A historic railway line traversing the dramatic landscapes of Northern England has been officially recognised as one of Europe's most breathtaking train journeys. The Settle to Carlisle route, which carves through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian fells, has been lauded by travel experts for its unmatched vistas of peaks, valleys, and waterfalls.
A Journey That Tops The European Charts
In a remarkable accolade, the Settle to Carlisle railway was ranked above famed scenic routes across France, Germany, and Austria by the renowned guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet. Even more impressively, in 2024, it surpassed the legendary Bernina Express route between Switzerland and Italy for sheer scenic beauty. The journey offers passengers a moving panorama that rivals fantasy film scenery, from rolling winter mists to sun-drenched summer valleys.
Travel enthusiasts can experience the landscape in multiple ways. For a dose of pure nostalgia, vintage steam trains periodically chug along the tracks, their iconic whistles echoing through the dales. Alternatively, a regular passenger service operated by Northern Railway provides daily access, proving this is a working railway, not just a heritage line. Lonely Planet's review effused that "the views from the carriages are pretty much unmatched on the English railway network," whether powered by steam or diesel.
Engineering Marvels and Biscuit-Box Stations
The undisputed highlight for many is the monumental Ribblehead Viaduct. Described by the Yorkshire Dales National Park as "a stunning piece of Victorian engineering," this Grade II-listed structure opened in 1875. It stretches an impressive 440 yards (400 metres) and soars to heights of 104 feet (32 metres). Lonely Planet singled it out as the best part of the 1-hour and 40-minute journey.
Adding to the charm, the travel experts noted that the stations dotted along the route possess a quaint, picture-postcard quality, likening them to scenes you might find "on a box of biscuits." The route is a major draw for walkers and hikers, providing direct access to explore the surrounding national parks on foot.
Planning Your Scenic Rail Adventure
Fortunately, embarking on this spectacular journey is both straightforward and affordable. As part of the national rail network, the line is served by regular Northern Railway trains, with tickets sometimes available from as little as £10. The direct service takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes, making nine stops between Settle in North Yorkshire and Carlisle in Cumbria. Services typically depart hourly.
For those travelling from further afield, a connecting service from Leeds to Carlisle takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes. The journey has garnered an overall score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor from hundreds of "excellent" reviews. One traveller from Manchester hailed it as a "fantastic train journey," while another described it as a "once in a lifetime" experience. A recent visitor recounted: "It was nostalgic to hear the steam engine pulling us up the relatively steep gradients... the views were clear."
From its Victorian engineering triumphs to its ever-changing, dramatic vistas, the Settle to Carlisle line stands as a testament to the UK's rail heritage and natural beauty, offering an accessible and unforgettable adventure right on the nation's doorstep.
