ROSES BATTLE BY STEAM - PLUS SETTLE AND CARLISLE BLOG JUNE 2021

By Les Snaith

 

Day 1 - Guests will make their way to Bradford then to the adjacent Midland Hotel, a magnificent hotel and former Midland Railway Hotel. There will then free time to visit the city and view Bradford's many architectural wonders including the City Hall before returning for our evening meal.

 

 

 

Day 2 - Today we cross the Pennines by coach as we make or way to Bolton Castle where we will travel on the 4 mile Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway along the former Skipton-Ilkley Line. There will be time to visit the superb railway themed bookshop on Embsay station before returning and making our way to the beautiful ruins of Bolton Abbey by the River Wharf. We then proceed to Masham to visit the Black Sheep Brewery, one of Yorkshires two finest breweries located in Masham. There will be time to purchase a meal before the brewery tour and tasting the magnificent ales.

 

 

 

 

Day 3 - Crossing the bleak Pennines once again on the M62 we make our way to Bury and one of Lancashire's most popular tourist venues - The East Lancashire Railway. Departing from Bury's beautifully restored Bolton Street station we will enjoy a return journey through the Irwell Valley to Rawtenstall. From there we take a short walk across the road to the very atmospheric Transport Museum with its amazing collection of road vehicles and railwayana.

 

Perhaps one of the highlights of the tour is the three mile long 15" gauge Kirklees Light Railway. Fascinating stock, a lovely line and a thoroughly enjoyable trip.

 

Bury Transport Museum  ©East Lancs Railway

 

 

 

Day 4 - A coach will take us from Bradford to Pickering where we will board a train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Whitby. This is the longest heritage railway including the final few miles over the national network into Whitby. Do look out for 'Piglet' of the Channel 5 series fame, you may well see him. At Whitby do take an open air sightseeing bus ride round the town perhaps breaking your journey at the abbey. You may of course wish to sample Whitby's famous fish and chips.

 

 

 

Day 5 - Today is a rail day as we leave Bradford by train to join the Settle and Carlisle Railway with its stunning views and rugged landscape. There will be lots to see and do in Carlisle from the magnificent Cathedral to the historic castle before making our return jouney over the Settle and Carlisle again.

 

 

Day 6 - Today will be a very special day for those of you who would like to go down and see the inside of a former coal mine where you will be given a fascinating guided tour by a former pitman. From there we male our way to the delightful Middleton Railway on the outskirts of Leeds. Although only 1 mile in length it dates back to 1758 and is the world's oldest continuously working railway.

Underground at the ©National Mining Museum

 

 

 

Day 7 - For our final day we will travel to Keighley by train to visit the Worth Valley Railway where with your rover ticket you effectively have the freedom of this most scenic railway for the day. There are some wonderful railway themed museums worth visiting at Ingrow West and of course the beautiful town of Haworth is well worth a visit either to see the Bronte museum or take advantage of the many places of refreshment.