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The Avocet Achievement
Diesel trainCentral Scotland

The Avocet Achievement

Crewe, Preston and Carlisle → Glasgow Central
Sit on the left Photos
Photo: Skye Haynes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonAutumn
  • RunsSingle date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
  • DurationFull day (about 1 h in Glasgow)
  • Distance243 miles
  • TractionElectric (Class 89 89001 Avocet)
  • OperatorIntercity

First public main line run of the unique Class 89 Avocet in over 25 years, from Crewe up the West Coast Main Line to Glasgow.

The Avocet Achievement marks the return to traffic of 89001 Avocet, the one-off Class 89 electric built by Brush in 1986 and restored by Locomotive Services at Crewe. The train leaves Crewe at 10:35, calls at Preston and Carlisle, and takes the West Coast Main Line over Shap and Beattock to Glasgow Central, the locomotive's first ever run north of Carlisle.

An hour is given in Glasgow before the return, arriving back at Crewe at 18:40. The train is formed of Intercity's air-conditioned Mark 1 and Mark 2 carriages with a buffet bar.

Seats are First Class non-dining at tables of two and four, with a private window table available for a small supplement.

Which side to sit

Crewe, Preston and Carlisle → Glasgow Central

Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland fells, Blencathra and Tinto are on the left heading north; the Howgill Fells are on the right in the Lune Gorge.

Sit on the left3 sights on the left · 1 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationCrewe
  2. 51mi
    StationPrestonPick-up
  3. 75mi
    CoastMorecambe Bay at Hest BankThe only place the main line runs beside the sea
  4. 78mi
    StationCarnforth
  5. 91mi
    StationOxenholmeLakeland fells on the left
  6. 102mi
    MountainHowgill Fells and the Lune GorgeRounded fells above the gorge, shared with the M6
  7. 104mi
    Town · on the lineTebayFoot of the four-mile climb to Shap
  8. 109mi
    Summit · on the lineShap Summit916 ft, reached at 1 in 75
  9. 123mi
    StationPenrith
  10. 127mi
    MountainBlencathraSaddleback, on the Lake District skyline to the west
  11. 141mi
    StationCarlislePick-up; Avocet's first run north of here
  12. 150mi
    Landmark · on the lineScottish Border (River Sark)England to Scotland near Gretna
  13. 166mi
    StationLockerbie
  14. 191mi
    Summit · on the lineBeattock Summit1,016 ft, the highest point on the West Coast Main Line
  15. 207mi
    MountainTinto2,320 ft landmark hill above the upper Clyde
  16. 215mi
    Junction · on the lineCarstairsJunction for the Edinburgh line
  17. 243mi
    StationGlasgow Central

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

On board

  • Bar
  • First Class

Highlights

  • Unique Class 89 electric
  • Shap and Beattock summits
  • Glasgow Central
  • First Class from £179

Classes of travel

First Class

Photos of the The Avocet Achievement

3 photos · tap to enlarge
89001 in InterCity livery at Eaton Crossing on the East Coast Main Line
89001 in InterCity livery at Eaton Crossing on the East Coast Main Line
A Pendolino cresting Shap summit
A Pendolino cresting Shap summit
The concourse at Glasgow Central station
The concourse at Glasgow Central station
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Standard Class?

No, Intercity sells First Class non-dining only.

Is food included?

No, but a buffet bar sells drinks and refreshments.

What other Intercity tours are there?

The Electric Boogaloo with Class 86 and 87 electrics on 7 November 2026 from London Liverpool Street.

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