Photo: ARG_Flickr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsLancashire variant of The Dalesman, picking up in the Ribble Valley and Pendle area before steam over the Settle to Carlisle line.
The Pendle Dalesman is a Lancashire-facing version of West Coast Railways' Dalesman. Instead of starting at York, the train gathers passengers around Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn and the Clitheroe line before joining the Settle to Carlisle railway at Hellifield, where steam takes over for the run through the Dales to Carlisle.
The scenery is the same as The Dalesman: the Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor, Dent, Ais Gill and the Eden Valley. On the Lancashire side the train passes Pendle Hill and the Ribble Valley, giving a different approach to the Pennines.
West Coast Railways has said that Pendle Dalesman dates for 2026 will be announced separately. The main Dalesman page on its website is the place to check for the latest availability; the classes and fares are expected to mirror The Dalesman.
Pendle Hill is on the right in the Ribble Valley, but north of Settle the left has Whernside, Dentdale and Wild Boar Fell.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
West Coast Railways has said bookings will be announced later; check its website for confirmed dates.
The route over the Settle to Carlisle line is identical; the difference is the Lancashire pick-up points.
Steam normally works from Hellifield northwards with a diesel on the Lancashire section.
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.