A fascinated family waved enthusiastically from a bridge over the railway in Saltaire, then a posse of photographers vied for prime position at the end of Keighley platform.

The excitement of onlookers as we passed through the Aire Valley confirmed what we already suspected – the train we were travelling on was something rather special.

Hauled by steam locomotive 45699 Galatea, a magnificent maroon Jubilee Class engine, ‘The Waverley’ charter train brightened up an otherwise dull morning as it made its majestic way towards the Yorkshire Dales.

As a family-of-four, we settled into our opulent surroundings at a table in a first class carriage – and it was clear from the smiles on my children’s faces that they were relishing the experience.

With coffee and carrot cake served, we sank back into our cosy surroundings to enjoy the rhythmical sound of the loco up front, while looking beyond the tastefully-arranged table lamp and curtains to see steam drifting past the window.

With pick-ups in Shipley, Keighley and Skipton complete, we were soon out onto the Settle & Carlisle (S&C) line, with rolling hills, babbling brooks and stone cottages appearing and disappearing from view with virtually every turn.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The train arriving at Shipley station, one of the pick-up points

The Railway Touring Company is running The Waverley steam service over the iconic route on four dates this summer, with two more to come on Sunday, August 25 and Sunday, September 8.

With so much to take in and savour on the journey, the vast knowledge of the train’s helpful stewards came into its own. Whether pointing out one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, each of which can be seen at some point on the route, or providing the history of a station or signalbox, they were happy to share their wisdom.

After stopping in Hellifield for the loco to take on water, the train followed the flood plain of the Ribble to Long Preston.

As we passed Settle junction, the sound from the loco became louder, more intense and all-encompassing. We had begun the climb and the engine, built at at Crewe in 1936, was being put through its paces.

“The driver is Dave Blair - and he’ll drive it with spirit,” the smiling steward informed us.

Driver Blair would later autograph programmes for children travelling on the train, which pleased them no end.

From a lofty embankment and viaduct, you get a great view of Settle - and it seemed that half the town had turned out to wave at the special train.

By this point, every mile brings with it a new point of interest - a tunnel, then a gorge, followed by a river crossing, then a glimpse of the 2,273ft peak of Pen-y-Ghent.

Chugging through Horton-in-Ribblesdale, it wasn’t hard to see why the station once won the best-kept station award 17 times in a row. Indeed, it embodies the pride felt by so many in the S&C.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The train crossing the famous Ribblehead viaduct on the return journey

The line then runs within a couple of miles of Ingleborough, which stands at 2,373ft, before arriving at the feature regarded by many as the best part of the journey - the Ribblehead Viaduct.

You’ll know when you’re approaching the magnificent 24-arch structure as the scramble to find a window on the right hand side of the train begins. With our table conveniently located on precisely that side of the train, we were able to fully appreciate the view from the gently curving 440-yard long viaduct.

As if the viaduct wasn’t enough, the 2,414ft peak of Whernside bursts into view. It’s a feast of focal points.

As we climbed further past the isolated signal box at Blea Moor, the rain and cloud became bleaker, hinting at the challenge of keeping the line open in winter months.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

In bleak conditions, the train passes Blea Moor signal box

After the 2,629-yard Blea Moor tunnel, the train crosses two more imposing viaducts before passing through Dent station - the highest on the main line network at 1,150ft above sea level. Beyond Ais Gill Summit, as the descent got underway, we relaxed and chatted with our fellow passengers, reinforcing the feeling that rail travel really is the most sociable mode of transport.

Before we knew it, the train had drawn into the grand station in the border city of Carlisle, where the service terminated and passengers enjoyed a three-hour break.

By the time we drew into Appleby station on the return journey, the engine was ready for a drink from the water tank - with many passengers getting off to watch the spectacle.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The locomotive taking on water at Appleby station, in Cumbria

Like the engine, Sarah and I had also worked up a thirst during our Carlisle sightseeing exploits and duly quenched it with a couple of bottles of real ale from the train’s well-stocked buffet. Returning south as the evening sun broke through, we toasted what had been a memorable day.

To book on a future The Waverley train, go to www.railwaytouring.net