The Waverley — Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company, based in King's Lynn, Norfolk, sells The Waverley as a summer series of steam-hauled day trains that gives passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley the chance to ride the Settle & Carlisle Railway, which the operator calls probably the most famous railway route in Britain. It presents the trips as a revival of the nostalgic days of steam, when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour.

The train leaves York behind a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool and heads for Church Fenton, where it takes the direct route to Leeds. It picks up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley and Skipton, then stops at Hellifield for the locomotive to take on water before joining the Settle & Carlisle at Settle Junction. There begins a climb of about 15 miles mainly at 1 in 100, past views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, across the Ribblehead Viaduct, through Blea Moor Tunnel and Dent, to Ais Gill summit at 1,169 feet. The train drops through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, takes water at Lazenby and reaches Carlisle, where the operator says passengers have about two hours.

The return climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back to Ais Gill. The operator says the steam locomotive is left at Hellifield, after which the train continues through Skipton, Keighley and Leeds to York to set down passengers. Premier Dining is not available from Skipton.

Four classes are sold: Premier Dining, First Class, Standard First and Standard Class. A licensed bar runs on the train and a buffet car serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator says only that the engine comes from the Carnforth pool, says the images on its site do not show the locomotive scheduled to haul the service, and its terms say the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam locomotive or, in exceptional circumstances, a diesel locomotive, with no refund for changes to the advertised locomotive.

A long day trip: a mid-morning departure from York, around two hours in Carlisle and an evening return (timings are approximate). Each passenger has a reserved seat. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner on the return journey; First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll and a later service of tea or coffee with a sweet treat. On warmer days the operator recommends carrying enough water, because the vintage carriages are used for the service.

Boards at York station, Station Road, York; the train also calls at Leeds, Keighley and Skipton, and Premier Dining is not available from Skipton. Each date is sold as its own booking: online with the operator, by phone or by post form. Seats are reserved and a booking is taken as acceptance of the operator's conditions, which allow a change of locomotive without refund. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement. Vegetarian options are offered; other dietary requests cannot be met. Wheelchairs cannot be boarded while occupied; see the FAQ for what the operator can carry.