HF Railtours last excursion was ....

 

The Cumbrian Coast Explorer on Saturday 3rd July 2010

Steam hauled by 71000 Duke of Gloucester

Crewe to Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast, returning to Crewe via the Settle-Carlisle line.

 

A very special tour, as it was the Duke of Gloucester’s first mainline tour for almost two years.

It was an honour for HF Railtours to return this great locomotive back to what she does best, hauling long trains around some of the most dramatic and picturesque railway lines in the British Isles.

Leaving Crewe at just after 0700hrs, BR Class 8P 4-6-2, 71000 The Duke of Gloucester headed towards Preston to take on water at 0830hrs.

Those who took advantage of Pullman Style Dining enjoyed a Five Course Breakfast including a Full English Breakfast of Grilled Back Bacon, Cumberland Sausage, Tomato, Black Pudding, Fried Egg, Sauté Potatoes, Mushrooms, Fried Bread and Baked Beans or Grilled Kipper with a Lemon Wedge.

Those aboard then enjoyed the spectacular scenery of the Cumberland Coast as the Duke took us through Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Barrow, Millom, Sellafield, Whitehaven, Workington and on to Carlisle for a 1340hrs arrival.

A Light Lunch of Fish Pie with Sliced Carrots complimented with Bread Roll and a Tea and Coffee Service was a welcome treat before passengers spent over two and a half hours in Carlisle.

The return journey to Crewe was via the Settle and Carlisle Line taking in water at Long Preston and Blackburn.

The four hour trip home allowed those travelling in Pullman Style time to enjoy a three course dinner with a half bottle of wine. The fine dining experience included our Chef’s own Carrot and Coriander Soup, Roast Lakeland Topside of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Parsley New Potatoes, Roast Potatoes, Sautéed Leeks, Flash Fried Sugar Snap Peas and Cauliflower Cheese followed by a Dessert of Sherry Trifle, The Great British Cheeseboar, Tea and Coffee Service, After Dinner Mints and a complimentary glass of Port or Brandy.

Steamed hauled by 71000 Duke of Gloucester, the Cumberland Coast, the Settle Carlisle Line with its Ribblehead Viaduct and impeccable service from the HF Railtours team.

The Duke arrived back with the Cumbrian Coast Explorer at Crewe at 2230 - a fabulous and enjoyable day!