150 Years of Freight on the Historic Settle-Carlisle Line Celebrated with Steam Charter and Special Events

The first freight train ran on this historic route on August 2, 1875, helping to shape the economic and industrial landscape of northern England for generations. Passengers passing through Settle can see a coal wagon of the type used on the line around 1911. The coal truck alongside Settle Water Tower is a 100-year-old reminder of the importance of freight to the Settle Carlisle line, then as now. It sits on what was Settle’s coal yard, located at the end of what were twin sidings.

The truck was a Midland Railway type of vehicle, made in Wakefield, with a massive wooden chassis. When it arrived in Settle, from the Strathspey railway in Aviemore, it was a rotten wreck which was skilfully restored by Settle and Carlisle volunteer Ged Pinder.

To commemorate this anniversary, and as part of the broader Railway 200 celebrations taking place across the World in 2025, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company are running a special steam charter, The Border City Express, on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Departing from Bradford—Britain’s City of Culture 2025—and travelling to Carlisle, the gateway to the Scottish Border, the Border City Express will journey through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines via the legendary Settle-Carlisle Line.

This rare opportunity to experience the route behind steam will delight rail enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike.

Chair of Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Pete Myres, said: “This is a wonderful chance to celebrate not only 150 years of freight on the Settle-Carlisle line but also the vital role railways continue to play in connecting communities and supporting economies.

“We're thrilled to combine heritage, culture, and steam for such a memorable event.

“Join us in celebrating a century and a half of freight and 200 years of passenger railway services, by taking a steam train along the Settle Carlisle line, one of Europe’s most scenic and iconic railway routes.”

The Border City Express charter steam train is part of the Railway 200 programme, which marks 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

Tickets for The Border City Express are available now via the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s website: www.settle-carlisle.co.uk

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CAPTION:
The coal truck 1923 type coal truck, alongside Settle Water Tower/