LET the train take the strain of a hectic Christmas. On Saturday, December 29, the Railtrail Tours Scenic Cruise Train will leave Bolton's Trinity Street station.

The private heritage charger train will take passengers on a picturesque tour of the Cumbrian Mountains and Northern Fells, including the famous Settle & Carlisle line.

Dave Felstead, director of organisers Railtrail Tours, said: "The Christmas break is welcomed by everyone but towards the end of it we find people are just looking to get out of the house and away from the TV.

"There's one thing for sure, it's a very novel opportunity for the local community to board a train like ours and go off on a relaxing scenic tour around the picturesque northern hills.

"We have run the tour between Christmas and New Year for more than 10 years now and there has almost always been snow on the hills. And when we are fortunate enough to get fine weather to go with it, the views are fantastic."

The train, which is hauled by a diesel locomotive of the 1960s era, is scheduled to travel north through Blackburn before joining the famous Settle and Carlisle line at Hellifield then travelling past the famous "three peaks" of Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-Ghent. Plus, of course, the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct.

After a short photographic stop at Appleby, the train continues to historic Carlisle where there is a scheduled three-hour break for sightseeing. The train completes a circular tour by returning down the West Coast mainline.

Seats for the tour are adults £35, children £25. Further details and booking forms are available from local libraries, and Tourist Information offices. Seats can also be booked at any branch of Wardle Travel or by contacting Railtrail direct on 01538 361334. LET the train take the strain of a hectic Christmas. On Saturday, December 29, the Railtrail Tours Scenic Cruise Train will leave Bolton's Trinity Street station.

The heritage train will take passengers on a picturesque tour of the Cumbrian Mountains and Northern Fells, including the famous Settle & Carlisle line.

Dave Felstead, director of organisers Railtrail Tours, said: "The Christmas break is welcomed by everyone but towards the end of it we find people are just looking to get out of the house and away from the TV.

"There's one thing for sure, it's a very novel opportunity for the local community to board a train like ours and go off on a relaxing scenic tour around the picturesque northern hills.

"We have run the tour between Christmas and New Year for more than 10 years now and there has almost always been snow on the hills. And when we are fortunate enough to get fine weather to go with it, the views are fantastic."

The train, which is hauled by a diesel locomotive of the 1960s era, is scheduled to travel north through Blackburn before joining the famous Settle and Carlisle line at Hellifield then travelling past the famous "three peaks" of Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-Ghent. Plus, of course, the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct.

After a short photographic stop at Appleby, the train continues to historic Carlisle where there is a scheduled three-hour break for sightseeing. The train completes a circular tour by returning down the West Coast mainline.

Seats for the tour are adults £35, children £25. Further details and booking forms are available from local libraries, and Tourist Information offices.

Seats can also be booked at any branch of Wardle Travel or by contacting Railtrail direct on 01538 361334.