The Cumbrian Coast: Carnforth-Barrow in Furness, Bootle-Maryport Drivers Eye View

We begin our journey on the Cumbrian Coast with a North West Regional Railways class 156 Sprinter, departing along the former Furness Railway. The train winds through the gentle countryside, calling at stations including Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston, before reaching Barrow-in-Furness. Along the way, we get a real sense of the region’s industrial heritage alongside its rural charm.

At Barrow, we change onto a class 153 for the coastal leg from Bootle to Maryport. This section showcases some of Britain’s most spectacular seaside scenery, with cliffs, beaches, and sparkling waters visible from the driver’s cab. A helicopter flies overhead, giving stunning aerial views that complement the on-train footage, capturing the line in what can only be described as perfect, cloudless summer weather.

Semaphore signals punctuate the route, providing a glimpse of traditional railway operations that have survived here longer than on most other lines. From the cab, the passing stations and small towns offer a charming window into the life of the Cumbrian coast, while the uninterrupted vistas highlight the natural beauty of this remote part of the country.

Signalling expert David Allen describes the line as “a mecca for semaphore signalling enthusiasts,” and it’s easy to see why. Between the historic infrastructure, scenic coastal views, and classic rolling stock, this journey combines railway history and landscape in a way few other routes can match.