VINTAGE Trains GWR‘Castle’ No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe will be tackling the tough incline of Shap in Cumbria with the‘Shap Mountaineer’special on March 16.
Starting diesel-hauled at Birmingham New Street, the train picks up at Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe where the diesel is replaced by No. 5043. There are further pick-ups at Warrington Bank Quay and Preston before the ascent of Shap Summit on the way to Carlisle.
After time in Carlisle while the steam loco is serviced, No. 5043 will work the train as far as Crewe, stopping at the same outward calling points.
Fares start from £129 tourist class (£99 child); first class in a compartment for up to six people with tea and coffee is £149 per person; while Pullman class with full English Breakfast and four-course evening meal, tea and coffee will cost £299 adult (£269 child) with a £30 per supplement for a guaranteed table for two.
More details and online booking are available at www. vintagetrains.co.uk