Cumbria is served by a number of key rail routes that are part of the national rail network:
The West Coast main line offers frequent services to/from major conurbations such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London (Euston). There are stations at Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme (Kendal). A spur from Oxenholme serves Kendal itself and terminates at Windermere in the heart of the Lake District.
The Settle-Carlisle line is a wonderfully scenic route with services to/from the Yorkshire Dales and Leeds. Highlights include the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.
The Carlisle-Newcastle line connects the north-east of England with south-west Scotland and is useful for visiting Hadrian's Wall.
The Cumbria Coast line connects towns in south and west Cumbria to the West Coast main line at Carlisle and Lancaster. This is another scenic route with views across the Irish Sea and the western Lake District.
2008 Disruption to Rail Services
The final phase of the West Coast Main Line upgrade is scheduled to take place during 2008 (particularly at Bank Holiday Weekends). This is to prepare for the launch of the high speed / frequency timetable in 2009.
To find out details of changes to services please follow the links below for details of engineering works and Bank Holiday service alterations.
