A TRAIN route in the UK has been named the most scenic in Europe due to its “unmatched views” and picture perfect stations.
There are some pretty breathtaking stretches of track running through the UK countryside, making it a great country to travel through by rail.
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And the stretch running between Settle and Carlisle has been described as the most scenic in all of Europe by travel experts Lonely Planet.
They said that the scenery that can be seen from the windows on that particular route is by far the best in Europe.
Meanwhile, the historical significance of the train line also earned it some praise.
In a list of the 10 best train rides in Europe, the journey from Settle to Carlisle came in right at the top.
Lonely Planet wrote: “The views from the carriages are pretty much unmatched on the English railway network.
“Passengers can feast their eyes on mile after mile of magnificent Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines scenery, interrupted only by stations so sweet you would expect to find them pictured on a box of biscuits.”
As well as running a regular passenger service, the route also frequently has classic steam trains chugging along its tracks as part of special events.
The route is also popular among hikers and walkers looking to make the most of the nearby countryside, with guides available to download from the Settle-Carlisle website.
Included in that is a walk past the Ribblehead viaduct, the most famous part of the Settle to Carlisle train route.
The iconic structure was constructed in 1870 and is described as “a stunning piece of Victorian engineering” by the Yorkshire Dales National Park website.
They added: “Ribblehead viaduct is just over the border from Cumbria into North Yorkshire and is undoubtedly the most impressive structure on the Settle-Carlisle Railway.”
The viaduct has featured in several films and television series, most notably 2012 film Sightseers and 1970’s No Blade of Grass.
A ticket on the train from start to end can be booked online for just under £10.
The total journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to complete.
Although it’s been named the most attractive train journey in Europe, it’s far from the only rail trip worth taking in the UK.
Three camping tips from an expert
David Scotland owns camping equipment retailer Outdoor World Direct and knows all about how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
When visiting any campsite this summer it’s important to make sure you’re not making simple mistakes that could ruin your holiday.
Check your tent
David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you’re due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents.”
Test the ground
Picking a good spot to pitch your tent is difficult, with lots of things to consider.
One of those should be the condition of the ground you’re putting your tent on top of, according to David.
He said: “Once you’ve found the perfect spot, test the ground with your pegs before you commit to camping there to make sure the ground is soft enough.”
Don’t nap in your tent
It may seem the perfect place for it, but a nap in a tent could end badly, if it’s done at the wrong time of the day.
David explained: “If the sun’s shining and it’s hot inside your tent – don’t do it!
“One of our friends nodded off in his tent during a heatwave at Glastonbury and ended up at the medical tent with heatstroke.”
Instead, he recommends finding some shade outside or somewhere well ventilated.
North East Coast
The stretch of rail between Durham and Edinburgh is one of the most visually pleasing in the country.
It takes in sights like Durham cathedral, the Newcastle quayside, beaches in Northumberland and imposing cliffs on the Scottish east coast.
The views out to sea en route are spectacular.
Norfolk
The North Norfolk Poppy Line has been described as “adorable” by its fans, with the steam train linking some of Nofolk’s most popular seaside towns.
The line runs from Sheringham to Holt and is operated almost exclusively by volunteers.
It was recently listed in the 11 most scenic train journeys in the UK put together by Time Out, who praised both the train and the scenery it passed through.
Cornwall
The route from St Erth to St Ives only stops at Carbis Bay en route to its final destination.
However, the views out the window for the whole journey are pretty spectacular.
Tickets for the journey can be booked from as little as £3 via the Southwestern Railway website.
Passengers are recommended to sit on the right hand side of the train when getting on at St Erth to make the most of the sea views.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Meanwhile, this rail journey goes along the coast and waves crash against the train carriages.
And this new five-day train journey is due to set off through some of the UK’s best countryside later this year.
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