Railways Remembered: Lake District and North Lancashire

The railways of the Lake District and North Lancashire are characterised by massive contrasts. From north to south, the area is intersected by the West Coast Main Line. Its series of tough grades, including the legendary Shap, presented a challenge for steam locomotives and crews for decades. Along the way, the major centres of Carlisle, Lancaster and Preston were hives of activity, dealing with all manner of traffic from elsewhere in the country. It was also possible to see a rich variety of motive power at stations and loco sheds. The Cumbrian Coast line conveyed trains via remote and dramatic scenery bordering the Irish Sea while linking industrial towns built around coal and steel. Branch lines to places like Silloth, Coniston, Windermere and Lakeside tapped into a growing tourist market until most were usurped by the private car as ownership grew. Stations at Blackpool proved a magnet for holidaymakers and day-trippers whilst Morecambe was served by an intriguing early electric service.