A ‘COMPASS TOURS’ DAY EXCURSION
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BRIEF ROUTE COMMENTARY: After picking our passengers we head up through Lancashire (via Wigan) in a northerly direction, then skirting the city of Preston. Here we turn off and head along the well-graded short route to Blackburn. After passing through a tunnel here we take a leftward turning and via ‘Lancashire Witch Country’ and the hilly line, passing through Whalley and Clitheroe to Hellifield.
Here we join with the route from Leeds and Skipton. A short distance on we split with the route to Carnforth and Lancaster at Settle Junction for the famous journey over the Settle – Carlisle line. Although enjoying something of a revival sparked off in 1989 when the line was finally saved from closure the route is normally not accessible by direct train, except on excursions such as this. Many of us may have been over the route before, but whether a first time traveller or not the route always offers a fantastic backdrop to any scenic journey through the North.
The 72 miles between Settle and Carlisle takes us on a magnificent journey through the Yorkshire Dales, over many viaducts including the 24 arches of Ribblehead, which plunges into the long tunnel at Blea Moor. The route is a Victorian masterpiece of engineering and extremely remote in places. In the days of steam traincrew knew it as the ‘long drag’ because of its continuous uphill climb to the summit of Ais Gill. After here were drop down to Kirby Stephen and the town of Appleby and enjoy the lush rolling hills of the Eden Valley before an arrival at the Border City of Carlisle.
Upon leaving Carlisle we are soon leaving England and entering the Scottish Borders near Gretna. We then head up through Lockerbie, which is the first station we pass for many more miles. Not long from here the train enjoys a steep and long climb up to Beattock. The area we pass through includes some very rugged terrain in places, with no shortage of little rivers, forestry plantations and mountains. The area is so remote there are no other rail routes diverging off it until Carstairs (over 50 miles north of Lockerbie).
On enjoying our drop down through further breathtaking scenery we slow down at the railway junction of Carstairs, leaving the Glasgow route behind for the Edinburgh route, which is until a few miles outside the city, rather pleasant scenically. A few miles out there are views of the River Forth and its famous rail bridge. The huge rock faces of this city and towering Authors Seat are evident as we pass through Haymarket tunnels. Arrival at Edinburgh Waverley is expected at around 13:00.
CITY OF EDINBURGH: Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, and renowned world heritage centre, hosting the world’s largest arts festival every year. Even from the city centre there are viewpoints from which you can enjoy the Firth of Forth, miles of beautiful countryside and right across the Lothian landscape. It is set upon a series of volcanic hills, which create these fine views across the city. There are two contrasting towns within it, the old town and new town. The old town based around Castle Rock and dominated by the Castle (the City’s main visitor attraction) – a royal residence since the 11th century. The Esplanade was created in the 18th century as a military parade ground, hosting the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every year.
A popular area within the city is the Royal Mile, a succession of four streets, which link the Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the queen’s official Scottish Residence. Without a doubt Edinburgh has a selection of attractions to suit everybody’s tastes, with history and culture being in no shortage. Whether you’ve been here before or not you’ll find something new and interesting to do all the time. Its galleries, museums and shopping are ranked highly among visitors across the globe and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your afternoon in the city.
RELATED WEBSITES:
www.edinburgh.org
RETURN TRAIN JOURNEY: A 17:00 departure from Edinburgh is expected – we enjoy a return journey through lowland Scotland and its mountains, Carlisle, the Eden Valley, Cumbrian Mountains, Shap and the edge of the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, Lancaster, the Western fringes of the Trough of Bowland thence the city of Preston, River Ribble and Central Lancashire. With the evenings offering plenty of daylight hours we enjoy the full array of scenery on the return journey with the prospect of a nice sunset backdrop to relax and reflect on a wonderful day with fabulous scenery and a stay at arguably Scotland’s finest city.
ESTMATED TIMINGS: *PLEASE NOTE times are only those that have been requested. Confirmed final times will be sent out with your tickets around four or five days before the tour when Network Rail advise us of them.
CHILDREN UNDER 5 YRS can be brought on the train free of charge only if not taking up a seat and sharing seats with accompanying adults.
REFRESHMENTS: A buffet service of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages is available to all our passengers throughout the day – as well as an at seat trolley service, operating at occasional intervals.
THE TRAIN: The train is hired in from and operated through FM Rail of Derby and formed entirely of traditional intercity carriages hauled by heritage British Built diesel traction throughout. First class passengers are seated in tables of 2 or 4 seats with curtains, larger more deeply cushioned reclining seating. Standard class is seated mainly in bays of 4 seats around a table. If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.
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