The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express from Manchester — Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company, based in King's Lynn, Norfolk, sells this version of The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express as a winter day out from Manchester Victoria. The operator describes a circular journey from the North West into Cumbria and the Pennines: north over the West Coast Main Line and the climb to Shap to Carlisle, then home over the Settle & Carlisle Railway, with steam haulage planned throughout the principal part of the journey. The operator sells the same excursion from London as separate trips; this series covers the Manchester departure.

The train leaves Manchester Victoria behind a steam locomotive, calls at Wigan North Western to pick up passengers and takes its last passengers at Preston. It runs on through Lancaster to Carnforth, where the locomotive pauses to take on water, then climbs towards Grayrigg, passes the Lune Gorge to Tebay and tackles the ascent of Shap, whose gradients reach 1 in 75. It descends through Penrith to Carlisle, where the operator says around two hours are available to explore the Border city.

In the afternoon the steam-hauled train joins the Settle & Carlisle Railway, climbing through the Eden Valley with a water stop at Appleby, then Kirkby Stephen, Ais Gill and the Ribblehead Viaduct with its views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. After Settle there is a further water stop at Hellifield. The train then runs through Clitheroe and across Lancashire to Preston, where the steam locomotive leaves the train and diesel traction takes it back through Wigan North Western to Manchester Victoria.

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 does not name the engine, 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 morning departure from Manchester Victoria, 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. Dress for a vintage train in winter: the operator warns that the carriages, although heated, can be cold.

Boards at Manchester Victoria station, Victoria Station Approach, Manchester; the train also calls at Wigan North Western and Preston. Tickets are booked 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.