Photo: Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA festive run from the North West to Edinburgh, steam hauled over both Shap and Beattock summits.
The Edinburgh Christmas Hive leaves Manchester Victoria behind a diesel and picks up at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston and Lancaster. At Carnforth a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool takes over for the climb through the Lune Gorge to Shap Summit, then descends via Penrith to Carlisle for water.
North of the border the train climbs to Beattock Summit, runs down the upper Clyde Valley to Carstairs and takes the former Caledonian route to Edinburgh, arriving early in the afternoon for the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens. Steam works the return as far as Carnforth.
The Lakeland fells and Blencathra are on the left heading north; the Howgill Fells in the Lune Gorge and Edinburgh Castle at the end are on the right.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
| Date | From | Traction | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 12 Dec 2026 07:00 |
Manchester Victoria Approximate timings. |
Diesel to Carnforth, then steam from the Carnforth pool over Shap and Beattock | See operator |
At Carnforth, in both directions.
The train is due in early afternoon, allowing several hours in the city.
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