Steam locomotive 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ will haul Saphos’ Trains’ second Cumbrian Mountaineer rail tour on Wednesday 11 March next year.

The locomotive, which features in several RailAdvent shop products, including a wall clock, will haul the train out of Crewe at 10.30 in the morning and return at 8.30 in the evening. Timings are approximate and may be subject to change

This will be the second tour operated by Saphos Trains in order to test the performance of its Class 8 Pacific. The first will take place in February and will be hauled by 60532 ‘Blue Peter’.

60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, which visited Carlisle earlier this year, will return there with the Cumbrian Mountaineer tour, travelling through the stunning Cumbrian mountains and high Pennines.

The train will travel along the West Coast Main Line and will pass through Preston and through Lancashire’s county town, Lancaster. On its way to Penrith and then Carlisle, it will climb over the Lakeland Fells and tackle steep 1 in 75 gradients at Grayrigg and Shap Summit.

The train will remain at Carlisle for around two hours, giving passengers the opportunity to see the sights of the historic border town. Among Carlisle’s visitor attractions are the cathedral, the castle, the Tullie House Museum, and the shopping centre.

The return journey will retrace the outward journey, giving passengers another chance to admire the Cumbrian scenery from their steam-hauled train as it travels over Shap Summit from Carlisle back to Crewe.

First class (non-dining) passengers will be seated at tables of four or two people and will be able to buy light refreshments and hot and cold drinks from the train’s buffet car. Tickets are priced at £139 per person, plus an optional supplement of £25 per person to be seated at a private window table for two.

Standard class (non-dining) passengers will be seated at tables of four and will also be able to make purchases from the train’s buffet car. Tickets are priced at £99 per person.

Tickets are available online from Saphos Trains.