Cumbrian Cavalcade

Day 1 Morning departure for the journey north to Carlisle and the hotel for a four night stay.

Day 2 This morning you head to Longtown and drive along Liddesdale as you make your way to picturesque Kielder Water and Forest Park. Enjoy a break here at the visitor centre before continuing by way of Bellingham to Hexham, dominated by the abbey overlooking the market square. Time for lunch before returning along part of the path of Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches some 76 miles from the Tyne to the Solway.

Day 3 Your first train journey of the day is from Carlisle. The line follows the Cumbrian coastline through Maryport and Whitehaven and the stunning sea views stay with you until Ravenglass. Here you will disembark and join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – known as L’al Ratty steam train, running from the coast to the foothills of England’s highest mountains. Seven miles of steam in the Lake District National Park. Rejoin the coach and return to hotel.

Day 4 Into the Yorkshire Dales to Kirkby Lonsdale, where you will find the weekly market in full swing. Travel on past the immense Ribblehead Viaduct through charming Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Settle. In the afternoon take the most spectacular train journey on a main line railway in the whole of England – the famous Settle to Carlisle line. Towering viaducts, bridges, long deep tunnels and lovingly kept station gardens all help to make this one of the best loved lines in the country. You will travel along the whole line through majestic scenery back to Carlisle.

Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey

The hotel stands in the centre of Carlisle and offers the perfect mix of Edwardian grandeur and beautiful original features, including an elegant sweeping staircase. All bedrooms are en- suite with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift, bar, restaurant, swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Single room supplement £60

Holiday insurance £24.50 (70 years and over £44)