Settle to Carlisle railway prepares to welcome new passengers

A picturesque and historical railway line is preparing to welcome new passengers as inter-city trains are rerouted along it during engineering work.

Welcome banners are being installed at all stations along the 116km (72m) route of the Carlisle to Settle line between Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

In January, West Coast Main Line trains will be diverted on to the former Midland Railway line as work to replace the Clifton railway bridge over the M6 takes place.

The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company said it will be the first time for many passengers travelling the scenic line, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026.

Peter Myers, the organisation’s chairman, said: “This is an opportunity to promote the Settle Carlisle Railway, which celebrates 150 years of passenger services and provides a gateway to the North Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria’s Eden Valley and the Lake District.”

The line was named among the top 10 more scenic routes in Europe by travel publishers Lonely Planet.

Network Rail is carrying out work on the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and London between 24 December and 15 January, as part of a £400m scheme over the next four years.

Work includes signalling upgrades north of Carlisle and at Preston station and work on the Hanslope Junction near Milton Keynes.