A ‘COMPASS TOURS’ DAY EXCURSION
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BRIEF ROUTE COMMENTARY: The train starts its journey from the Border city of Carlisle then heads via the Eden Valley, Penrith, Shap Fells, Tebay, Kendal and the edge of the Lakes, Morecambe Bay and to the west of the Trough of Bowland. For any passengers joining south of Carlisle the aforementioned part of the route you missed in the morning between Carlisle and Preston will be enjoyed on your homeward journey in the evening (obviously dependant on which station you join between Penrith and Preston).
The train leaves Preston and runs south adjacent to some moors and Winter Hill then down through Bolton and Manchester before we sample the extremely pleasant scenery of the Hope Valley Railway, which takes us across the breathtaking Peak District via Edale, Grindleford and Dore. We then run “cross-country” from South Yorkshire up to York where passengers may alight to enjoy the city or remain on the train for our circular Harrogate loop tour. The scenic optional tour via Knaresborough and Harrogate will last up to 2 hours and is available to any passengers booked on the main tour at no extra supplementary charge. After this optional tour you may still take about 2 hours break in York to have a quick look round and perhaps a meal and drink.
Our return route runs adjacent to the North Yorkshire Moors for a time, then up through Darlington, the East Coast Mainline and County Durham into Tyneside. Just to the south of Newcastle we turn off, avoiding the city (at Low Fell Junction) and run via Gateshead and the extremely wild and remote Tyne Valley Railway, which takes us through Northumberland, the remains of Hadrian’s Wall and its associated moor land scenery passing through Hexham and Haltwhistle on the way. The train eventually reaches Carlisle early evening and whilst we begin dropping off everybody who boarded there in the morning, those of you who boarded further south get to enjoy the scenery on the legs you missed between Carlisle and Preston on the outward leg as we anticipate the entire day’s scenery should be enjoyed with daylight due to the later summer sunset times.
City of York - arrival into York is expected to be around 12:00. Within the city walls there is abundant evidence of Roman, Viking and Medieval history, mixed with classic architecture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The majestic York Minster towers above the city, which can be viewed extremely well from the three miles of city walls. ‘Jorvik’ is a Viking name for York, which was the principal town of this ancient civilisation. You can appreciate the wealth of archaeological relics at the Jorvik Viking Centre in Coppergate.
The Norman influence involved the building of two castles, many chapels and churches including St Mary’s Abbey. The visitor is spoilt for choice, as in addition to the Minster there are over a dozen medieval churches, and a fantastic collection of museums. As well as its modern shopping area, close by is ‘The Shambles’ a narrow cobbled street with fine shops and cafes along it. You will notice the peculiar street names and the narrow passageways between them. Whilst you will see that York station has one of the finest Victorian designs in the country, it also holds the National Railway Museum (a free attraction) – charting an amazing collection of trains, paintings and photographs. Return time from York is expected to be around 16:00.
RELATED WEBSITES:
http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/
http://www.visityork.org/
http://www.yorkminster.org/
http://www.nrm.org.uk/home/home.asp
http://www.yorkshirevisitor.com/
http://www.visityorkshire.co.uk/
CONFIRMED TIMINGS: .
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 in first class seating areas, operating at occasional intervals.
THE TRAIN: The train is hired in and operated through licensed UK rolling stock providers and train operating companies 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 (but some trains convey a little standard class accommodation with private ‘airline’ style bays which have 2 seats together with folding tables – please contact our office though if you are unsure as to whether they are specifically available). If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.
Many of our recent Railtours have been very busy or fully subscribed so early booking is advised!
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