Lake District Steam Extravaganza

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Windermere

Meet at our hotel overlooking the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, a short walk from Windermere railway station. We have a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2 – Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum Steam Gala

We spend the morning at the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum Steam Gala where, as well as resident Bagnall saddle tank 'Sir Tom', we expect to find visiting locomotives. After lunch we cruise on Lake Ullswater on board one of Ullswater 'Steamers' heritage vessels.

Day 3 – Cumbria Steam Gathering

A full day at the Cumbria Steam Gathering, known for presenting both quantity and quality of preserved vehicles and machinery featuring splendid steam engines and vintage commercial vehicles. Also on display are hundreds of classic transport favourites including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines.

Day 4 – Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

We return to the water today cruising across England’s largest lake to Lakeside where we join the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Enjoy a shed tour before continuing to Old Hall Farm for lunch (included). Old Hall Farm is worked using historic methods; horses work alongside steam and early vintage tractors. Return to our hotel by train and 'steamer' across the lake.

Day 5 – La’al Ratty

A full day at the miniature Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La’al Ratty meaning 'little railway' in 'olde' Cumbrian dialect. It was 105 years ago in April 1913 that the original 3ft line closed and in 1915 the new 15in La’al Ratty was born. We travel behind the steam locomotives and visit the Railway Museum which tells the story of the railway. Lunch is included.

Day 6 – Steam Gondola and Cumbrian Coast

After a morning at leisure we have time for lunch in Coniston before boarding a Full Lake Tour on the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola. During our cruise we will hear about the colourful history of Gondola and how she was rescued from a watery grave on the lake bed, as well as Donald Campbell and his pursuit of the world water speed record on Coniston Water. We then take an early evening train around the coast from Barrow to Carlisle.

Day 7 – Settle and Carlisle to Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

We take a trip over the Settle and Carlisle Railway through the attractive scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbrian Fells, famous Victorian architecture, huge stone viaducts, long tunnels and remote wayside station buildings. At Keighley we join a steam hauled train through the Worth Valley. Built to serve the local mill trades in the late 19th Century, the Railway is just over four and a half miles long but still manages to pack six stations in. We retrace our steps to Carlisle. Lunch included.

Day 8 – Farewell

After a leisurely breakfast it is time to check out and say farewell before travelling home independently.