions through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.
The Settle-Carlisle Railway, renowned for its dramatic scenery and iconic Victorian engineering, will host a number of commemorative journeys during 2026 as enthusiasts and visitors celebrate a century and a half of the historic route.
Among the highlights are eight special departures of The Dalesman, offering passengers the chance to travel in vintage carriages behind a steam locomotive and cross the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.
The railway has built an international reputation as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, regularly featuring in travel rankings and bucket-list recommendations.
Stretching for 73 miles between Settle in North Yorkshire and Carlisle in Cumbria, the line passes through some of England's most spectacular countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the remote landscapes of the North Pennines.
The Ribblehead Viaduct remains one of the route's most recognisable landmarks, with its 24 stone arches carrying trains across Batty Moss beneath the peaks of Whernside and Ingleborough.
Organisers say the anniversary steam services are expected to prove popular, with previous excursions regularly selling out well in advance.
Passengers travelling on The Dalesman will be able to experience the route in heritage-style surroundings while enjoying views that have made the Settle-Carlisle one of Britain's most famous railway journeys.
Tickets for the anniversary departures start from ÂŁ98 return, with services running on selected dates throughout the year.
The Settle-Carlisle Railway officially opened in 1876 and remains one of the country's most remarkable engineering achievements, attracting railway enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.