The Tyne Valley Line - Carlisle to Newcastle drivers eye view

The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway is one of Britain’s earliest railway schemes, dating back to 1825. Opening in stages from 1834, it was originally built to transport minerals, and over time it has grown into a vital link connecting the East and West Coast main lines. The route closely follows the course of Hadrian’s Wall, which once marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in 122 AD, adding a remarkable historical backdrop to the journey.

This DVD places viewers in the cab of a Northern Rail Class 142 Pacer, filmed during the summer of 2017 in the final years of its service on Network Rail metals. The semi-fast service travels non-stop through smaller wayside stations while making key stops at Haltwhistle and Hexham, both of which feature classic elevated signal boxes that have become iconic landmarks along the line.

Much of the Newcastle & Carlisle route retains traditional semaphore signalling, and the footage includes glimpses inside several of these historic signal boxes. The combination of scenic landscapes, railway heritage, and the unique characteristics of the Class 142 Pacer provides an authentic experience of travelling on a historic route.

Narration accompanies the journey, highlighting the railway’s rich past and unique engineering. From its early design intended for horse-drawn traffic to its evolution into a modern service, the DVD captures both the operational and historical significance of this remarkable line.