Passenger Service

The current Train Operator on the Settle & Carlisle is Northern Rail. They operate diesel Sprinters and from 2007 these 158 units have all been refurbished. A series of 156 and 158 units have been especially liveried up, one of them all in Settle & Carlisle pictures. The Settle & Carlisle liveried train mainly operates on the North West area and as it is a 156 it does not run now over the Settle & Carlisle.

Freight Trains

Two main operators run freight trains regularly on the line – DB Schenker (formerly EWS) and Freightliner. The main freight being carried is coal and gypsum. Cement trains have started running on an occasional basis. Also you can spot the odd DRS train and the ‘yellow peril’ route survey train run by Network Rail.

West Coast Main Line

During engineering work on the West Coast Main Line, there are often diversions over the Settle & Carlisle railway. 

Special Charter Trains

Of great interest to many people are the occasions where steam trains run on the line. These steam and also diesel trains are operated by Charter companies and information on the running of these trains can be found out from the individual operator. For further information on steam excursions traveling along the line, click here.

Tornado ran on the Settle & Carlisle the weekend of 3rd and 4th October 2009. The picture shows Tornado heading south through Armathwaite station.