Carlisle became established as the hub of North West England's rail network following the railway's arrival in1845. The bulk of Anglo-Scottish traffic utilised the main line via Beattock and Carstairs with most services destined for Glasgow and the programme focuses primarily on this 103-mile section of the West Coast main Line.

Carlisle's Kingmoor depot, one of three in the city, was host to a fascinating variety of locomotive classes with LNER "A4's" and "A3's" rubbing shoulders with "Duchesses" and "Princesses". Detailed scenes at Kingmoor, plus views of Canal and Upperby depots, are complemented by an impressive array of steam and diesel traction in action at Carlisle Citadel station in the 1960's. "Patriots, Scots, Jubilees, A2's, Britannias" and even a "Glen" are shown in service.

Carlisle could also boast a direct route to Edinburgh via the Waverley Route, and no record of the Cumbrian capital would be complete without mention of this famous line, which closed in1969. Scenes at Newcastleton, focal point for anti-closure protesters on the last day of service, are a poignant reminder of the route.

Leaving northwards on a Duchess-hauled railtour, the border is crossed before reaching Beattock and its infamous 1 in 75 incline which caused even the mighty Stanier Pacifics to pause for banking assistance! On reaching Carstairs, the station and depot are shown before the main line is temporarily left behind as the "special" heads west behind an ex-CR "Jumbo" and Highland Railway No. 103.

Returning to the WCML, the programme features "Clayton" diesel-powered coal traffic on the Morningside branch, together with scenes at nearby Motherwell. Finally, arrival in Glasgow features views of diesel and steam power at the city's Polmadie depot and at Central Station, bringing the programme to a close.