For the first time in many years, an LMS Coronation Pacific will return to the Settle & Carlisle line in March.

On Saturday, 12th March, LMS Coronation Pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland will haul a Vintage Trains rail tour from Birmingham to Carlisle.

The tour will be diesel hauled from the company’s base at Tyseley in Birmingham, where pre-booked free car parking is available. Passengers may also join the tour at Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stafford, or Crewe.

The train will travel north at up to 80 mph over the West Coast Main Line to Hellifield in Yorkshire. At Hellifield, the diesel will give way to 6233 Duchess of Sutherland for a demanding climb over the Cumbrian fells to Carlisle where there will be time to visit the border city. It is planned for the steam section of the tour to be without diesel assistance.

On the return journey, Duchess of Sutherland will give way at Hellifield to a diesel locomotive that will haul the train back over the West Coast Main line to Tyseley, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey.

Seats are available in Pullman, Club, or Tourist classes or in a private compartment. Pullman class is in an original Pullman Car where a full English Breakfast and four course evening dinner, tea and coffee, served at your seat. Tables for two can be booked in Pullman Class for a supplement of £25 per person subject to availability.

Club Class is in at tables of two or four where light refreshments including Danish pastries, sandwiches, and cake, tea and coffee will be served at your seat.

Tourist class is at tables for two or four in open carriages where bacon rolls, light refreshments, wine, beer, teas and coffees can be ordered for delivery to your seat.

Private compartments for six people are also available where light refreshments including Danish pastries, sandwiches, and cake, tea and coffee will be served at your seat.

Tickets for the tour are on sale now and can only be booked on Vintage Trains’ website at https://vintagetrains.co.uk/settle-carlisle/.