Carnforth-based charter train company running The Jacobite, The Dalesman and Scarborough Spa Express with its own steam and diesel fleet.
West Coast Railways is Britain's largest privately owned charter train operator. It holds its own operating licence and runs trains from the former steam shed at Carnforth in Lancashire, where it also maintains a large fleet of Mark 1 and Mark 2 coaches. The company was formed in 1998 and is majority owned by David Smith.
Its steam fleet is built around a group of LMS Black Fives (including 45407, 44871 and 45212) and the LNER K1 62005, supplemented by visiting engines such as the Jubilees Leander and Galatea. A large pool of Class 37, 47 and 57 diesels provides support and hauls diesel excursions. West Coast also supplies traction and stock to promoters such as The Railway Touring Company and hauls the Northern Belle.
The company's best known trains are the summer Jacobite between Fort William and Mallaig, The Dalesman over the Settle to Carlisle line and the Scarborough Spa Express. Seasonal one-off excursions such as The Muncaster Express and the Cumbrian Coast Express are added most years.
SteamScotland's famous steam train from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, past Loch Shiel and the silver sands of Morar.
SteamCoast-to-coast Wednesday steam excursion across Lancashire and Yorkshire to York and Scarborough, with two alternative routes.
SteamWest Coast Railways' summer steam train over the Settle to Carlisle line from York or Chester, marking the route's 150th anniversary in 2026.
SteamLancashire variant of The Dalesman, picking up in the Ribble Valley and Pendle area before steam over the Settle to Carlisle line.
SteamOne-day steam excursion from Crewe and Manchester along the Cumbrian Coast line past Barrow, Millom and Whitehaven with sea and Lakeland views.
DieselHalloween-themed diesel excursion to Ravenglass with entry to the Muncaster Castle family festival, running from Manchester or Carlisle.
SteamAn annual charity steam special for the Lune Rivers Trust from Carnforth to York, formerly known as The Lune Habitat.