Lancaster and Carlisle Railway

The Lancaster and Carlisle Railway was founded in June 1844. The company should provide a rail link between the cities of Lancaster and Carlisle. The highest point on the planned route - - In the July 1844 Summit of 278.59 m was on the pass of Shap with the construction of the line began. The connection was made ​​in two parts in operation. On September 22, 1847, the distance between Lancaster and Oxenholme was opened. In Oxenholme which is also operated by the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway Kendal and Windermere Railway branched off, which started the operation with the start of the track from Lancaster to Oxenholme to Kendal. The section between Oxenholme and Carlisle was opened on 22 December 1847.

The construction of the track at this time and with this route represented a significant achievement as at Shap Summit, the railway line was cut not only to a length of 800 m in the rock, which rise with 1:75 in the north was by many trains only with the support of additional locomotives were stationed for this purpose in Tebay to cope. As an alternative for a connection, a path along the coast was considered.

The Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in the south had a connection to the Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway, and on the north by the Caledonian Railway.

The company had around 10 % profit very profitable for their shareholders, but in 1859 the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway was leased to the London and North Western Railway and completely taken over by it in 1879.

The distance between Lancaster and Carlisle is now a part of the West Coast Main Line.