We stepped back in time as the stunning Settle to Carlisle line marks 150th year

We stepped back in time as the stunning Settle to Carlisle line marks 150th yearAs the world famous Settle to Carlisle line celebrates 150 years of service, the Mirror joined the 1 m passengers expected this year.NewsJeremy Armstrong News Reporter16:39, 12 Apr 2026150th anniversary of Settle to Carlisle lineIt is widely lauded as one of the best train journeys in the world, and is just about to celebrate its 150th anniversary.‌A huge public outcry and an appeal that raised £3m saved it from closure in the 1980s.‌The Settle to Carlisle line survived and remains one of the most scenic in the country, crossing the Pennine Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria's Eden Valley.‌It celebrates 150 years since its first rail passenger journey with a series of events including a steam train service.The Mirror joined some of the 1 million passengers expected to travel on the route this year.View 4 ImagesThe Ribblehead viaduct: iconic highlight of the Settle to Carlisle line(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)‌READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson shows off birthday cake given to him by David BeckhamREAD MORE: Omeprazole patients with acid reflux told 'red flag issue' by NHS GP and BBC starIt was wet, wild and stormy as we ventured south from Carlisle to the Ribblehead Viaduct.Its magnificent 400m arches are 400 meters (1,300 ft) long. A huge workforce of 6,000 men - 2,300 specifically on the Viaduct - built it between 1870 and 1875.You can imagine the conditions they faced during winter on the wide open moorland surrounding the giant structure.‌The navvies who died are buried in the cemetery at Chapel-le-Dale. Even in the pouring rain, the path passing under its 24 arches remains busy with hikers and cyclists.You must take a short break during your train journey to see the viaduct in all its glory.View 4 ImagesRegular passengers Robin Gilder, 83, and his grandson Finley Doran, 12.(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)‌From your train seat, you have a breathtaking backdrop of r...