Hidden Rail Gem: The Cumbrian Coast Line
In this series on hidden rail gems, I will introduce you to relatively unknown yet highly scenic train rides well worth taking.
This article explores one of the UK’s hidden rail gems: the stunning Cumbrian Coast Line, which connects Carlisle with Barrow-in-Furness.
Cumbrian Coast Line
The journey on the Cumbrian Coast Line starts in Carlisle, an important stop on the West Coast Main Line.
From Carlisle, the line runs south-west towards Maryport, after which it follows the shoreline of the Irish Sea as it continues south through Workington and Whitehaven to its final stop at Barrow-in-Furness.
Trains on the Cumbrian Coast Line are operated by Northern, which runs services approximately once an hour in each direction for most of the day.
Between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness, Northern trains call at every station along the route, with the fastest trains taking just over two-and-a-half hours to complete the entire route.
Carlisle railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Northern train at Carlisle station. ©AndyBTravels
A look on board the Northern train. ©AndyBTravels
History
The Cumbrian Coast Line was formed from several railways built over many decades, rather than being a single rail project.
The initial section, from Carlisle to Maryport, opened in 1845 as part of the Maryport and Carlisle Railway, with further extensions and connections completed in the following decades.
In total, the railway line is 85.5 miles (137.6 kilometres) long.
Views from the train
As you may expect from its name, there are some terrific sea views when you travel by train along the Cumbrian Coast Line.
However, it’s not just views across the sea, as on the other side of the railway line you’ll have some lovely views towards the barren peaks of the Lake District.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the line, it’s a good idea to switch sides of the train once or twice, depending on where the best views are.
The pictures below will give you a good impression of the beauty of the Cumbrian Coast Line:
Sea view from the Carlisle to Barrow train. ©AndyBTravels
Typical view on the Cumbrian Coast Line. ©AndyBTravels
Crossing a river. ©AndyBTravels
The Cumbrian Coast Line does not only have great views across the sea; the views inland are equally beautiful. ©AndyBTravels
View from the train over the mountains and sea just before Ravenglass. ©AndyBTravels
View towards the peaks of the Lake District. ©AndyBTravels
The station of Barrow-in-Furness marks the end of the line. ©AndyBTravels
Continue the journey!
Although Barrow-in-Furness marks the end of this scenic railway line in Cumbria, it is not a terminus station, and you can continue by train from here towards Lancaster.
This railway line is known as the Furness Line and runs east from Barrow-in-Furness to Carnforth, where it joins the West Coast Main Line towards Lancaster.
This line also offers beautiful sea views, this time overlooking Morecambe Bay.
Signals at the station of Barrow. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
The Cumbrian Coast Line between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness is a true hidden rail gem and one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK.
Although it’s not as well known as other scenic railway journeys in the UK – such as Scotland’s West Highland Line – it offers equally stunning views and passes through a fascinating region that’s well worth exploring beyond the railway tracks.
Read about other hidden rail gems
In our overview of hidden rail gems, you’ll find many other stunning railway journeys across Europe and beyond that are worth taking for the ride alone.
