Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has announced six dates from Crewe across the Settle & Carlisle Line in early 2014.

Next year the Settle & Carlisle Line will celebrate 25 years since, in 1989, it was rescued from the threat of closure. One of the most dramatic of Britain’s railways, the Settle & Carlisle route involves more than 20 viaducts, including the famous Ribblehead, 14 tunnels including Blea Moor, England’s highest railway station at Dent, the 1,169 feet Ais Gill railway summit and views of the Three Peaks.

Travelling on board vintage trains in the company of historic steam locomotives adds to the excitement, says The Railway Touring Company. A team of locos, including: No. 46115 Scots Guardsman; No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell; and Black 5 No. 45305, are lined up to provide the power on different dates.

Each Saturday, February 1 to March 8, ‘The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express’ will leave Crewe and Preston with its vintage carriages hauled by diesel as far as Carnforth where it will meet up with one of these magnificent steam locomotives for the Settle & Carlisle crossing.

Each train offers a choice of standard travel, first class, which includes morning coffee & Danish pastry and afternoon tea with a choice of finger sandwiches, scones, jam & cream, or premier dining with a full English breakfast, a light lunch and a four course dinner silver served to you at your table on board.

www.railwaytouring.net