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This was one of the lines I wanted to get few years ago when they were running the Class 37s and MkII stock along the line but things got in the way and I never managed it. I think this trip would have been a lot better sat behind the wonderous sound of a loco powering away from station and the clickity clack of MkII coaching stock on the track.
So from South of London, how the heck could I do it? *
One of the ealy trains up to Victoria then the tube to Euston. It's from here the real trip begins.
Looking at the trains available (I based this all on a Saturday in February 2023, if I do make this trip I will adjust to fit date and time) on Real Time Trains there are a couple of choices. One problem could be the ones the have the 9Sxx headcodes go via Birmingham New Street and are a lot longer. So first choice is
1S42 07:30 Euston to Glasgow Central. This will be a cl.390. I's rather be speeding up the West Coast Mainline (WCML) in a MkII with a class 86 / 87.
1S42 gets in to Carlisle at 10:49 which gives me just oveer 15 minutes for my train. Trust me 15 a minute connection when you're in your 50s is just about right (no doubt on the day I'll have to rush as there will be a delay!).
Next up is the target of the day - the Cumbrian Coast line. The line is 85m 55ch long from Carlisle to Barrow in Furness and, due to narrow bridge on certain sections, it's operated by class 156s.
2C50 11:07 Carlisle to Barrow In Furness
That arrives in at 13:39 at Barrow.
I'm looking forward doing the line and seeing stations like Workington, St Bees (the starting point for the world famous Coast to Coast walk), Sellafield (Hazmat suit at the ready - JOKE!) and Ravenglass. I'd like to get a trip on the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway but if I did, I doubt I'd get home.
Now it's time to get a train along the Furness line which is the penultimate leg of the trip.
BUT
I have a choice, but more of that in a moment.
The Furness line covers 34m 65ch from Barrow In Furness to Lancaster via Carnforth. Carnforth is the iconic station that was partially used as a film loation for the 1945 film Brief Encounter.
The train to catch will be 1Y97 13:52 Barrow In Furness to Manchester Airport the choice is whether to bail at Lancaster and catch 1M14 15:40 to Euston or stay on the train to Manchester Piccadilly then catch the 1A65 16:35 Manchester Piccadilly to Euston train.
It will depend on what teams (united or city) at home and who they're playing.
The lines uses cl.156s and the newer cl.197s.
Both routes will only have the cl.390s and both routes would get me in within 30 minutes of each other. I'd prefer the Piccadilly route as this would give me new track and a little more mileage on the day.
Via Lancaster will be a day total of 648m 21ch. Via Manchester Piccadilly will give a day total of 652m 52ch. Then add on the 9m 31ch Victoria to Selhurst vv. and the Tube.
* All times are subject to change, short notice cancellation, diversion, engineering works and delays. I cannot be responsible for problems you may encounter. The times and routes are designed around my own particular circumstances in my personal life.
A Few Stats:
Miles coverable: see above.
Number of Moves: 8
Possible Haukage: 390, 156, 158, 195