The source for rail matters Cumbrian!

Cumbria plays an important role with several strategic routes passing through our territory, both north to south and east to west. At either end of the County, Carlisle and Carnforth are important junctions for these routes. Each winter highlights how interactive ‘our’ railways are for the surrounding network and vice versa. No other geographical area has such diverse types of traffic, with Anglo-Scottish, inter-regional and local services, probably the major scenic route, and the largest number of steam operations of anywhere in the British Isles. Important freight flows pass through and within the area and it has the headquarters of a major freight operator and the principal passenger charter operator.

The rise, heyday, decline, and resurgence of railways in Cumbria and adjoining areas provides a fascinating web. Our aim is to record both the past and the ever changing present for posterity, whilst, importantly, enjoying the journey of discovery.

Join the Cumbrian Railways Association

Key benefits of Association membership:

  • Joining an enthusiastic and friendly community of over 500 members with a huge knowledge base
  • Access to a rich and extensive library of historic photos and documents – ideal for enthusiasts and researchers
  • Quarterly copies of our illustrated Journal and our “Lakes Express” newsletter – delivered to your door!
  • 20% discount on Association publications
  • Our on line “Chat Group” and website members area
  • Linking up with other railway model builders
  • Two one-day Spring and Autumn conferences each year in Cumbria
  • Free copies of certain occasional publications