British Rail Tours Know which side to sit
The Dalesman
Steam trainYorkshire

The Dalesman

York or Chester → Carlisle
Sit on the left Photos
Photo: ARG_Flickr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonJune to September 2026
  • RunsTuesdays from York (7 and 21 July, 11 and 25 August, 15 September); Thursdays from Chester (11 June, 6 August, 10 September)
  • DurationFull day (about 2 h in Carlisle)
  • Distance73 miles
  • TractionSteam from Hellifield over the Settle to Carlisle line, locomotive varies
  • OperatorWest Coast Railways

West Coast Railways' summer steam train over the Settle to Carlisle line from York or Chester, marking the route's 150th anniversary in 2026.

The Dalesman is the regular summer steam train over the Settle to Carlisle railway, which celebrates 150 years in 2026. Two versions run. The Tuesday train starts at York and picks up at Castleford, Woodlesford, Keighley and Skipton, taking steam from Hellifield northwards and returning the same way. The Thursday train starts at Chester and calls at Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Leyland and Preston, going out over the Settle to Carlisle line and returning down the West Coast Main Line over Shap with steam as far as Carnforth.

The 73 miles between Settle Junction and Carlisle include the Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel, Dent, the highest main line station in England, Ais Gill summit and the descent through the Eden Valley past Appleby. Around two hours are allowed in Carlisle.

Carriages are restored Mark 1 and Mark 2 stock from Carnforth. Standard, First, Premier First and Premier Dining seats are sold, the last with breakfast and dinner served at your seat.

Which side to sit

York or Chester → Carlisle

Heading north the left gives Ingleborough, Whernside, Dentdale and Wild Boar Fell; the right has Pen-y-ghent and the best view of Ribblehead Viaduct curving ahead.

Sit on the left4 sights on the left · 2 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationYorkTuesday train
  2. 24mi
    StationCastlefordPick-up
  3. 51mi
    StationKeighleyPick-up
  4. 60mi
    StationSkiptonPick-up
  5. 70mi
    StationHellifieldSteam takes over for the run north
  6. 74mi
    StationSettle72 miles to Carlisle
  7. 78mi
    MountainPen-y-ghent2,277 ft; the first of the Three Peaks, across Ribblesdale
  8. 82mi
    MountainIngleborough2,372 ft flat-topped summit to the west
  9. 85mi
    Viaduct · on the lineRibblehead Viaduct24 arches, 104 ft high; seen curving ahead from the right
  10. 86mi
    MountainWhernsideYorkshire's highest peak at 2,415 ft, rising beside the line
  11. 87mi
    Tunnel · on the lineBlea Moor Tunnel2,629 yards under the moor
  12. 89mi
    LandmarkDentdaleViews down the dale from Dent Head and Arten Gill viaducts
  13. 90mi
    StationDentHighest main line station in England, 1,150 ft
  14. 96mi
    MountainWild Boar Fell2,324 ft above the Mallerstang valley
  15. 97mi
    Summit · on the lineAis Gill Summit1,169 ft, highest point on the line
  16. 115mi
    StationApplebyEden Valley market town
  17. 120mi
    MountainCross Fell and the North Pennines2,930 ft, the highest Pennine summit, across the Eden Valley
  18. 146mi
    StationCarlisle

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

On board

  • Dining
  • Premier dining
  • First Class

Highlights

  • Ribblehead Viaduct
  • Blea Moor Tunnel and Dent station
  • Ais Gill summit
  • Eden Valley and Appleby
  • Shap summit on Chester dates

Classes of travel

StandardFirst ClassPremier FirstPremier Dining

Photos of the The Dalesman

3 photos · tap to enlarge
48151 heading north through Settle with the Dalesman
48151 heading north through Settle with the Dalesman
45699 Galatea passing Garsdale station with the Dalesman
45699 Galatea passing Garsdale station with the Dalesman
Dent station, the highest main line station in England
Dent station, the highest main line station in England
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 the whole journey steam hauled?

No. A diesel works the train to and from Hellifield (or Carnforth on Chester dates); the Settle to Carlisle section is steam.

Which side for Ribblehead?

Heading north, the right-hand side gives the best view of the viaduct as the train curves onto it, while the left has Whernside and, beyond Blea Moor, the long view down Dentdale.

How long is the stop in Carlisle?

About two hours, enough for the castle, cathedral and Tullie House.

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