Rail operator crosses picturesque line
Avanti West Coast/PAWest Coast Main Line passengers have crossed a historical and scenic route for the first time in more than a decade.
The 07:54 GMT from Wigan was rail operator Avanti's first intercity service to run on the Settle to Carlisle route earlier, it said.
The 73-mile line is renowned for its picturesque views across the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines via the Ribblehead viaduct.
The route is usually only used by Northern trains operating between Leeds and Carlisle, but Avanti West Coast is using it as a diversion while work to replace the Clifton Bridge take place over the M6 near Penrith.
The Settle to Carlisle line does not have overhead power lines, meaning Avanti is using bi-mode Class 805 Evero trains which operate on diesel.
Several timetable changes have been made during the engineering works, with disruption expected until 15 January.
Until 5 January, the railway will also be blocked south of Preston, meaning on these days the diverted services are running between Wigan North Western and Carlisle.
A rail replacement bus is running from Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith.
