Rail Charter Services launched a new tourist service on the Settle and Carlisle line in summer 2020. The service aimed to provide a new travel option on one of the UK’s most scenic lines as well as provide a boost for the local economy and provide additional capacity on top of existing Northern services on the route. Services ran between July and September between Skipton and Appleby, using loco-hauled trains.
Despite the challenges of Covid, the service was deemed a success and is being repeated for summer 2021. Rail Charter Services is using a dedicated 2+5 HST set, again with all First Class carriages, but this time with enhanced catering including a dining car. Services will operate to a different timetable, including a return trip extending to Carlisle.