Put The Dalesman in your diary this summer

One of Northern England’s most majestic experiences awaits passengers on The Dalesman this summer, as the steam locomotive-hauled train provides transports of delight on its magnificent, 72-mile Settle to Carlisle route, across the Yorkshire Dales, Howgills and Cumbria’s beautiful fells.

Day trips on The Dalesman are a perfect option for anyone visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking passengers over to neighbouring county, Cumbria, on a wonderfully scenic journey full of picture opportunities and some exciting activities on arrival at their destination.

The Dalesman provides a unique journey along this route, as it is the only train to depart from Hellifield, at the line’s end. From there, it joins the Settle to Carlisle line, which provides many a talking point, including that of passing through England’s highest main-line station, at Dent.

The journey is full of wow factors, including travelling over the 24-arch, 100 foot tall, Ribblehead Viaduct. The 440-yard long viaduct, provides passage over Batty Moss, thanks to an amazing structure built over four years in the 1870s, by no fewer than 2000 navvies!

The journey certainly reaches the heights only steam travel can provide, climbing a one in 100 gradient at one point, to take passengers to 1,169 feet above sea level, before making a long descent. En route, peaks such as Pen-y-Ghent, one of the three peaks of the Yorkshire Dales, and Crossfell – the highest point in the Pennines chain, are both visible on the skyline, whilst river crossings add other scenic twists.

Passengers can leave the train at the ancient market town of Appleby, if they wish, or complete the outward journey to the border city of Carlisle.*

The Dalesman excursions are running on August 6, 13, 17, 20, 27, 31 and on September 7 and 10. Departure times are either 10.55 or 11.30, according to which date is chosen, with arrival back in Hellifield being either 19.15 or 19.50pm.

An adult fare costs £49, with children under the age of 15 travelling for £30. A party of four, with a mix of adults and children, costs £148. A five per cent discount applies to fares bought online at kingfisherrailtours.co.uk.

First class fares are £80 for an adult and £65 for a child.

A LMS Club Car Dining fare costs £130. This includes a roast lunch cooked and served on board, afternoon tea and cakes and refreshments throughout the journey.

All passengers can take up the option of ordering a picnic, at a cost of £15 per person, delivered to the seat on departure at Hellifield and comprising sandwiches, cake, locally produced pork pie, fruit, water and crisps.

Making a perfect day out, for train enthusiasts, day-trippers or holidaymakers alike, these steam journeys provide memories for a lifetime. Tickets can be bought at kingfisherrailtours.co.uk. Times of trains can also be viewed online.